In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture where technology is reshaping our world and presenting innovative solutions to longstanding challenges. Notably, a wave of African tech startups has emerged on the global stage, garnering attention and admiration. To sustain this growth and ensure its long-term success, we require visionary leaders who wholeheartedly believe in Africa’s potential. Among these visionaries is Dinah Lugard, a remarkable figure in the fields of electrical engineering and cybersecurity, who now also drives ‘The Cure Initiative For Individuals With Substance Abuse NGO’ and the SoberTech App.
Dinah Lugard, originally from the Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa, is an innovative entrepreneur who has made a name for herself in the tech industry. Her journey began as an electrical engineer and cybersecurity expert, but she eventually became an author and the founder of ‘The Cure Initiative For Individuals With Substance Abuse’ and SoberTech. Dinah’s unwavering belief in technology’s capacity to combat drug addiction inspired her to create the SoberTech app and establish her NGO.
Motivated by empathy and deeply concerned about the alarming rise in drug addiction and the stigma faced by affected individuals, Dinah took matters into her own hands. Her NGO has made significant strides by offering rehabilitation programs and conducting outreach efforts, particularly in secondary schools. One notable achievement of Dinah’s NGO is the documentary titled ‘Drug Pandemic,’ released on June 26th, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This documentary features stories of survivors aimed at raising awareness about addiction. Dinah Lugard serves as a symbol of hope for those battling addiction, transcending her role beyond coding and encryption.
On August 21st, 2023, Dinah Lugard’s latest book, “Prison Without Bars: Breaking The Chains Of Drug Addiction,” was released on Amazon, solidifying her position in the limelight. This work not only showcases her technical expertise but also underscores her transformative role in assisting individuals in their fight against addiction.
In “Prison Without Bars,” Lugard delves deep into the intricate layers of addiction’s impact on individuals, families, and communities. With compassion and expert analysis, she dissects the emotional, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to addiction’s grip. Her work emphasizes the profound importance of compassion, community support, and inner strength in the face of adversity.
Currently, Dinah is leading the innovative SoberTech app project, with a vision to provide support to individuals struggling with addiction, free from the fear of stigma. This app, slated to be entirely free, aims to assist people on their journey to sobriety, regardless of the type of addiction they are battling, with the objective of offering help without judgment or shame.
SoberTech has initiated its first outreach program in Nigeria and Ghana, launching the ‘Back To School’ program in five Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Benin, Kano, Kaduna, and Calabar. SoberTech aims to educate students and the broader public about the dangers of drug abuse. Their commitment goes beyond raising awareness; they actively enhance the rehabilitation experience by equipping centers with electronic devices to make the journey to sobriety more effective and enjoyable. This integration of technology into addiction recovery aligns perfectly with their mission of using innovation for positive change.
With an unwavering commitment to revolutionize addiction recovery through innovative technology, SoberTech has recently awarded scholarships to four students pursuing higher education while undergoing rehabilitation in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
Dinah’s outstanding contributions to the cybersecurity field earned her the prestigious Top 20 Young CEOs in Africa award during the 10th edition of the Scream All Youth Awards. However, this is just the beginning for Dinah Lugard, as she looks forward to impacting more lives and assisting more individuals dealing with drug addiction. Her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of technology and unwavering compassion in our modern world.
