Veteran entertainer and social activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as CharlyBoy, has called on Nigerians to urgently support ailing Nollywood actor Tom Njemanze, who is currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
CharlyBoy made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, expressing concern over the actor’s deteriorating condition and the high cost of the required medical procedure.
In a video that recently surfaced online, the “Issakaba” and “Osuofia in London” star revealed he is battling prostate complications and in dire need of financial assistance to fund life-saving surgery.
“Our Nollywood icon, Tom Njemanze, is on a hospital bed fighting for his life,” CharlyBoy said.
“Prostate complications are draining him. He needs urgent surgery that costs millions. How many more legends must we lose before we start showing up for our own?”
The showbiz maestro decried the neglect often faced by Nigerian entertainers once the spotlight fades, urging the public to act before it’s too late.
“This isn’t just about Tom. It’s about how we treat those who gave us joy, laughter, and unforgettable stories. The same men we cheered on screen are left to suffer in silence when the curtain falls. But not this time. Not on our watch,” he added.
CharlyBoy, who recently survived prostate cancer himself, said he and his CharlyBoy Foundation are leading a fundraising campaign to help Njemanze get the medical help he needs. He appealed to fans, colleagues, and compassionate Nigerians to donate whatever they can.
“Let’s not wait for RIP hashtags. Let’s save him while we still can. Nothing is too small,” he pleaded.
Beyond this appeal, CharlyBoy has also launched a nationwide prostate cancer screening campaign, aimed at promoting early detection and treatment.
Through his foundation, he is advocating for regular testing and open conversations among Nigerian men, many of whom he said are “dying in silence” due to fear or ignorance about prostate health.
The CharlyBoy Foundation, a non-profit organisation, is focused on men’s health, particularly in the areas of mental health, diabetes, and prostate issues. CharlyBoy says he hopes his personal experience as a prostate cancer survivor will help break stigmas and save lives.
“We are pushing this campaign to get Nigerian men talking about their health, going for voluntary tests, and catching these conditions early,” he said.
