President Bola Tinubu has publicly shared a message of profound sympathy to globally celebrated author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, following the devastating loss of her son, Nkanu Nnamdi. The President extended his heartfelt condolences to Adichie, her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, and their entire family.
A Message of Shared Grief and Empathy
In his official statement released on Thursday, January 8, 2026, President Tinubu described the death of a child as one of the most harrowing experiences any parent could face. He drew from a place of personal understanding, acknowledging the unique and overwhelming nature of such a loss.
"As a parent myself who has suffered the loss of a loved one, I know that no grief is as overwhelming as losing a child," President Tinubu stated. "I deeply empathise with Ms Adichie and her family at this difficult time, and I mourn this sad loss with them."
Tribute to a Literary Icon's Global Impact
Beyond the condolences, the President paid a significant tribute to Chimamanda Adichie's immense contributions to world literature. He highlighted the profound influence of her work, which explores critical themes of identity, feminism, and the African experience.
"Ms Adichie is a literary icon who has brought joy, illumination, and thoughtful reflection to countless homes around the world," he said. The President expressed his hope that Adichie and her family would find strength, comfort, and solace in the Almighty during this trying period.
Assurance of Support and a Call for Courage
President Tinubu assured the grieving family of his continued thoughts and prayers. He encouraged them to draw resilience from their faith and the support network of loved ones surrounding them. "My prayers are with the family," he added, urging them to take courage.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, born on September 15, 1977, in Enugu, is a cornerstone of contemporary literature. She grew up in Nsukka on the campus of the University of Nigeria, where her father was a professor and her mother served as the institution's first female registrar.
The fifth of six children, Adichie's literary journey was famously inspired by Chinua Achebe's seminal novel, Things Fall Apart. Her academic path saw her briefly study medicine in Nigeria before moving to the United States at 19. She later earned degrees from Eastern Connecticut State University, Johns Hopkins University, and Yale University.
