Shina Fatai Alege, former Nigerian Ambassador to Ukraine, launched five books at a ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, drawing diplomats, jurists, academics, senior officials and other public figures to the Nigeria Merit Award House.
The event brought together figures from diplomacy, academia and public service to mark what many described as a rare blend of scholarship and statesmanship. Speakers said the books captured decades of Alege’s service and offered insights for future leaders and policymakers.
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, who gave the opening remarks, said the publications were a significant contribution to national development and knowledge preservation.
“These books encapsulate years of practical diplomatic experience, patriotism, and principled public service,” Ariwoola said. He added that they would serve as reference material for policy debates, leadership studies and diplomatic scholarship in Nigeria and beyond.
The five titles unveiled are: _The Sirens and the Flag: A Nigerian Ambassador’s Journal from the War in Ukraine_; _Insecurity and Regional Leadership in Africa: Nigeria’s Aspiratory Hegemony under Multiplex Threats_; _The Expiry Date of Power: How Abu-Superior Learned Too Late_; _The Last Ride: Five Stops Before Goodbye_; and _When the House Was Not on Fire_.
The works draw on Alege’s diplomatic postings and reflect on diplomacy, governance, conflict management, leadership and societal responsibility. Guests said the books offered timely perspectives on security, foreign policy and responsible leadership in Africa.
Speaking at the launch, Alege thanked God and the dignitaries present, describing the books as the product of reflection and years of public service.
“This moment is not simply the unveiling of books; it is the coming together of ideas shaped by experience, reflection, and lessons learned from the complex journey of life,” he said.
He stressed the need to preserve institutional memory and document experiences that could guide future leaders facing complex national and global challenges. Humanity, community service, purposeful living and responsible leadership, he said, run through the publications.
Former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, represented by SAN Barrister Ahmed Raji, commended Alege for putting decades of diplomatic service into writing. Raji cited Alege’s role in evacuating Nigerians from conflict zones and said the books were a national asset for governance and leadership studies.
The ceremony ended with goodwill messages and commendations, with attendees describing Alege as a diplomat and author whose work would inspire future generations.
