DOCUMENTARY: Alagba: The Oldest Tortoise in the World and the Pride of Ogbomoso

-

 By Victor Olubiye




Alagba, meaning "The Elderly One" in Yoruba, was a legendary tortoise believed to be the oldest in the world. This revered creature resided in the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, in Oyo State, Nigeria, and lived for an astounding 344 years before passing away in 2018.

According to historical records, Alagba was born in 1675 in the old Oyo town, now known as Ogbomoso. Her presence in the royal palace began during the reign of Oba Isan Okumoyede, the third traditional ruler of Ogbomoso, who ruled from 1770 to 1797. Alagba quickly became more than just a palace pet; she grew into a symbol of longevity, wisdom, and tradition.

For centuries, Alagba lumbered gracefully within the sacred grounds of the palace, witnessing the reigns of many monarchs. Her age and calm demeanor earned her deep respect from both the royals and the community. Locals and tourists alike believed she possessed healing powers, and many came from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the wise reptile and seek blessings.

Alagba was so cherished that two palace staff members were assigned exclusively to her care-providing food, medical support, and general upkeep to ensure her comfort. She shared a special bond with the late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, the Soun of Ogbomoso, who often spent quality time with her and regarded her as a living treasure.

Though Alagba passed away in October 2018, her legacy continues to live on in the hearts of the people of Ogbomoso and beyond. She was more than just a tortoise; she was a bridge between generations, a keeper of royal history, and a living embodiment of tradition.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

WHAT NO ONE TELLS JAMBITES ABOUT WRITING JAMB IN NIGERIA

-
Image
  Where dreams are tested: Jambites in the exam hall By Victor Olubiye As thousands of candidates prepare to sit for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board this week, the conversations are familiar—cut-off marks, past questions, and “how to score above 300.” But beyond the tutorials, motivational posts, and late-night reading, there are realities many jambites will encounter—things no one really tells them. This is not in the brochure. It is not in the syllabus. Yet, it shapes the outcome. The Fear That Starts Before the Exam For many candidates, the exam does not begin in the hall—it begins days before. There is the silent anxiety: “What if I don’t pass?” “What if this is another year?” In homes across Nigeria, expectations hang in the air. Parents remind, relatives ask questions, and comparisons quietly creep in. A first-time candidate in Ogun State, David, told this reporter, “I’ve been reading, but sometimes...
Read more

2026 UTME: How to Check Your JAMB Result via SMS and Print Your Official Result Slip (Complete Candidate Guide)

-
Image
By Victor Olubiye With the 2026 UTME currently ongoing, many candidates are beginning to ask how they will check their results and print their official result slips after the examination. To help candidates avoid these common pitfalls, here is a simple, accurate, and stress-free guide on how to check your 2026 JAMB result using the official SMS method and how to print your result slip for official use. JAMB RESULT VIA SMS One of the easiest and fastest ways to access your result is through your mobile phone. Follow the steps below carefully: Open the messaging (SMS) app on your phone. Type UTMERESULT (in uppercase and without spaces). Send it to 55019 or 66019. Ensure you are using the same phone number used during your JAMB registration. Once sent, your result will be delivered to you via SMS shortly. Important Notice for Candidates Candidates are strongly advised to take note of the following to avoid errors or delays: A service charge of ₦50 airtime will be deducted for each SMS sen...
Read more

From Conference to Calling: CPC Charges Women to Build Homes, Lead Change Nationwide

-
Image
Participants' Jubilation By Victor Olubiye The 26 Annual National Sisters Conference of Calvary Pentecostal Church International (CPC) ended with a strong charge to women across Nigeria: move from inspiration to action and become builders of homes, faith, and society. Held from Thursday, May 30, the multi-day gathering brought together women from across the country for an intensive programme of teachings, workshops, lectures, and prayer sessions focused on spiritual growth and practical impact. Featured Image From The Event At the centre of the conversations was a clear message being “The Chosen Woman” goes beyond attending a conference; it demands obedience and application. National Sisters President, Mrs Alaka, set the tone by commending the leadership of Rev. Dr. Johnson Niyi Faboyede and Pastor Sarah Faboyede for their guidance and commitment to raising purposeful women. She described the chosen woman as one who not only receives but applies, urging participants to become trans...
Read more

“I Was Expecting 300+”: UTME Candidate Who Scored 277 Speaks After Dropping to 257 (Exclusive Interview)

-
Image
  Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) logo By Victor Olubiye When Deborah saw her 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result—257—she was not only disappointed; she was confused. For a candidate who had previously scored 277 and spent months preparing even more intensely for this year’s examination, the figure on the screen did not reflect her expectations, effort, or confidence after the test. “I was surprised… how can I have 257 as my aggregate?” she said. “I was really expecting something above 300.” Deborah, who is aspiring to study Medicine and Surgery, says her preparation this year was driven by a clear goal: securing a competitive score that would increase her chances of admission into a Nigerian university and potentially qualify her for scholarship opportunities. A Second Attempt, Higher Expectations Unlike her first attempt at the UTME, Deborah approached the 2026 examination with what she describes as “more structure, discipline, and seriou...
Read more

Low UTME Score? Not the End: Hidden Admission Pathways Nigerian Students Ignore

-
Image
  Official logo of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the agency in charge of UTME in Nigeria By Victor Olubiye As the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) winds down, thousands of candidates across Nigeria are already battling anxiety over low scores. But education experts say one truth many students overlook is this: a low UTME score does not automatically mean the end of their university dreams. Every year, millions sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, a central requirement for admission into tertiary institutions. Yet, despite its importance, it is not the only pathway into higher education. Candidates writing the UTME examination in a CBT Centre In reality, several alternative admission routes exist—many of which are officially recognized by universities and polytechnics across the country. One of the most popular alternatives is the JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) programme. This one-year foundat...
Read more

Waiting for Admission or Wasting Time? What Smart Jambites Are Doing Right Now That Others Are Ignoring

-
Image
  Candidates leaving a CBT centre after UTME examination By Victor Olubiye As the 2026 UTME draws to a close, a silent divide is already forming among candidates across Nigeria. While thousands settle into a routine of waiting, hoping, and endlessly checking their phones, a smaller but smarter group is taking deliberate steps that could determine whether they gain admission—or lose another year. For many families, this period may look like a pause. In reality, it is one of the most decisive stages in a student’s academic journey. The gap between writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and securing admission can stretch for months. Education experts warn that treating this period casually often leads to missed opportunities, costly mistakes, and avoidable delays. Official logo of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the agency in charge of UTME in Nigeria One of the smartest decisions candidates...
Read more

EXCLUSIVE: Fundraising, Induction and Charter Ceremony Mark Milestone for Ewekoro Pacesetters Leo Club in Ogun

-
Image
Lions leaders seated at the high table during the event By Victor Olubiye The Ewekoro Pacesetters Leo Club on Sunday, April 12, 2026, held a combined fundraising, induction, and installation (charter) ceremony at the Lafarge Agbesi Estate Relaxation/Recreation Centre, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, drawing members of the Lions family, guests, and supporters. Event banner displayed at the entrance, featuring notable Lions and key contributors The event, which forms part of activities to formally establish and strengthen the club, featured the induction of new members, installation of executives, and a fundraising drive aimed at supporting community-based projects in line with the club’s objectives. Speaking on the significance of the event, the Charter President of the club, Sunday Adebayo, explained that the ceremony was necessary to officially position the club within the structure of Lions International. According to him, “It’s about meeting Leo officials as the Lions I...
Read more

My Church or Nothing: The Silent War of Altars Tearing Nigerian Families Apart

-
Image
Compilation of Nigerian Top Churches Logos   By Victor Olubiye In homes where prayers should unite, a different kind of battle is unfolding—silent, emotional, and deeply personal. Across Nigeria, more parents are drawing hard spiritual lines, insisting their children must never cross into another denomination. What should be a shared faith in Christ is becoming a battlefield of identity, loyalty, and fear—raising a troubling question: when did Christianity in Nigeria turn into a competition of churches rather than a communion of believers? In a country where Christianity thrives in diversity—from the white-garment traditions of Celestial Church of Christ to the evangelical fervor of Living Faith Church Worldwide, the doctrinal depth of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, and the revivalist roots of Christ Apostolic Church—one would expect unity in diversity. Instead, what is emerging is a subtle but growing “war of churches,” often fought not on pulpits, but within families. A young ma...
Read more

EXCLUSIVE: Inside Family Ties 2026—Organisers, Participants Reveal Impact of Lions’ Family-Centred Initiative in Ota

-
Image
  Lions International Yellow Logo By Victor Olubiye  More insights have emerged from the recently held Family Ties 2026 (Ota Axis) programme organized by Lions International, District 404B3 Nigeria, as organisers and participants shared deeper reflections on the significance and impact of the initiative. The event, themed “Family First, Service Always,” brought together Lions, Leos, their families, and members of the public in a unique gathering aimed at strengthening bonds beyond service. Speaking exclusively, the Family Ties Coordinator for Ota Axis, Ogunnaike Abiodun Ifeoluwa, described the inspiration behind the programme as rooted in unity and collective identity. Souvenirs Distributed To Registered Event's Participants/Clubs What inspired me is basically about collaboration, bonding, and love sharing within the family. It was a beautiful moment where we all came together as one family in Ota Axis… showing love and what Lions International truly represents,” he said. He n...
Read more

EXCLUSIVE: Victory, Controversy and Lessons as Greater Heights Hosts Dramatic First Interhouse Sports in Ogun

-
Image
Proprietor With The Interhouse Sports Participants Rewards By Victor Olubiye   Excitement, competition, and a moment of controversy defined the maiden edition of the interhouse sports of Greater Heights Model School, held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the school's field Koboro, along Onigbedu Road, Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. Yellow(Greatness House) The event, which attracted participation from several invited schools, featured a mix of athletic contests, including the 400 meters race for secondary school students and 200 meters race for primary pupils, alongside other sporting displays. Participating schools included Excellence International Schools, Owu Community Comprehensive High School, Premier Comprehensive College, Olahad Group of Schools, and Divine Success School, among others. During medals given to Excellence International Schools The competition was organized into four houses—Greatness House (Yellow), Dominion House (Blue), Emerald House (Green...
Read more