Nilandhoo’s former island chief remains sharp as ever as he celebrates 100th birthday

Ahmed Moosa, affectionately known as Kateebdhonbe for his years of service as kateeb or island chief of F. Nilandhoo, celebrated his 100th Hijri birthday on Friday.

The Maldives’ average life expectancy is 78 for males and 81 for females, according to a 2023 report by the World Bank. But there are some people who have lived beyond this to become centennials.

According to his family, Kateebdhonbe was born on Rabi' al-Awwal 26, 1347 on the Hijri or Islamic calendar, or September 10, 1928 on the Gregorian calendar. This makes him 97 based on the Gregorian calendar and 100 based on the Hijri calendar.

Born in the short years after World War I and before World War II, Kateebdhonbe married three times and had 15 children – nine sons and six daughters - 14 of whom still live. Kateebdhonbe had his eldest, Mariyam Ahmed, at the tender age of 16. His daughter his now 81 years of age.

His current wife, Mariyam Hameeda, is 87 years of age. Known to be a loving and caring couple, they share 11 children between them.

The number of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren he has exceeds 200.

Kateebdhonbe’s children grew up to make a name for themselves in public service. His many children include Ali Ahmed, who served as a member of Parliament; Abdul Azeez Ahmed, a cardiologist; and Abdul Latheef Ahmed (Udhares Latheef), a state minister at the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Art. More of his children serve in senior leadership roles in Nilandhoo.

His grandchildren include celebrated former footballers Anwar Ali and Farhad Ismail, and High Court’s spokesperson and former journalist Ameen Faisal. His great-grandchildren include Abdul Haseeb Ismail, an incumbent member of the Elections Commission.

His descendants include doctors, engineers, pilots and teachers and more – all serving the country in various areas.

What’s the secret behind his long life?

Kateebdhonbe had always led an active lifestyle. He also has a green thumb.

During World War II, when Maldives experienced widespread hunger and famine, a period known locally as ‘Bodu Thadhu’, Kateebdhonbe led efforts to expand farming in Nilandhoo – a move that became crucial to food security.

In 1990, he received the National Public Service Award for his efforts to develop and promote agriculture.

Kateebdhonbe’s son, Udhares Latheef, believes the secret behind his father’s long life is an active lifestyle. He was always on the move. If he wasn’t busy governing the island, he was busy with something else; farming, fishing or carpentry.

But Kateebdhonbe, who has a preference for local cuisine, always made time to make his meals on time.

And he was always dutiful in fulfilling his religious obligations, including the daily prayers.

“Walking was always his preferred mode of transportation up until very recently. He would read books without needing the aid of prescription glasses past age 90. He is well-versed in the translation of the Holy Quran. Ask him where any given Ayat is and he will show you,” said Latheef, who completed his higher education in religious affairs.

Another thing Latheef finds amazing is that his father’s mind remains sharp as ever, with his memory strong.

Latheef said that his father still remembers past incidents and even the names of people he met years back.

People from Nilandhoo as well as neighboring islands had gone to Latheef for advice on various matters up until very recently.

“He has always wanted to do things himself. He gave sound advice to his children as well as other members of the community. He can still recall the names of people he met without fail,” he said.

Kateebdhonbe had led a long health life, until the effects of smoking during his younger days finally caught up, manifesting itself with respiratory ailments.

Kateebdhonbe continues to live in his home island of Nilandhoo, surrounded by his family, and a beacon of the community.