Longevity: Community Celebrates and Honours 132-Year-Old Oldest Man, Receives His Blessings

It was a day of jubilation at the Apostolic Church, Umutukulu, in Nnachioma Umuariam Obowo community, Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, as the oldest man in the community, Ichie Nathaniel Anyanwu, aged 132, was conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Ugwunna 1 of Nnachioma” in celebration of his remarkable longevity.

The event drew together dignitaries including captains of industries, politicians, traditional title holders, community stakeholders, youths, friends, and well-wishers, many of whom came to witness the historic honour and receive blessings from the centenarian.

At the occasion, Ichie Anyanwu was decorated with traditional regalia and presented with the offor (staff of office) as a full-fledged titleholder by the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Igwe Augustine Adiele, who was represented by the Prime Minister, Chief Edwin Ibeawuchi Obio.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by High Chief Akujuobi Omenugwa (chairman of Aladimma Umuariam and President General of the community), along with other titled chiefs and leaders.

Speaking on the significance of the honour, High Chief Omenugwa described Anyanwu as the oldest man not just in Nnachioma but across the entire Umuariam communities.

> “We are not just talking about his age, because when you see him, he looks much younger. God blessed him with strength from birth, and he has lived a life free from evil, which has prolonged his years,” Omenugwa said.

He further explained that after years of internal crisis among the four wards of Nnachioma—Umuogbede, Amorji, Umutukulu, and Umuatonti—the community reconciled under the guidance of their monarch. Following this, leaders decided to identify and honour the oldest man to bless the land, leading to the recognition of Ichie Anyanwu.

Omenugwa added that the honour exempts Ichie Anyanwu from all communal levies and duties, leaving him with the sacred responsibility of praying for peace, progress, and protection of the people.

In his remarks, Chief Obio, the Prime Minister, expressed joy at the historic event, describing it as unprecedented in Umuariam. However, he also appealed to the three tiers of government to urgently intervene in the gully erosion problem threatening the community.

Delivering his speech, Ichie Anyanwu expressed gratitude to the community for the honour and prayed for their longevity, fertility, and success. He attributed his 132 years of life to living faithfully, peacefully, and with little pursuit of material wealth.

Engr. Iyke Ogugua, President General of Umuariam ancient kingdom, described the event as groundbreaking, noting that the community leadership had consciously searched for the oldest man to honour. He encouraged youths to emulate Anyanwu’s lifestyle and avoid vices such as cultism, stressing that the honouree once earned his living as a palm wine tapper.

Other dignitaries, including Dr. Chukwuemeka Nwacha (a.k.a Mayor) from Onitsha, and Mr. Ihemadu Anthony, chairman of Nnachioma Aba branch, also praised the honour, describing Anyanwu’s life as proof of God’s grace.

Family members spoke glowingly of him. His grandson, Uzoma Anyanwu, recalled that his grandfather was a palm wine tapper and singer of Abigbo at public events. He said his grandfather had always advised him to put God first, avoid crime, and live an honest life.

The last-born son, High Chief Ogwumba Raymond Anyanwu, added that their father was a devoted Christian whose medical records even in old age showed him free from diseases. He noted that Anyanwu’s long life was proof that God rewards clean living.

The community affirmed that the honour bestowed upon Anyanwu will become a tradition, ensuring that the oldest man is always celebrated and accorded due recognition for the blessings he brings to the people.