The country home of Anthony Anyiam Onyebgule in Obazu community, Mbairi, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, has become a centre of attraction as people troop in to catch a glimpse of the man believed to be the oldest in Nigeria.
Onyebgule, who was reportedly born in 1898, is celebrating his 128th birthday on Monday, March 9.
Despite his age, the elderly man is said to still be walking on his own without assistance. Observers say the only noticeable difference between him and other elderly people is his frail body.
The Founder and President of the Stand for Humanity Foundation, Chidiebube Okeoma, who discovered the elderly man, is sponsoring the birthday celebration at his country home.
Speaking exclusively on the development, Okeoma expressed excitement over the discovery.
“I feel elated that I am the person who discovered the man presumed to be the oldest human being alive in the whole world,” he said.
“I want to connect to his life of long life in good health. His longevity in good health is a pure testimony of God’s promise of ‘with long life and good health will I satisfy thee.’”
Okeoma further described the elderly man’s health condition as remarkable.
“At 128 papa walks unaided, reads without glasses, bathes himself and has his memories intact. No loss of memories, no dementia. To God be the glory. I want to age like him and reach his age.”
He also called on the government of Imo State to honour the elderly man.
“I wish the Government of Imo State, under distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, to also celebrate him and name a monumental project after him; I think that’s the right thing to do,” Okeoma stated.
