By Chinedum Elekwachi
It was celebration galore in Umutukulu, Nnachioma Umuariam Obowo community of Obowo Local Government Area, Imo State, as the people conferred the chieftaincy title of “Ugwunna 1 of Nnachioma” on Ichie Ejigiri Nathaniel Anyanwu, the community’s oldest man, said to be 132 years old.
The historic event drew captains of industry, politicians, traditional leaders, youths, and well-wishers who thronged the venue to see the centenarian and receive his blessings for long life.
Ichie Anyanwu was adorned in traditional regalia and presented with the ofor (staff of office) by the community’s traditional ruler, Igwe Augustine Adiele, represented by the Prime Minister, Chief Edwin Ibeawuchi.
Younger than his age
Akujuobi Omenugwa, Chairman of Aladimma Umuariam and leader of the four wards in Nnachioma, described the new titleholder as a man whose appearance belies his age.
“When you look at him, he looks younger than his age because God created him with strength. He has always disassociated himself from evil, which has prolonged his life,” Omenugwa said.
He explained that peace only recently returned to Nnachioma after years of crisis that divided the four wards—Umuogbede, Amorji, Umutukulu, and Umuatonti. Following reconciliation, the community decided to honour its oldest man to bless the people.
“A panel of enquiry investigated him and confirmed he was worthy. He has no blemishes, so today we honoured him and received his blessings,” Omenugwa added.
A symbol of blessings and unity
Omenugwa noted that visitors to the community would henceforth first receive the blessings of Ichie Anyanwu before proceeding on their missions.
“By virtue of his age, he has been exempted from all communal levies and labour. His only duty now is to pray for our progress and protection,” he said.
He also recalled that Anyanwu was the one who crowned Igwe Adiele during his enthronement.
“This honour will be a continuous exercise. When he eventually joins his ancestors, we shall honour his successor as part of moving the community forward,” Omenugwa explained.
Chief Ibeawuchi, the Prime Minister, called the ceremony unprecedented. “I have not seen this kind of celebration since I was born.
“But our greatest problem now is gully erosion cutting us off from our brothers. We plead with government at all levels to rescue us,” he said.
The vantage Anyanwu
In his post-installation speech, Ichie Anyanwu expressed gratitude for the honour. “I’m grateful to God for keeping me alive to attain 132 years.
“I attribute my longevity to living a faithful, loving, and peaceful life, devoid of much quest for earthly wealth,” he said.
He prayed for fertility, progress, and longevity for all present.
The President General of Umuariam ancient kingdom, Mr. Iyke Ogugua, hailed the event as “unprecedented in Nnachioma” urging youths to avoid cultism and vices if they wished to live a long and blessed life like Anyanwu, who worked as a palm wine tapper in his youth.
Despite his age and honour, community leaders lamented that the road to Anyanwu’s house has been rendered impassable by gully erosion, preventing him from attending church regularly.
Wisdom for generations
One of his grandsons, Uzoma Anyanwu, revealed that his grandfather was a singer of Abigbo at public functions in his active years.
“He always advised me to put God first, avoid crime, adultery, killings, and forceful possession of others’ property. He warned that such things cut short life,” Uzoma said.
The family also disclosed that they restrict him from alcohol, snuff, and harmful foods to preserve his health.
Uzoma added: “He told me that as the first son of his son, I will be the one to procure the cow for his burial whenever he passes. Even if my father is absent, I must be there no matter what.”
For the people of Nnachioma, Ichie Ejigiri Nathaniel Anyanwu represents more than longevity—he embodies peace, wisdom, and unity.
As one of the rare few to live beyond a century, his life story has become both a blessing and a lesson for younger generations: that a simple, peaceful, and God-fearing life may just be the secret to long life.
