Renowned entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as CharlyBoy, has expressed profound grief over the death of veteran Nollywood actor Tom Njemanze, who passed away over the weekend after a long battle with prostate cancer.Njemanze had recently appealed for public support through a viral video seeking help for his medical treatment.
In a Monday interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, CharlyBoy described the actor’s death as “deeply unfortunate.” He disclosed that fundraising efforts were already in motion when news of the actor’s passing reached him. “His son informed me over the weekend of his passing. It’s heartbreaking, especially as we were rallying support for his treatment,” CharlyBoy said. “This shows why we must act swiftly to help those in need—you never know when time runs out.”
CharlyBoy, who had previously launched a public appeal on behalf of Njemanze, stated that while some donations were made directly to the family, it ultimately wasn’t enough.
“We managed to raise some awareness and get people to contribute directly to their account, but it wasn’t enough in time,” he explained. As a prostate cancer survivor himself, CharlyBoy has been actively promoting awareness and early detection through his CharlyBoy Foundation. The campaign targets men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, diabetes, and mental wellness.
“Many men suffer in silence because they’re too scared to speak up or get checked. I’m pushing for a new culture where men openly address their health concerns,” he said. “Regular check-ups are critical before things take a turn for the worse.”
Drawing on his own experience, CharlyBoy stressed the life-saving potential of early detection and voluntary testing, urging men to prioritise their health. “Men often hide their pain to keep providing and protecting, but that shouldn’t cost them their lives,” he said, reaffirming his dedication to saving lives through education and advocacy.
