Chimamanda-Ngozi-Adichie
By Iyunade Grace
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, following the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi. The child passed away on January 7, 2026, after a brief illness. Tinubu described the loss as “devastating” and empathized with the family, drawing from his own experience of losing a loved one.
In a personal statement, Tinubu acknowledged Adichie’s global literary contributions, describing her as “a literary icon who has brought joy and light to many homes globally”. He prayed that the Almighty would grant the family strength during this trying time, saying “My prayers are with the family.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also expressed their condolences. Atiku stated, “There can be no loss like the loss of a child,” while Obi shared his empathy for Adichie and her family, saying he had been following the child’s illness and was “personally devastated” by the news .
Adichie’s family has requested privacy and respect during this difficult time, expressing gratitude for public understanding and asking for prayers as they grieve privately. The family had announced the passing of their son in a statement issued by Omawumi Ogbe, describing the loss as “profound and devastating.
Adichie, known for works like “Half of a Yellow Sun”, “Americanah”, and “Purple Hibiscus”, has received international acclaim for her writing. Her son’s death has sparked an outpouring of sympathy from writers, academics, and admirers worldwide .
