Award-winning author devastated by death of young son

WorldFamily & Parenting
9 Jan 2026 • 6:51 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Award-winning Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 21-month-old twin son, Nkanu Nnamdi, has died.
  • The toddler, shared with her husband Dr Ivara Esege, passed away on Wednesday (7 January) following a brief illness.
  • A statement from the family expressed their devastation at the "profound loss" and requested privacy and prayers.
  • Adichie, celebrated for works like Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, is considered one of her generation's finest writers.
  • Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, offered his condolences to Adichie and her family, empathising with their grief.

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