Chidinma Iroegbu
Former Senator, human rights activist and author, Senator Shehu Sani, has launched a new book and stage play aimed at deepening national discourse on irregular migration and grassroots approaches to tackling insecurity in Nigeria.
The book, The Perilous Path to Europe: The Sahara Odyssey, and the stage play, The Village and the Vigilante, were unveiled on Thursday at a well-attended event in Abuja that drew academics, diplomats, writers, artists, and civil society stakeholders.
The twin works interrogate the socio-economic drivers of irregular migration and highlight the critical role of communities in responding to banditry, terrorism, and other security threats. Through literature and performance, the event explored how governance failures, unemployment, and weak institutions continue to push young Africans toward dangerous migration routes, while insecurity persists in vulnerable regions.
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Delivering the keynote address, Professor Emeka Aniagolu blamed Africa’s developmental setbacks on poor leadership and weak governance structures. He called for leadership rooted in integrity, competence, and long-term vision, urging African governments to eliminate ethnic and religious bias, adopt zero tolerance for corruption, and prioritise investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and regional connectivity within ECOWAS.
Representing the European Union Delegation, Mr. Osaro described the book as a timely and realistic account of the risks and motivations behind irregular migration, stressing the importance of such narratives in promoting safe, orderly, and legal migration pathways.
Other speakers, including Colombia’s Honorary Consul, Naridel Romero, and Ghana’s Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Gladys M.Y. Feddy Akyea, highlighted the power of literature and the arts to stimulate public dialogue and address complex societal challenges.
Experts also drew attention to the impact of migration on women and youth, weak policy implementation, and the urgent need for education reform, job creation, and youth empowerment.
In his remarks, Senator Sani emphasised that lasting security can only be achieved through community ownership and collaboration among traditional institutions, vigilante groups, security agencies, and citizens. He cautioned against overreliance on external interventions and urged young Nigerians to seek opportunities at home rather than embark on life-threatening journeys abroad.
The event concluded with a live performance of The Village and the Vigilante, reinforcing the message of collective responsibility and community resilience in confronting Nigeria’s security and migration challenges.