Acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, are grieving the tragic death of one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, who passed away at the age of 21 months.

According to an official family statement released today, Nkanu Nnamdi died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

The family described the loss as profound and devastating, requesting privacy and respect during this painful period of mourning. They expressed gratitude for public understanding and asked for prayers as they grieve privately.

The statement emphasized that no further comments will be made, and thanked the media and public for honoring their need for seclusion.

The statement was issued on behalf of the family by Omawumi Ogbe. Adichie, known for works including *Americanah* and *Half of a Yellow Sun*, has maintained a private family life.

The twins were born in 2024, as previously shared in interviews.

The family appreciates the outpouring of support but reiterates their wish for privacy at this time.

Ohibaba.com extends its condolences to the family.

• Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu…Photo Credit: LASG

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has celebrated his darling wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 59th birthday.

He described her as a courageous, kind-hearted and strong pillar of support.

Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, a medical doctor by profession, the First Lady and Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), clocks 59 on Thursday, January 8. Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described the Lagos State First Lady as a caring partner, committed prayer warrior and loving wife and mother.

He said his wife of over two decades has been a dependable and reliable partner in the delivery of the THEMES+ development agenda of his administration.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Lagos State, I celebrate my darling and loving wife, trusted and reliable partner, prayer warrior and the First Lady of Lagos, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 59th birthday.

“Ibijoke is a God-fearing woman, a good companion, and a caring and loving wife and mother. She is a passionate Christian and lover of children.

She is my dependable partner, who has complemented the roles that God has given us with all sense of dignity.

“She is a reliable partner who has used her good office as First Lady to support my role as Governor in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are delivered to millions of Lagos residents.

“On this occasion of her 59th birthday, I thank God for her life and appreciate her for all the support, time, sacrifice and contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State.

“I also use this auspicious occasion to appreciate her remarkable contributions to our family, the medical profession, Lagos State, and humanity in general.

I wish Ibijoke good health and more fruitful, prosperous and impactful years ahead.”

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has expressed profound condolences and deep sorrow over the devastating fire incident that occurred and claimed lives at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025.

Governor Soludo commiserates with all families who lost loved ones in the unfortunate inferno, regretting that this catastrophic event, which transformed what should have been a joyous Christmas Eve into a night of unspeakable tragedy, has left numerous hearts heavy with griefs.

The Governor is particularly devastated by the loss of three sons of Anambra State, namely Mr. Stephen Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr. Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37), brothers from the Omatu family of Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area.

These industrious young men, who were simply striving to earn an honest living for their families, have been taken from us in the most tragic circumstances. Their loss represents not just a family tragedy but a collective loss to Anambra State.

In the statement signed by Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the Governor, Soludo commended the response of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, and all other emergency responders who worked tirelessly to rescue victims and contain the situation,

Soludo also advised Anambra citizens residing in Lagos and other parts of the country to always prioritise human life and personal safety over recovering property and goods in the event of a fire outbreak.

Thus, Governor Soludo wishes all affected families the strength to bear and recover from their irreplaceable losses, while praying that the souls of all the departed rest in perfect peace.

He also called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.