Foremost Nigerian entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as CharlyBoy, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Tom Njemanze, who passed away over the weekend following a long battle with prostate cancer.
In an emotional interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, CharlyBoy described Njemanze’s death as “regrettable,” revealing that efforts were already underway to raise funds for his surgery before the sad news broke.
“We received the news at the weekend from his son, who called to inform me that he had passed on,” CharlyBoy said.
“His death is so unfortunate, and that is why when we see somebody in distress, we should immediately see what can be done because nobody knows the time.”
Before his passing, Njemanze had made a public appeal via a viral online video, asking for urgent financial support to fund his treatment.
CharlyBoy, popularly known as the “Areafada,” had earlier championed a campaign to raise awareness and funds for the ailing actor. While commending the public’s response, he emphasized that more needs to be done to address health issues affecting men in silence.
In response, CharlyBoy has launched a nationwide campaign on prostate cancer screening through his foundation — the CharlyBoy Foundation — aiming to educate Nigerian men on the importance of regular check-ups, early detection, and treatment.
“Many men are dying in silence because they don’t want to talk about their prostate issues,” he said.
“That’s why I am trying to instill a new culture — for men to speak up, get checked, and stay healthy.”
A survivor of prostate cancer himself, CharlyBoy said the foundation’s flagship project will also focus on mental health, diabetes, and general men’s health education.
