Veteran entertainer and social crusader, Charles Oputa, popularly known as CharlyBoy, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nollywood veteran, Tom Njemanze, who died over the weekend following a lengthy struggle with prostate cancer.
The late actor had recently made a passionate public appeal in a viral video, revealing he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and seeking financial assistance from Nigerians to undergo surgery.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, CharlyBoy, who had earlier led an appeal for donations to support Njemanze, described the actor’s death as “regrettable” and a painful reminder of how critical timely intervention is.
“We received the news at the weekend from his son, who called to inform me that he had passed on,” he 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.
“Although we have been able to help the family a little bit in terms of the awareness we created, getting people to donate straight to their account,” he added.
As a survivor of prostate cancer himself, CharlyBoy has since taken up a more proactive role in raising awareness about the disease.
He recently launched a national campaign focused on prostate cancer screening, advocating for regular checkups and early detection among men.
According to him, the initiative, led by the CharlyBoy Foundation, also addresses broader issues related to men’s health, including mental health and diabetes.
“That is why we are intensifying awareness that men should go for regular check-up before things start to go sour.
“I don’t know why men are too scared to go check themselves if they are going through any pain; they just don’t want to tell anybody.
“This is why am trying to inculcate a new culture in men; for them to speak up because in their quest for protecting and providing, they pass through a lot,” he said.
The 73-year-old cultural icon emphasized that his personal experience surviving prostate cancer inspired him to take action, using his platform to encourage men to prioritize their health and seek medical help without fear or shame.
