CharlyBoy Leads Campaign to Save Veteran Actor Tom Njemanze from Prostate Cancer
Veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, widely known as CharlyBoy, has made a heartfelt plea to Nigerians to support ailing Nollywood actor Tom Njemanze, who is currently battling prostate cancer.
CharlyBoy made this emotional appeal during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja. He confirmed that Njemanze, who starred in Nollywood classics like Issakaba and Osuofia in London, is fighting for his life and urgently needs millions of naira for life-saving surgery.
In a viral video, Tom Njemanze revealed his condition and asked the public for help in funding his treatment. His video has since drawn widespread sympathy and concern from fans and colleagues across Nigeria and beyond.
“Our Nollywood icon Tom Njemanze is lying in a hospital bed, suffering from complications of prostate cancer,” CharlyBoy said. “He needs urgent surgery that costs millions. How many more legends must we lose before we begin to take action?”
CharlyBoy, also known as Area Fada, added that the pain of watching legends fade away silently is a harsh reality. “These are the same people who gave us joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories on screen. Yet, when the curtain falls, we abandon them,” he said.
He passionately called on all Nigerians—fans, celebrities, colleagues, and well-meaning citizens—to donate and support Tom Njemanze. “Let’s not wait for RIP hashtags. Let’s save him while we still can. Donate whatever you can—nothing is too small,” CharlyBoy emphasized.
This isn’t the first time CharlyBoy is taking action on men’s health. After surviving prostate cancer himself, he launched a nationwide campaign on prostate cancer awareness through his nonprofit, the CharlyBoy Foundation.
The foundation aims to educate Nigerian men about the risks of prostate cancer and the importance of early detection through regular screenings. CharlyBoy noted that many men in Nigeria suffer in silence due to fear or stigma surrounding men’s health issues.
According to him, “Many men are dying quietly because they don’t talk about their prostate health. That silence is killing us.”
The CharlyBoy Foundation also focuses on broader issues related to men’s health, including mental well-being, diabetes, and public education on prostate health. CharlyBoy believes his personal battle with the disease has given him a mission to help others live.
He called on the media, civil society, and the entertainment industry to join in amplifying the message and helping people like Tom Njemanze who once brought joy to millions.
This growing awareness and support effort show that even after the camera stops rolling, Nigeria’s entertainers deserve to be remembered, respected, and supported. And for Tom Njemanze, the time to act is now.
