Alexander Emmanuel’s Latest Book Sparks Discourse on the Role of Literature as a Tool for Strategic Influence and National Security

The launch of Edge of the Sun, the latest novel by Dr. Alexander Emmanuel, Squadron Leader in the Nigerian Air Force and acclaimed author of Omo, sparked a far-reaching conversation on the intersection between literature, national identity, and strategic influence.
The grand event, held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre in Abuja on 19 April 2025, brought together a distinguished assembly of scholars, policymakers, senior military officers, and creatives from across Nigeria and beyond.

With the theme: “Literature as a Tool for Strategic Influence and National Security,” the event showcased how storytelling can serve as a medium for reshaping public perception, promoting peace, and fostering critical reflection on the socio-political challenges facing modern societies.
Among the eminent resource persons at the launch were Prof. Chris Kwaja, Dr. Aishatu Armiya’u, and Dr. Joseph, all distinguished figures in their respective fields.

The Country Director for Nigeria at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies, Prof. Chris Kwaja, delivered a thought-provoking paper on the role of intellectual discourse in building national cohesion and countering extremist ideologies. Prof. Kwaja, who also serves as a special security envoy to the Governor of Plateau State, underscored the importance of using literature to shape constructive national conversations and sustain democratic resilience.

The Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, Dr. Aishatu Armiya’u, brought a psychological and humanitarian lens to the discussion.
A distinguished forensic psychiatrist and alumna of the University of Washington and the University of Liverpool, Armiya’u explored the mental health dimensions of radicalisation and trauma recovery, noting that creative expression often provides a therapeutic outlet for individuals and communities affected by conflict.

The Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and also Chevening Scholar, Dr. Joseph, drew from his vast experience in policy and peacebuilding to deliver a session on “Security and Crime Intervention Strategies.”

A seasoned political scientist and former Conflict Adviser to the UK Department for International Development (DFID), Joseph emphasised that stories like Edge of the Sun bridge the divide between security strategy and human empathy, allowing policymakers to understand the lived realities behind national crises.

The Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria graced the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, commending Emmanuel for his intellectual contributions to the ongoing discourse on national security and for representing the Nigerian military’s emerging intellectual renaissance.

The book presenter, Prof. Sule (pen name of Sule Emmanuel Egya), an award-winning writer and Professor of African Literature and Cultural Studies, delivered a passionate presentation, describing Edge of the Sun as “a masterful blend of art and intellect—an unflinching narrative that probes the roots of radicalisation while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.”

Highlights of the launch included dramatic readings from the novel, panel discussions moderated by security analysts, and a short documentary screening on the making of Edge of the Sun. There was also a live performance by the Nigerian Air Force Band, whose piece titled “Songs of the Homeland” encapsulated the emotional depth of the book’s themes.

The event attracted representatives from the British High Commission, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), National Defence College, Nigerian Film Corporation, Chevening Alumni Network Nigeria, and several youth-led literary communities.

In his closing remarks, Emmanuel expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and reaffirmed his belief that literature remains an essential tool for shaping the nation’s moral and strategic consciousness. “While weapons may defend our sovereignty,” he said, “words defend our humanity. Literature allows us to think beyond conflict—to imagine peace and to inspire transformation.”

Published by Purple Shelves Limited, Edge of the Sun continues to receive critical acclaim for its layered storytelling and its bold exploration of the human mind amid political instability.
The book launch not only celebrated a literary milestone but also positioned Nigerian literature as a strategic instrument for peacebuilding, civic awareness and national security.