Shadows of Power: Rear Admiral Sola Oluwagbire’s memoir illuminates Nigeria’s security path

By Hon. Ayodele Thomas

In a ceremony that blended intellectual depth with patriotic pride, Shadows of Power, authored by Rear Admiral Sola Oluwagbire (rtd), a distinguished Nigerian Navy officer and defence diplomat, was officially launched on June 26, 2026, in Abuja. The book is a masterful fusion of military experience and diplomatic insight, offering a penetrating analysis of governance, leadership, national security, and global power dynamics — all viewed through the lens of Nigeria’s strategic future. The public launch event drew senior military leaders, political figures, policy makers and diplomats, highlighting the book’s significance in Nigeria’s national security and foreign policy discuss and it affirms the book’s global significance.

Rear Admiral Oluwagbire’s book reflects on how Nigeria’s relationship with major powers has shaped its security landscape. It also dissects the consequences of political and bureaucratic decisions at the highest levels of governance and their ripple effects across institutions and societies. This reflection is particularly timely, given Nigeria’s historical role as a continental leader through its contributions to peacekeeping, regional integration, and liberation movements.

However, concerns have grown in recent years over the nation’s declining influence amid domestic economic and security challenges. Rear Admiral Oluwagbire’s call for visionary leadership and strong governance structures as the foundation for national progress is therefore appropriate, especially considering that Nigeria remains a work in progress.

Drawing from his naval background, he underscores the importance of maritime security, defence diplomacy, and the urgent need to confront internal insecurity that undermines national development. He cautions against dependency on foreign powers and urges Nigeria to assert itself strategically in global affairs through reforms in leadership culture, security architecture, and foreign policy.

In this context, credit must be given to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his administration’s “Nigeria First Doctrine,” which places the interests of Nigeria and Nigerians at the centre of all diplomatic engagements. This approach ensures that every foreign policy action — whether on security, development, or prosperity — is aligned with Nigeria’s national priorities and speaks directly to the country’s long-term interests.

As a civil-military relations advocate and design thinking coach, what I find most fascinating in Rear Admiral Oluwagbire’s work as publicized is his innovative design thinking to national security and governance. Rather than presenting strategic leadership as a mere process, he frames it as a disciplined framework for solving complex and ill‑structured problems that continue to challenge the nation.

Through this approach, he envisions that by understanding the human dimension of development, diplomacy, leadership, and governance, Nigeria’s leaders can craft policies that are both responsive and sustainable. This perspective encourages collaboration among the military, political leaders, policymakers, civil institutions, and citizens, fostering innovation and adaptability in addressing Nigeria’s evolving challenges.

Viewed through this lens, Shadows of Power becomes a call to action — subtly urging Nigeria’s leaders to adopt human‑centered strategies that strengthen national defence and diplomatic posture.

More than a memoir, Shadows of Power is a strategic testament to disciplined and innovative leadership and foresight. Rear Admiral Oluwagbire draws from decades of naval service to illuminate the delicate balance between defence and diplomacy.

For a nation grappling with insurgency, maritime insecurity, and transnational threats, the book offers actionable lessons on synergy between the armed forces and strategic global partners. His analytical style combines personal experience with political realism, offering recommendations rather than mere diagnoses — a roadmap for strengthening Nigeria’s operational efficiency and positioning the country as a credible player in global security diplomacy

Beyond its intellectual depth, Shadows of Power is a clarion call for officers to document their service experiences. Such works preserve institutional memory, enrich the intellectual reservoir of the armed forces, and ensure that future generations benefit from hard‑earned wisdom. Shadows of Power is, therefore, not merely a book; it is a mirror held up to the conscience of leadership.

To institutionalize this practice, the Nigerian military should establish a national repository for service experiences — a structured archive where retiring officers can contribute their insights, lessons, and reflections. This initiative would serve as a living library of military thought, strengthening the continuum between past and future leadership.

The insights contained in Shadows of Power reaffirm why the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, should consider re‑investing retired Rear Admiral Sola Oluwagbire into a strategic role in nation‑building. His expertise in defence, diplomacy, and leadership remains indispensable to shaping policies that safeguard national stability and advance Nigeria’s global standing.

Ultimately, Shadows of Power is not just a memoir — it is a strategic guide for Nigeria’s renewal, urging leaders and citizens alike to confront the unseen forces that shape our politics, policies and national security. It challenges Nigeria to rise above dependency and weak governance to claim its rightful place in global affairs. The unveiling of this book is, therefore, more than a literary milestone; it is a national moment of reflection and inspiration. The media, academia, research institutions, civil society, and all stakeholders in Nigeria’s development project are encouraged to promote this work as a value‑adding contribution to the stability and progress of our great nation.

As a classmate of the author, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Rear Admiral Sola Oluwagbire (rtd) — a Distinguished Military Diplomat, War general, Visionary leader, and Nation builder. His intellectual legacy will continue to inspire Nigeria’s journey toward security, stability, and global relevance.

Hon. Ayodele Thomas is Project Management Expert, Civil‑Military Relations Advocate, Design Thinker, and Fellow of the American Academy of Project Management (USA)