CharlyBoy Mourns Tom Njemanze, Launches Prostate Health Awareness Campaign
Veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as CharlyBoy, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nollywood veteran Tom Njemanze, who passed away recently after a long battle with prostate cancer. The sad news was confirmed by Njemanze’s son over the weekend, leaving many in the entertainment industry in mourning.
CharlyBoy, in a heartfelt interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, described the actor’s death as “regrettable” and a painful reminder of the importance of urgent health care support. Before his passing, Tom Njemanze had publicly appealed for help in a viral video, where he explained that he was undergoing treatment and needed funds for surgery.
According to CharlyBoy, efforts were already underway to support the actor financially when news of his death reached him. “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.”
The activist, who had previously called on the public to donate toward Njemanze’s medical needs, added that while some awareness was raised, it came too late to save the actor’s life. “Although we were able to help the family a little bit in terms of the awareness we created, getting people to donate straight to their account, it still wasn’t enough to change the outcome,” he noted.
Deeply moved by the loss, CharlyBoy is using the moment to launch a stronger campaign on prostate cancer awareness. As a prostate cancer survivor himself, he is passionate about encouraging men across Nigeria to prioritize their health, especially through regular check-ups and early screening.
He stated that his battle with the disease inspired him to initiate a nationwide campaign through the CharlyBoy Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on men’s health issues, including mental wellness, diabetes, and prostate care. “That is why we are intensifying awareness that men should go for regular check-ups before things start to go sour,” he said.
CharlyBoy also expressed concern that many men suffer in silence and avoid seeking medical attention due to fear or pride. “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,” he said. “This is why I’m 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.”
As he mourns the death of Tom Njemanze, CharlyBoy hopes the tragedy will spark change and inspire more men to take control of their health. Through his advocacy, he continues to urge Nigerian men not to wait until it’s too late, but to get tested, seek help, and stay informed about prostate health.
