AfriPulse
It is a devastating time for renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, as they lose their 21-month-old son.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe, on behalf of the family, one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi, 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.
“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,”
the statement reads.
READ ALSO: A New Novel, Welcoming Twins After Almost 9 Years, Pressure On Women And A Creative Revival: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Reflects On It All
Reacting to the sad news, President Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, January 8, described the loss of a child as the most devastating experience for a parent.
“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.
“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.
“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 statement read.
ALSO SEE: Chimamanda Adichie Encourages Women Going Through Fertility Issues As She Addresses Criticism Over Welcoming Her Twins Via Surrogacy
Source: MotherhoodInStyle | Read the Full Story…
