President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, describing the loss as devastating while extending condolences to the grieving family, which has appealed for privacy during what it described as an extremely painful period.
The child’s death was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe on behalf of the family, which said Nkanu Nnamdi passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness, noting that the family was overwhelmed by grief and asking the public to respect their privacy as they mourn.
“The family is devastated by the loss and requests that their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” the statement read, underscoring the depth of the tragedy and the family’s desire to grieve away from public attention.
Reacting in a personal statement on Thursday, President Tinubu said he was deeply saddened by the news, drawing from his own experience of loss to express solidarity with Chimamanda Adichie, her husband, and their extended family.
“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, describing the death of a child as a pain that defies words and leaves an indelible mark on those left behind.
Tinubu said he empathised deeply with the family during the difficult period, adding that he mourned the loss alongside them and prayed that they would find strength and comfort amid their sorrow.
In his message, the President also acknowledged Adichie’s global stature and influence, describing her as “a literary icon who has brought joy and light to many homes globally,” while noting that her works have continued to shape conversations on identity, history, gender, and humanity across continents.
“My prayers are with the family,” Tinubu added, asking God to grant them the fortitude to bear what he described as an immeasurable loss and to surround them with peace during the mourning period.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most prominent contemporary writers, known internationally for her novels, essays, and speeches that have earned her numerous awards and global acclaim.
Her acclaimed works include Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Americanah, novels that have been translated into several languages and studied worldwide, cementing her reputation as a leading voice in modern literature.
Beyond fiction, Adichie is also known for her essays and public lectures on feminism, culture, and social justice, which have resonated with audiences far beyond Nigeria and contributed significantly to global literary and cultural discourse.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also expressed deep sorrow over the child’s death, sharing an emotional condolence message on his official X account on Thursday, in which he said he had closely followed the child’s illness and shared in the family’s hope for recovery.
“I have been following Nkanu’s illness since my beloved sister, Chimamanda, first informed me on January 2nd. During this difficult time, I felt a deep sense of empathy for her and her family,” Obi said in his statement.
He added, “I shared in their anxiety, prayed earnestly, and hoped for his recovery. Therefore, the news I received yesterday morning was profoundly heartbreaking,” describing the moment he learned of the child’s death as one of deep personal sorrow.
Expressing particular concern for the parents, Obi said the loss was especially painful for Adichie and her husband, stating, “I am personally devastated, thinking of the immense pain my dear sister must be experiencing as a mother, along with her husband, Dr Ivara.”
He concluded his message with prayers for the bereaved family, saying, “My heartfelt condolences go to them and the entire family during this moment of indescribable loss. May God grant them the strength, comfort, and grace to bear this sorrow, and may Nkanu’s saintly soul rest in perfect peace.”
Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar also joined in mourning the child’s death, issuing a condolence message through his spokesman, Paul Ibe, on Thursday.
In the statement, Atiku commiserated with Adichie and her husband over the loss of their son, describing it as an unparalleled tragedy that no parent should have to endure.
“My heart goes out to Chimamanda Adichie, @ChimamandaReal, and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, on the loss of their son. There can be no loss like the loss of a child,” the statement read.
He added, “My thoughts and prayers are with the Esege and Adichie families and all of their friends. May God grant them strength, peace, and solace as they mourn this painful loss,” offering words of comfort to the family and those close to them.
The passing of Nkanu Nnamdi has drawn widespread sympathy across Nigeria and beyond, reflecting the deep respect and affection many hold for Adichie and her family, even as the family has chosen to grieve privately.
In reiterating its appeal, the family’s statement emphasised the need for space and understanding, noting that the loss followed a brief illness and came as a profound shock to those closest to the child.
As condolences continue to pour in, the family has asked that the focus remain on quiet remembrance and healing, requesting privacy as they navigate the painful journey of mourning the loss of their young son.