Nigeria’s health system is not just underperforming — in many cases, it is dangerously broken.

As I mourned my mother, I read about the tragic death of Nkanu, one of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s twins. That news reopened wounds that were still raw. My late mother was also a twin, and the loss struck painfully close to home.

This is no longer just grief. It is anger — and a demand to speak out.

Over the years, my family and I have narrowly escaped medical disasters:
• A wrong diagnosis that almost led to my young child undergoing an unnecessary, life-altering surgery.
• My father’s near-death experience caused by poor coordination, faulty equipment, and a collapsed public hospital system.
• My own escape from a dangerous misdiagnosis that could have placed me on insulin for life.
• And finally, my mother’s last battle with cancer — marked not only by illness, but by avoidable pain, procedural neglect, and indignity.

These experiences are not shared to attack individual hospitals or doctors, but to expose a systemic failure that continues to cost Nigerians their lives quietly and without accountability.

Broken equipment, obsolete diagnostics, strikes, underpaid health workers, and weak regulation have turned hospitals into places of fear rather than healing. Meanwhile, our best doctors flee abroad, and ordinary Nigerians are left to gamble with their lives.

Healthcare must be treated as critical national infrastructure — not a budgetary afterthought. Until government acts decisively and accountability is enforced, more families will continue to suffer in silence.

Silence is no longer an option.

#NigeriaHealthCrisis #Opinion #HealthcareInNigeria #MedicalNegligence #PatientSafety #HealthReform #NigeriaNews

Wahala Don Set Oo! Chimamanda Adichie’s Son Dies, Editors Demand Probe Into Alleged Lagos Hospital Negligence

Wahala don really set for Nigeria’s healthcare system oo! Literary editors and public intellectuals are mourning the tragic death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 21-month-old son, Nnamdi, while demanding a full and transparent investigation into what they describe as possible medical negligence at a Lagos hospital.

Co-editors of Camouflage: Best of Contemporary Writing from Nigeria, Professors Nduka Otiono and Odoh Diego Okenyodo, described the loss as “profoundly shattering,” joining Nigerians at home and abroad in sympathising with the award-winning author and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.

“Losing a child is a pain no parent should ever experience,” the editors said, expressing deep condolences and standing in solidarity with Adichie in what they called her darkest hour.

The statement followed Adichie’s emotional public account in which she alleged that her son’s death on January 6, 2026, was avoidable and resulted from negligence during what should have been routine medical procedures at a Lagos-based hospital.

Quoting her directly, the editors stated: “My son would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th.”

This revelation has sparked nationwide outrage, with many Nigerians asking tough questions about the safety of hospitals and accountability in the country’s healthcare system.

In response to the public outcry, the Lagos State Government has ordered an independent investigation into the incident, promising that anyone found responsible would face justice. The editors, however, insisted that the probe must not be cosmetic.

“We urge that the investigation be thorough, transparent, and impartial. Every detail must be uncovered so that the truth emerges,” they said.

But this tragedy, they warned, is not just about one family.

According to Otiono and Okenyodo, the death of little Nnamdi exposes deeper, long-standing problems in Nigeria’s healthcare sector—ranging from weak accountability to delays in care and unethical practices. They referenced findings from an anti-corruption survey by TAP Initiative and Dataphyte, which highlighted how informal payments and systemic failures often compromise patient safety.

While clarifying that they were not directly accusing the hospital of such practices, the editors stressed that Nigeria must confront the culture that allows negligence to thrive.

“It is intolerable that any patient—child or adult—should be denied timely care or placed in danger due to failure, indifference, or greed,” the statement read.

They called for:

A comprehensive, independent investigation into all medical and administrative actions surrounding Nnamdi’s death.

Public disclosure of findings, as promised by the Lagos State Government.

Immediate reforms in hospital oversight, with strict sanctions for any healthcare worker found guilty of negligence.


“The people of Lagos have the right to know what happened. If anyone is guilty—whether individual or institution—they must be held fully responsible,” they said.

Beyond justice for Adichie’s family, the editors said the case should become a turning point for Nigeria.

“This should catalyse nationwide action. Our hospitals must be places of care and compassion, not sites of preventable tragedy,” they added.

Paying tribute to the late child, they expressed hope that his death would not be in vain, and that truth, accountability, and reform would emerge from the pain.

As Nigerians continue to mourn with one of Africa’s most celebrated writers, one thing is clear: wahala don set oo. This case has opened a national conversation about patient safety, hospital accountability, and whether ordinary Nigerians—and even global figures—are truly safe in the country’s healthcare system.

How Did Nigerian Writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Lose Her 21-Month-Old Son? What the Family’s Statement Reveals About the Tragic Passing of Little Nkanu Nnamdi

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, are mourning the heartbreaking loss of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following a brief illness.

The family confirmed the tragedy in a statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe, requesting privacy as they grieve. According to the statement, one of the couple’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, died after a short period of illness. The family described the loss as devastating and asked the public and the media to allow them space during what they called an “incredibly difficult time.”

The statement read in part that the family is deeply saddened by the passing of their child and appealed for grace, prayers, and respect for their seclusion, stressing that no further public comments would be made. It underscored the emotional weight of the moment, acknowledging the profound pain that accompanies the loss of a young child.

Chimamanda Adichie, celebrated globally for works such as Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, and We Should All Be Feminists, has long been regarded as one of Africa’s most influential literary voices. News of her personal tragedy has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from readers, admirers, and members of the literary community, many of whom have expressed condolences while honoring the family’s request for privacy.

While the family did not disclose details beyond confirming that the child died after a brief illness, the announcement highlights the fragile nature of life and the shared human experience of grief—transcending fame, public recognition, and achievement. The careful wording of the statement reflects a desire to protect the family’s space as they navigate mourning away from public scrutiny.

As messages of support continue to emerge, the central appeal remains clear: respect the family’s need for quiet and dignity during this time of sorrow. For many, the story serves as a reminder that behind celebrated public figures are families who experience loss just as deeply as anyone else.

Social Media Is “Bad for Our Brains,” — Author Chimamanda Adichie Warns.

Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has voiced concerns about the growing dominance of social media, stressing that it can never replace the value of literature.

Speaking on the impact of digital culture, Adichie argued that while literature expands focus and deepens thought, social media does the opposite by rewiring the brain and weakening people’s ability to concentrate.

“The thing social media can never do for us that literature does for us… it’s actually quite bad for our brains. It’s rewiring our brains and compressing our ability to focus. Literature does the opposite,” she said.

The award-winning novelist acknowledged that some people will always read, but expressed worry that fewer individuals today seem to care deeply about literature. She urged for renewed efforts to preserve the culture of reading despite the distractions of the digital age.

Adichie further criticized society’s uncritical embrace of new technologies such as social media and artificial intelligence, stressing that these developments must be questioned rather than blindly accepted.

“There is a kind of unquestioning acceptance of social technologies that surprises me. We should question more social media, AI. The few people deciding how our future as human beings should be is troubling. This is the time to question AI, because we haven’t even reached a global consensus on what it is supposed to do,” she warned.

Highlighting the potential risks, Adichie noted that while AI holds vast possibilities, it also poses dangers that could lead to disaster if not carefully managed.

News Brief: Obi Wants To Serve, Not Desperate Like Some Politicians — Chimamanda

Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has reaffirmed her support for Labour Party’s Peter Obi, describing him as a selfless leader who is driven by service, not ego or desperation.

In an interview on Channels TV’s Amazing Africans, Adichie said Obi’s desire to lead Nigeria is rooted in genuine concern, not personal ambition.

“He doesn’t need to be president. He wants to be because he cares about Nigeria… There are people who are desperate to become president, not because they have any good intentions, but because of their egos,” she said.

She praised Obi’s values of humility, consistency, and accountability, adding that he remains grounded despite years in the public eye.

Adichie, who was a vocal supporter of Obi during the 2023 presidential election, emphasized her belief that Nigeria can be better with the right leadership.

“Peter Obi is not a person who expects you to thank him for doing his job… He is accountable to the people,” she said.

Obi, who finished third in the 2023 elections, has indicated interest in running again in 2027.

Source: Channels Television

#PeterObi #ChimamandaAdichie #2027Elections #NigeriaPolitics #LabourParty #Leadership

News Brief: Middle Class Reduced to Beggars – Chimamanda Decries Hardship in Nigeria.

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic hardship in Nigeria, saying it has pushed many formerly middle-class citizens into poverty and desperation.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans, Adichie said the suffering of everyday Nigerians is her biggest worry, not economic indices like the stock market. “People who were formerly kind of securely middle class… are now people who beg and are in need,” she said.

The author emphasized that economic strain could lead individuals to take desperate actions they would ordinarily avoid, posing a danger to society. “It’s not to excuse crime,” she noted, “but when life gets very hard, even people who before would not have considered certain things suddenly are willing to.”

Adichie also reflected on her journey as a writer, revealing she faced 25 rejections for her debut novel Purple Hibiscus but never considered quitting. “Writing is really what I believe I am here to do… it’s a bit spiritual,” she said.

Her remarks come amid ongoing public frustration with Nigeria’s cost of living crisis, worsened by recent economic reforms.

#ChimamandaAdichie #NigerianEconomy #CostOfLivingCrisis #MiddleClassStruggles #EconomicHardship

Chimamanda Adichie: Quitting Writing Was Never an Option Despite Rejections

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has revealed that she received 25 rejections for her debut novel, Purple Hibiscus, but never considered giving up on writing.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans, Adichie described writing as her spiritual calling and life’s purpose, stating, “Even if I hadn’t been published, I’d still be writing today.”

Reflecting on her early struggles as a student writer in the U.S., Adichie said the rejections were humbling but ultimately made her more practical about the publishing process. Purple Hibiscus later launched her international literary career, followed by acclaimed works like Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, and Dream Count.

Teach Your Children Their Language First — Chimamanda Adichie Urges Parents.

Celebrated Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has called on parents to prioritise teaching their children their native languages over foreign ones.

Speaking during the review of her latest book, Adichie posed a pointed question to the audience, “Do your children speak your language? If they don’t, why? Please don’t tell me they are taking French lessons if they cannot speak Yoruba, if they cannot speak Hausa, if they cannot speak Igbo.”

She challenged parents to reconsider their language priorities at home, urging them to drop foreign language lessons if their children are yet to learn their mother tongue. “Then please stop that French lesson and start teaching them their language. Because honestly that’s the thing that will give them confidence,” Adichie said.

Adichie linked the language crisis to a lingering effect of colonialism, which, she said, deeply influenced how Africans perceive their cultural identity.

“One of the most insidious things that colonialism did to all of us mentally is that it succeeded in encouraging us to think that what is ours is somehow inferior,” she emphasised.

The award-winning author emphasised that language is not just a means of communication, but also a vessel of identity, history, and self-worth. Teaching children to speak their native language, she argued, is a powerful way of grounding them in their roots and instilling pride in who they are.