Entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has expressed sorrow over the death of actor Tom Njemanze, who died last Friday after a battle with prostate cancer.
The late actor, known for his roles in movies such as Issakaba and Osuofia in London, had been receiving treatment after his deteriorating condition became public on July 1. A video shared by filmmaker Stanley Ontop showed Njemanze looking frail and hooked to IV fluids in a hospital bed.
Earlier this month, Charly Boy made a passionate appeal for financial support for the ailing actor.
In a July 9 Instagram post, he wrote:
“Our Nollywood icon Tom Njemanze, the legendary actor you watched in Issakaba and Osuofia in London, is in a hospital bed fighting for his life. Prostate complications are draining him, and he needs urgent surgery that costs millions.
This isn’t just about Tom, it’s about the value we place on those who gave us joy, laughter, and unforgettable stories. I, Area Fada, and the CharlyBoy Foundation are calling on all well-meaning Nigerians, fans, colleagues, and those who still believe in compassion—let’s rise for Tom. Let’s not wait for RIP hashtags. Let’s save him while we still can. Donate whatever you can. Nothing is too small.”
Unfortunately, the call came too late.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, Charly Boy described the actor’s passing as “regrettable.”
“We received the news at the weekend from his son, who called to inform me that he had passed on,” he 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.
“Although we have been able to help the family a little bit in terms of the awareness we created, getting people to donate straight to their account.”
Moved by the incident and drawing from his own experience as a survivor of prostate cancer, Charly Boy is championing a nationwide campaign on prostate health under the CharlyBoy Foundation.
He said many men suffer in silence and fail to seek help due to fear or stigma, often resulting in late-stage diagnoses.
“That is why we are intensifying awareness that men should go for regular check-ups before things start to go sour,” he said.
“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.
“This is why I am 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.”
The campaign is part of the CharlyBoy Foundation’s broader focus on men’s health, including mental well-being, diabetes and early detection of prostate cancer. He emphasized that voluntary screening could save lives and reduce the stigma around discussing prostate issues.
