Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has revealed that the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, has changed the way she feels about Nigeria.
Adichie made the disclosure during an interview with The New York Times while reflecting on the devastating loss of her son and its impact on her relationship with the country.
When asked whether Nigeria still felt close to her heart, the author said her feelings had changed following the tragedy.
“My feelings toward Nigeria have changed,” she said, adding, “I do not want to go back to Nigeria.”
Nkanu, one of the twin sons Adichie had with her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, died following a medical emergency at Euracare Hospital in Lagos.
The child reportedly became ill while the family was in Lagos for the holidays. His condition later worsened, leading his parents to seek medical attention.
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The circumstances surrounding his death have since generated concerns, with investigations into what happened during his medical treatment.
Adichie’s latest comments highlight the deep emotional impact of the tragedy, as Nigeria, a country that has played a major role in her life and literary career, has now become closely associated with the loss of her young son.
Despite her pain, reports indicate that her surviving children still have a strong emotional connection to Nigeria, making the situation even more complicated for the author and her family.
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