Renowned entertainer and outspoken activist Charles Oputa, better known as CharlyBoy, has issued a heartfelt appeal to Nigerians, urging them to come together and provide financial assistance for veteran Nollywood actor Tom Njemanze, who is currently battling prostate cancer.
In a recent interview held in Abuja with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), CharlyBoy emphasized the urgency of the situation, describing Njemanze’s medical condition as life-threatening and in dire need of immediate surgical intervention.
A Cry for Help from a Nollywood Icon
Njemanze, who gained nationwide recognition through his roles in films such as Issakaba and Osuofia in London, recently shared a distressing video on social media where he disclosed his ongoing struggle with prostate cancer. Speaking from a medical facility, the ailing actor appealed for urgent public support to help fund his treatment and surgery.
Confirming the authenticity of the video, CharlyBoy disclosed that the veteran actor requires a life-saving operation that would cost several millions of naira. He noted that the actor’s health is deteriorating rapidly due to complications arising from the advanced stage of the illness.
“Our dear Nollywood legend, Tom Njemanze—the same man who brought joy and entertainment to countless Nigerians—is now confined to a hospital bed, silently enduring the pain of prostate-related complications,” CharlyBoy lamented.
“How Many More Must We Lose?” – CharlyBoy’s Emotional Plea
In a passionate statement, CharlyBoy questioned the lack of institutional and communal support for Nigerian entertainers who dedicated their lives to bringing happiness to millions, only to be abandoned in old age or illness.
“How many more of our beloved legends must die before we wake up to our responsibilities? Why do we wait until it’s too late—until we’re trending hashtags like #RIP—before we show concern?” he asked.
He continued, “This isn’t just about saving Tom. It’s about reassessing the value we place on those who once made us laugh, cry, and think. We celebrated them when they were active, but now that life has taken a different turn, we must not allow them to fade away in silence.”
The activist, also known as Area Fada, has launched a public fundraising campaign under the CharlyBoy Foundation, calling on fans, industry colleagues, well-meaning Nigerians, and philanthropists to rise to the occasion.
“Let us act now, not when it’s too late. Whether it’s ₦100 or ₦10,000, every contribution counts. Let’s rally around Tom. Let’s save a life together,” he urged.
Prostate Cancer: A Growing Silent Threat
Prostate cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of death among men, often goes undiagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage. CharlyBoy, a prostate cancer survivor himself, used the opportunity to speak about the critical importance of early screening and awareness.
Drawing from his personal experience, he explained that many men suffer in silence due to cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and poor access to healthcare. “Too many of our fathers, brothers, and uncles are battling this disease quietly. It’s time we start talking about it openly,” he said.
CharlyBoy has since turned his survival story into a nationwide advocacy mission, leveraging the CharlyBoy Foundation to raise awareness on men’s health, especially focusing on prostate health, mental wellness, and diabetes.
The CharlyBoy Foundation and Its Mission
The CharlyBoy Foundation, a nonprofit platform, now leads a countrywide campaign on prostate cancer screening and prevention, urging men across Nigeria to get tested regularly. The campaign is tailored to encourage early detection, increase awareness of symptoms, and promote timely treatment options.
“We are running this campaign not just for Tom, but for the countless others who might be fighting similar battles quietly. Early detection can make all the difference between life and death,” CharlyBoy stressed.
He also pointed out that the foundation aims to bridge the gap between health education and actual access to screening, particularly in rural communities, where medical infrastructure remains inadequate.
As part of its core activities, the foundation organizes free medical outreaches, partners with health institutions, and conducts educational programs targeting men in various communities across Nigeria.
Celebrity Solidarity and the Role of Nollywood
Tom Njemanze’s situation is sadly not unique within the Nigerian entertainment industry. Over the years, several Nollywood veterans have suffered serious health challenges without sufficient medical support or financial backing.
Industry stakeholders have long called for a structured welfare system to provide emergency health and retirement support for actors and crew members who no longer actively work.
CharlyBoy’s call has rekindled discussions about the need for the Nigerian creative industry to establish a robust healthcare and pension framework. Many believe that Nollywood, despite being Africa’s largest movie industry by volume, still lacks adequate internal structures to care for its aging stars.
“We need to do better for our legends. These are the people who built Nollywood with their sweat and talent. It’s painful to watch them suffer when we should have systems in place to protect them,” CharlyBoy stated.
He also encouraged top industry figures, production houses, and Nollywood guilds to collaborate in setting up an endowment fund that can support veterans facing health and financial difficulties.
A Call to Government and Corporate Nigeria
Beyond public donations, CharlyBoy has also appealed to the Nigerian government and private sector leaders to extend their support. He emphasized that partnerships between NGOs, government agencies, and corporate organizations could go a long way in building sustainable health support frameworks for entertainers and other vulnerable groups.
“There’s a huge opportunity for government and companies to support causes like this through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Investing in people’s health is one of the greatest forms of national development,” he said.
How to Support the Campaign
The CharlyBoy Foundation has made it easy for individuals and organizations to donate. Details for contributions have been shared via the foundation’s official channels, and CharlyBoy continues to use his social media presence to amplify the message.
Anyone interested in supporting Tom Njemanze can donate directly through verified bank accounts, mobile platforms, or reach out to the CharlyBoy Foundation for collaboration or further information.
“We need everyone to do something—no matter how small. Let us stand with Tom. Let this be the moment we begin to truly care for our own,” CharlyBoy concluded.
Final Thoughts
Tom Njemanze’s condition highlights a larger systemic issue—one that affects not just Nollywood, but the broader Nigerian society. Without early medical intervention, his fate may mirror that of many entertainers and public figures who passed away due to lack of timely support.
With CharlyBoy at the helm of this call to action, the hope is that Nigerians will rally around one of their own—not just with financial aid, but with long-term solutions that will prevent similar tragedies in the future.
