President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent his condolences “with a deep sense of grief” to Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her entire family, over the passing of her son, Nkanu Nnamdi.
Chimamanda’s son died at a hospital in Lagos following a short illness.
The President, who has also lost a loved one, said, “no grief is as devastating as losing a child.”
Tinubu described Chimamanda as a “literary icon”, saying, with her writing, she has “brought joy and light to many homes globally”.
He prayed for “strength” for the family as they bear their loss.
Via a statement signed by the himself on X on January 8, President Tinubu wrote: “With a deep sense of grief, I condole with Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie @ChimamandaReal, 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.”
Award-winning writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, based in the United States (US), is widely known for works including Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah and her 2012 Ted Talk and essay We Should All Be Feminists, which was sampled by American singer and songwriter, Beyoncé, on her 2013 song Flawless.
Condolences following Nkanu Nnamdi’s death:
Peter Obi posted on X: “With Deepest Sympathy on the Loss of Nkanu
“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.
“I shared in their anxiety, prayed earnestly, and hoped for his recovery. Therefore, the news I received yesterday morning was profoundly heartbreaking.
“I am personally devastated, thinking of the immense pain my dear sister must be experiencing as a mother, along with her husband, Dr Ivara. 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.”
Pastor Paul Adefarasin posted on X: “I have read a deeply distressing account shared by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a woman whose voice and work have long enriched our nation and the world, describing the alleged circumstances surrounding the loss of her young son, Nkanu.
“The loss of a child is an indescribable grief. No parent should ever have to carry such an egregious burden, and our hearts go out to Chimamanda, her husband, Ivara Esege, and their family in this season of profound pain.
“Family grief of this nature reminds us of the sanctity of life and the enormous responsibility placed on those entrusted with healthcare.
“We pray for comfort for the Adichie family. May the God of all comfort surround Chimamanda, Ivara, and their family with strength in these difficult days. May He bring peace to their hearts, grace to sustain them, and covering over their surviving son.”
