…convenes Int’l Strategic Alliance Convention (ISAC) 2026

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Global Chairman, Chartered Examiners of Criminology and Forensic Investigation, Prof. Mannixs Paul, has underscored that human capital remains a foundation for national development, institutional resilience and sustainable societal transformation. 

Prof Mannixs stated this as the Chief Host, Convener, and Speaker of the International Strategic Alliance Convention, ISAC, 2026, a global hybrid event held recently at the Hudson County Community College in Jersey City, New Jersey that was streamed virtually across multiple continents, and was moderated by a Fellow Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance, USA and of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The City of Refuge, Yonkers, Pastor Henry Okureva, and was run by the International Strategic Alliance Convention (ISAC) 2026 Organizing Committee.

The Convention had the theme ‘Unlocking Human Potential: Capacity Building, Innovation, and Leadership for Tomorrow’, the Convention brought together distinguished academics, healthcare professionals, diplomats, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development practitioners, and emerging leaders committed to advancing global cooperation and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, strategic partnerships, leadership development, innovation, and human capital transformation were central themes at ISAC 2026, which focused on Educate, Develop, Grow, and Empower, EDGE, Model and highlighted pathway to human capital development.

He also called on governments, universities, industries, and development organizations to forge stronger strategic partnerships that foster innovation, leadership, and capacity building to address pressing global challenges including unemployment, technological disruption, educational inequality, insecurity, and climate change. 

According to him, meaningful collaboration and sustained investment in people are essential to building resilient institutions and achieving inclusive, long-term development.

In his keynote address, the Vice President of Chartered Examiners of Criminology and forensic Investigation, USAI, Dr. Timothy Callaghan, reinforced the importance of collective action in shaping the future, stating that leadership in the twenty-first century requires a commitment to investing in people, expanding educational opportunities, fostering innovation, and building partnerships that transcend borders and disciplines.

Dr Callaghan said, “Human capital remains the greatest resource of any nation or institution” while emphasizing that empowered individuals are the true drivers of economic growth, institutional advancement, and global prosperity.

Meanwhile, a major highlight of the Convention was the presentation of the EDGE Human Capital Development Model by the President and Vice-Chancellor, American Open University Nigeria, AOUN, Prof. David Akanbi.The framework—Educate, Develop, Grow, and Empower (EDGE)was introduced as a practical leadership model designed to convert human potential into sustainable capability.

Prof Akanbi noted that while talent is abundant worldwide, institutions often lack effective systems to transform potential into measurable outcomes. Citing global projections, he observed that nearly 39 per cent of today’s workforce skills are expected to become obsolete by 2030, making lifelong learning, competency-based education, experiential development, and innovation imperative.

He further highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, noting the continent’s expanding youth population and Nigeria’s increasing demand for higher education, while advocating innovative pathways such as competency-based learning, recognition of prior learning, and the Skill2Degree initiative to bridge persistent skills gaps.

Addressing the newly inducted Fellows and members, the President of the Global University of Science and Technology (GUST), Prof. Mohammed Kafafy, delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled ‘The Responsibility of Inductees: Leadership, Professional Ethics, and Global Service’.

Prof Kafafy reminded inductees that professional recognition carries a deep responsibility to uphold integrity, demonstrate ethical leadership, and serve as ambassadors of excellence within their professions, communities, and nations.

ISAC 2026 also celebrated an exceptional cohort of award recipients, inductees, scholars, industry leaders, and development partners whose contributions continue to advance leadership, education, healthcare, research, governance, and community development around the world.

The distinguished recipients and honorees included Prof. Mondy Gold (USA); Prof. Mannixs E. Paul (USA) Barrister Adefemi J. Aladekoba (Nigeria); Prof. Adiebonye Eunice Jumbo-Abinye (USA); Amb. Nicholas A. Ella (USA); Prof. Charles Orbih (USA); Mrs. Juliana K. Quansah (USA); Julius K. Ezomo (USA); Engr. Adrienne Crosby (USA); Mr. Edward Oyebisi (USA); Dr. May Lolo Banigo, MD (USA); Dr. Damilola Faboro (Nigeria); Hon. Patience N.O. Key (USA); Dr. Lillie Hibbler-Britt (USA); Barrister Isaac Nwakaego Okoro (USA); Dr. Dominic Oduro-Antwi (Ghana); Dr. Nelson Aluya , MD (USA); Mrs. Wuraola O. Odutola (USA); Zubair, Mubaraq Muhammad (Nigeria); Dr. Lawrence Kofi Acheampong (Ghana); Dr. Olawale F. Yusuf (Nigeria); Amb. Ninikankwa Okey-Uche, (Nigeria); Dr. Gregory Emili (USA); Aisha Samaila (Nigeria); Dr. Peter Oko Onigah (Nigeria); and Pastor Noble C. Osabu (USA).

These outstanding professionals were recognized for their exemplary leadership, commitment to service, professional excellence, and significant contributions to education, healthcare, governance, research, community development, and global human capital advancement.

The Convention further expressed appreciation to its strategic institutional partners, including Chartered Examiners of Criminology and Forensic Investigation, USA, the Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance, the Global University of Science and Technology (GUST), the Mannixs Empowerment Foundation (MEFoundation), and American Open University Nigeria, for their unwavering commitment to leadership development, professional excellence, research, and international collaboration.

As participants joined from North America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and beyond, both in person and virtually, ISAC 2026 reaffirmed its mission of creating a global platform for knowledge exchange, professional recognition, strategic networking, and collaborative action.

The Convention concluded with a renewed call for leaders to move beyond managing systems toward intentionally developing people, recognizing that the future of sustainable development depends on investing in human potential, strengthening institutions, and building alliances that empower communities and transform societies.

Together, the award recipients, inductees, speakers, and partner institutions embodied the Convention’s enduring vision: unlocking human potential, fostering innovation, strengthening strategic alliances, and building a future defined by ethical leadership, shared prosperity, and global impact.