President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt sympathies to globally acclaimed Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, following the devastating loss of their young son.
A Tragic Loss for the Literary Icon
The family's sorrow was confirmed on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Their son, Nkanu Nnamdi, aged just 21 months, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, after a brief period of illness. The news has sent waves of grief through Nigeria's literary community and her numerous admirers worldwide.
President Tinubu's Personal Message of Condolence
The President's message was conveyed publicly through a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. In it, President Tinubu described the death of a child as the most harrowing experience any parent can endure, drawing from his own personal encounters with loss.
"With a deep sense of grief, I condole with Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, and the entire family on the passing of their son, Nkanu Nnamdi," the presidential statement read.
He further expressed, "As a parent myself who has suffered the loss of a loved one, no grief is as devastating as losing a child. I empathise with the family at this difficult time, and I mourn this sad loss with them."
A Nation Shares in the Grief
President Tinubu also paid tribute to Adichie's immense contribution to literature and culture, acknowledging the joy her work has brought to countless people across the globe. He offered prayers for divine strength and comfort for the grieving family during this profoundly challenging period.
"Ms Adichie is a literary icon who has brought joy and light to many homes globally, and I pray she and her family find strength in the Almighty in this trying hour. My prayers are with the family," the President concluded.
The loss of a child is a universal tragedy, and this expression of national solidarity from the Presidency highlights the deep respect held for one of Nigeria's most celebrated cultural ambassadors during a time of immense personal sorrow.
