In a world where age is often seen as a limitation, Nkemakolam Duruakaku, affectionately known as Elder Anthony Anyiam Onyegbule, is rewriting the rules.
At 128 years old, this super-centenarian is living proof that life can begin anew even at 100.
Dancing to the beat of life
As he stood tall, his eyes sparkling with mirth and his feet tapping out a lively rhythm, it was clear that Nkemakolam was not done with life yet. With a trumpeter playing his favourite tunes, he switched dance moves like a man half his age, his gestures exuding an infectious joie de vivre.
But do not just call him Elder Onyegbule. He insists on being addressed as Nkemakolam Duruakaku, a name that means, “May I never lack my own.” And true to that name, he is lacking in nothing, least of all age and good health.
Physically and mentally, Nkemakolam is beating life on all fronts. His eyes are bright, his hands steady, and his senses intact. His children confirmed that he has been blessed with remarkable vitality and shows no signs of slowing down.
Born in 1898, Nkemakolam’s age has been verified by his family through a letter written to him by his brother-in-law in 1918. He married at 20 and has lived a life that has been anything but ordinary.
Though blessed with remarkable longevity, Pa Onyegbule’s wife and three eldest children were not as fortunate, having passed away earlier. The surviving eldest child is said to be 73 years old. It was gathered that Onyegbule has seen four generations, as he now has great-grandchildren.
Chasing the Guinness record
Residents of Imo State gathered at his country home in Umuchoke, Obazu Mbieri, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, on Monday, March 9, 2026, to mark his 128th birthday anniversary.
The ceremony was organised by a human rights group, Stand for Humanity Foundation, founded by activist and journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma. Admirers from far and near came bearing gifts and seeking blessings from Pa Onyegbule.
For Okeoma, it was remarkable that a man at 128 could still be strong enough to care for himself without assistance. He believes such longevity deserves celebration, hence his decision to organise the event.
Okeoma and his team are not stopping at celebrating Onyegbule in Imo State; they are determined to ensure that the extraordinary man is recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest person to have ever lived.
The fact that the current record holder, French woman Jeanne Calment, lived for 122 years has further fueled the foundation’s resolve. Okeoma disclosed that efforts were underway to submit Onyegbule’s case for official recognition.
He said: “I want to connect to his long life in good health. His longevity is a pure testimony of God’s promise: ‘With long life and good health will I satisfy thee.’
At 128, Papa walks unaided, reads without glasses, bathes himself, and has his memory intact. No loss of memory, no dementia. To God be the glory. I want to age like him and reach his age.
“ I want 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.”
As guests took turns receiving prayers and blessings from the tall, trim great-grandfather, he was profuse in his praises to God for the gift of longevity and generous in dispensing blessings.
But his prayers always came with a condition:“You must be upright. Do not engage in illicit activities. Refrain from swindling or hurting anyone.”
He never offered prayers without emphasising the importance of honest living, a principle he believes is key to his long life.
The centenarian further admonished:
“Whatever you do, be upright. Do not cheat or hurt anybody. Don’t spill the blood of any human being.
If you kill any human being, you will forever be troubled. You will be like someone carrying the weight of an entire building on his head. No matter the money or wealth, you will never have peace of mind.”
Trials and triumphs
Onyegbule recalled, with nostalgia, his life journey from Port Harcourt to Enugu, to Calabar, and back to Imo State.
It was in Port Harcourt that his fiery spirit first landed him in trouble.
He recounted: “In those days in Port Harcourt, if you were not strong, you wouldn’t be able to fetch water. A boy tried to stop me, and I beat him up. I was tried and sent to Reformatory School in Enugu because I was 17 years old.
“At Enugu, I met my master, J. R. Lloyd. I served him. I was also involved in sports. I used to run from Hilltop to Ninth Mile. I later moved to Calabar, where I got married, before returning to Imo State.
“As a child, I was among those who carried sand for the construction of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Obazu Mbieri, around 1915. It’s unfortunate my mates who joined in the construction are no longer here.”
The ageless wild card
In a moment that left everyone stunned, Pa Onyegbule made a startling declaration:“I can jump if you want me to do so.”
The confidence in his voice was unmistakable. For a split second, it seemed like he might actually attempt it.
The crowd erupted gasps, laughter, and hurried pleas for caution filled the air. His eyes sparkled with mischief; he meant every word.
It took gentle persuasion to dissuade him, as admirers pleaded for his safety.
As news of his remarkable vitality spreads, residents called for a state-wide celebration in honour of what many believe could be the oldest living human on earth.
But for now, the collective prayer remains simple that Nkemakolam Duruakaku continues to live life to the fullest, in good health, strength, and high spirits, for many more years to come.
VANGUARD.
