Entertainer Charles Oputa, widely known as Charly Boy, has announced his commitment to championing critical health issues and wellness for Nigerian men through his foundation.
In an Instagram post shared on Wednesday, Charly Boy revealed that after his personal challenges with prostate cancer, he has chosen to dedicate himself to this cause to help other men avoid the struggles he endured.
The primary focus of his advocacy will be on mental health awareness, prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, and other essential men’s health concerns.
Charly Boy called for support and partnership from Nigerians to ensure the success of this initiative.
He outlined the vision of his foundation, which includes promoting awareness, empowering Nigerian men to take control of their health, and ensuring early detection of health issues.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on their Perspectives segment, the 74-year-old activist discussed his commitment to men’s mental and physical health.
“I am an activist because I don’t want men to go through what I went through,” Charly Boy stated, reflecting on the profound impact his health challenges had on his life.
“For what I’ve been through, I would rather not a lot of men go through that,” he added.
Charly Boy stressed the importance of openness and trust in addressing health issues, encouraging men to be more transparent about their mental and physical health.
“We have this thing—‘men don’t cry,’ they are supposed to hide their emotions. I don’t believe in that,” he declared.
He criticised societal expectations that pressure men to conceal their emotions, asserting that such attitudes contribute to broader health problems.
Drawing from his interactions with men seeking support, Charly Boy shared, “I’ve met strangers who have opened up to me, who tell me a lot of intimate things.”
He expressed concern that many men do not have anyone to confide in, not even their spouses, adding, “That’s kind of sad,” and underscoring the need for more open dialogue in relationships.
Discussing the Charly Boy Foundation, he explained that it was founded after his personal medical challenges, with encouragement from a friend. “After my medical challenge, one of my friends prompted me in that direction,” he said.
The foundation aims to raise awareness and provide support for men navigating health issues.
“We’re partnering with hospitals and doctors to raise funds for initial testing,” he explained, highlighting their commitment to reducing financial barriers to healthcare.
In 2023, Charly Boy revealed his battle with prostate cancer, sharing that he survived an illness that has claimed many lives, for which he is profoundly grateful.
