“I want to protect my children” – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says as she opens up on welcoming twins

Nigerian author and activist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has welcomed twins with her hospital physician husband, Ivara Esege.

The award-winning writer, in a wide-ranging interview with The Guardian, revealed that she welcomed a set of twins months back and has been keeping their identity private because she wants to protect her children.

Ngozi Adichie noted how many didn’t know she got married in 2019 and further noted how Nigerians are nosy about her personal life, which has made her a bit resistant to talk about her family.

“You’ve met my babies. I want to protect my children. I’m OK with having them mentioned, but I don’t want the piece to become about them. “So, here’s the thing, Nigerians are ” Nosy? They want to know about your personal life. Because of that, I am resistant. I very rarely talk about it.

The mother of three, also spoke about cancel culture as she reflected on the massive backlash she received for defending trans women. Adichie, whose career took a huge blow, said cancel culture is bad and should be stopped.

“What do I want to say about cancel culture? Cancel culture is bad. We should stop it. End of story”.

In 2023, the writer was honored in her hometown, Abba, with the title of Odeluwa – the writer of global acclaim.

Speaking on the Chieftaincy title, Chimamanda said she was the first woman to be honored with such in her hometown. She urged custodians of culture to ensure both gënders are equally celebrated. Appreciating those who supported her, Adichie said her title would open doors of recognition for other accomplished women in their chosen careers.

Back in 2022, Ngozi joined Oprah Winfrey, Chinua Achebe, and others in receiving a Medal from Harvard University. The director of Hutchins Centre, University, praised her for her unyielding commitment to pushing the boundaries of representation and creating opportunities for advancement and participation for people who have been too often shut out from the great promise of our times”.

In other news, Chimamanda revealed her biggest inspiration as she rained praises on Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. Adichie expressed awe for and gratitude to Soyinka describing him as a “guiding light”.