President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege.
The renowned author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, on Wednesday lost one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe, on behalf of the family, the 21-month-old baby passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.
The statement said the family is devastated by the loss and requested that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.
The statement reads, “We’re deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed on Wednesday, 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.
“The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.
“We ask for your grace and prayers as they mourn in private.
“No further statements will be made, and we thank the public and the media for respecting their need for seclusion during this period of immense grief.”
In a personal statement issued Thursday, President Tinubu described the loss as devastating, drawing from his own experience of losing a loved one.
“As a parent myself who has suffered the loss of a loved one, no grief is as devastating as losing a child,” the President stated.
He said he empathised with the family during this difficult period and mourned the sad loss alongside them.
Tinubu acknowledged Adichie’s global literary contributions, describing her as “a literary icon who has brought joy and light to many homes globally.”
The President prayed that the Almighty would grant the family strength during this trying time.
“My prayers are with the family,” he added.
Adichie, author of acclaimed works including ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’, ‘Americanah’, and ‘Purple Hibiscus’, is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary writers and has won numerous international literary awards.
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