Nigeria’s capital is set to host a major intellectual and literary event as Ambassador Shina Fatai Alege prepares to launch five new books in a single landmark ceremony.
The event is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Merit House Auditorium, Maitama, Abuja, and is expected to draw a distinguished audience of policymakers, diplomats, academics, and members of the literary community.
The collection spans diplomacy, leadership, philosophy, and fiction, highlighting Alege’s broad intellectual scope and engagement with both global and African issues.
Topping the list is “The Sirens and the Flag: A Nigerian Ambassador’s Journal from the War in Ukraine,” a diplomatic memoir that chronicles crisis leadership during wartime. The book, which features a foreword by Ibrahim Gambari, offers a personal account of resilience and duty in the face of conflict.
Also featured is “Insecurity and Regional Leadership in Africa: Nigeria’s Aspiratory Hegemony under Multiplex Threats,” a scholarly work examining Africa’s evolving security landscape. With a foreword by Tunde Adeniran, the book introduces the concept of “aspiratory hegemony,” reframing leadership as responsibility sustained under pressure.
Alege further explores creative writing through three novels. “The Expiry Date of Power: How Abu-Superior Learned Too Late” delves into the fleeting nature of political influence, while “The Last Ride: Five Stops Before Goodbye” presents a reflective narrative on life, memory, and legacy. In “When the House Was Not on Fire,” the author offers a philosophical African story centered on friendship, truth, and resilience in times of adversity.
Organisers say the five-book collection represents a rare blend of academic scholarship and creative storytelling, bridging policy discourse with human experience and cultural reflection.
They added that the event transcends a conventional book launch, positioning it as a celebration of African thought leadership and a contribution to global conversations on governance, security, and human values.
Ambassador Alege, a seasoned diplomat and scholar, is widely recognised for his contributions to international relations and policy discourse. His latest works further reinforce his reputation as a distinctive voice combining intellectual depth with cultural authenticity.
The launch is expected to feature prominent figures from government, academia, and the diplomatic corps, underscoring its significance within Nigeria’s intellectual and cultural landscape.
