By Martin Odiete, Abuja
Highstone Global University, Texas, USA, on Friday celebrated excellence and transformative leadership at its prestigious award ceremony themed “Honouring the Architects of Excellence.”
The event, which brought together scholars, traditional rulers, political leaders, and industry professionals, recognized outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and service to humanity across Africa and beyond.
Highstone’s Commitment to Global Standards
In his welcome address, Ambassador Professor Valentine Iheukwumere, African Vice Chancellor of Highstone Global University, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to global best practices and educational excellence.
He described the university, founded in 2019 and incorporated in Texas, as one of the leading online institutions with verifiable accreditation and international recognition.
“Highstone Global University is fully accredited by the International Accreditation Organization (IAO) and is also a full member of the American Accreditation Association (AAA),” Prof. Iheukwumere said. “We are dedicated to maintaining rigorous academic standards and providing students with globally recognized qualifications.”
He explained that the university is licensed to operate in both Texas and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, a testament to its credibility and international footprint in higher education.
Prof. Ugah Advocates ‘People Principle’ in Leadership
Delivering the lead lecture titled “The People Principle: Foundation for Collaboration and Influence,” the Vice Chancellor of Highstone Global University, Texas, Professor Theophilus Aku Ugah, emphasized that people remain the most valuable assets in any organization or leadership system.
“In times of global uncertainty, strategies and systems alone will not suffice. A blueprint without builders yields an empty stadium; a vision without followers becomes a daydream,” he said.
Prof. Ugah identified five key pillars for effective and people-centered leadership — Empathy, Trust, Respect, Shared Vision, and Mutual Benefit.
According to him, genuine influence flows from relationships, not authority, and leaders must focus on empowering others, nurturing trust, and building institutions that outlive them.
“The true measure of leadership is not how many followers you have, but how many leaders you create,” he stated. “Let us build trust bridges, not fortress walls. Lead with empathy, not aloofness. People are the true architecture of excellence.”
Enebeli Calls for Strategic Positioning Beyond Titles
In his keynote address, Mr. Alex Ndudi Enebeli, FSM, President and Chairman in Council of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (Chartered), delivered a powerful presentation on the topic, “Strategic Positioning for Impact and Relevance Beyond Titles.”
Enebeli urged honorees and leaders to remain committed to personal growth and continuous value creation even after receiving recognition or awards.
> “Many leaders plateau after being celebrated, but the real work begins after the honor,” he said. “To stay relevant, one must keep evolving, differentiating, and creating value.”
He defined strategic positioning as the intentional act of standing out through value creation and competitive advantage, while impact and relevance are sustained through continuous effort, networking, and authenticity.
“Differentiation is survival,” he quoted Jeff Bezos. “The universe wants you to be typical, but the price of distinctiveness is continuous effort.”
Enebeli also cited Stephen Covey, noting that “internal victories must precede external victories.” He explained that growth beyond titles occurs in two dimensions — personal development and influence over others.
Comment:*
Nickname*
E-mail*
Website
