Nigerian-born cybersecurity advocate, Ugochukwu Njubigbo, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Community Leadership and Empowerment Award at the Black History Month Gala Awards 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
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The Black History Month Gala Awards, hosted annually by the Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN), is one of the UK’s most celebrated events honouring Black excellence. This year’s ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Concorde Conference Centre, Runway Visitor Park, Altrincham.
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Njubigbo’s nomination recognises his dedication to breaking barriers and empowering underrepresented communities through technology and mentorship.
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He serves as a peer-to-peer mentor, providing career guidance, CV development, interview preparation, and training advice for minority communities, especially Black communities in the UK and Nigeria. His mentorship has produced measurable results, with several individuals securing job offers in recent months.
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He indicated in a statement that he was humbled by the recognition. “I am deeply humbled by this nomination.
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For me, mentoring is not about headlines—it’s about seeing people grow in confidence, break barriers, and change the trajectory of their lives. This recognition is simply the icing on the cake,” he said.
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Beyond mentorship, Njubigbo contributes to academia as a member of the *Industry Advisory Board at the University of Bolton (now University of Greater Manchester)*, helping shape curricula to ensure cybersecurity students graduate with industry-ready skills.
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Within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), he mentors colleagues in the IT department seeking to transition into cybersecurity, diversifying the workforce while strengthening the resilience of the healthcare system. Earlier this year, he was nominated for the **Cyber Associate Network (CAN) Awards* within NHS England, further consolidating his reputation as an advocate for data protection, innovation, and inclusivity.
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The Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN) described the Black History Month Gala as a platform to celebrate contributions, spotlight role models, and inspire the next generation.
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The Community Leadership and Empowerment Award is given to individuals who embody leadership, advocacy, and innovation while supporting others.
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Black History Month, celebrated every October in the UK, highlights the contributions of Black communities globally while addressing systemic challenges.
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Njubigbo indicated in a statement that his nomination reflects a broader mission: “Employment is more than a paycheque—it’s dignity, security, and the foundation for healthier lives.
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This recognition reminds me to keep pushing for equity and inclusion so that talent, not background, defines opportunity. From Manchester to Lagos, I want young people to see that barriers can be broken, and futures can be rewritten.”