“Come to Africa to see older women” — Nigerians fault, contest declaration of US woman Morera world’s oldest

Nigerians have contested the declaration by Guinness World Records (GWR) that 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera from the United States is the world’s oldest person.

The announcement, made on March 4, 2024, has sparked a wave of reactions from individuals in Nigeria who argue that their grandmothers and neighbors surpass Morera’s age.

While extending birthday wishes to Morera, GWR revealed her birthdate as March 4, 1907. However, this proclamation has triggered skepticism among Nigerians, with many claiming to have elderly family members or acquaintances whose ages far exceed Morera’s.

LaBelle Mimi dismissed the record, stating, “World’s oldest or the oldest you know? My great-grandma can break this record… she’s 120. Happy birthday to her though.”

Maina James contributed, “My neighbor is 131 and counting. She has seen a lot. She just wishes to rest, but we keep on celebrating her birthday year after year.”

Comedian Charge and Bail humorously remarked, “My grandma is older than her and she’s alive. Please, how do you recognize her as the oldest? 121 years old and still counting.”

In a more light-hearted perspective, Harley Lee shared, “My brain tells me I am 3 1/2. My body tells me I am 200 years old. I’m actually 56. I cover all ages.”

Sos Lives brought another contender to the forefront, saying, “Hello Guinness World Records, I have a woman in my neighborhood that has given birth to twins in 4 consecutive times. Would you mind considering her for a record?”

Abumere James questioned the legitimacy of Morera’s claim, stating, “How did you know? Even in my family, I had someone older than her; she isn’t the world’s oldest.”

Charles Bouin expressed disagreement with GWR, stating, “I totally disagree with you on that. Here in Africa, we have people older than that lady. A few weeks ago, a 118-year-old passed away in Ivory Coast.”

Sofoluwe Monsuru emphasized the longevity of Africans, saying, “Come to Africa; you will see 120, 130, etc. A grandma of my friend is over 125 years of age now.”

Roy Mbifi questioned the credibility of age claims, asking, “All these people saying this or that person is 1000 years, can they provide their birth certificates? Are their lives documented? They think GBR just gives awards to whosoever?”