By Chimezie Orisakwe
What began as the launch of a memoir evolved into an inspiring conversation on purpose, service, and health advocacy as veteran entertainer and social commentator Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, officially unveiled his memoir, 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy, while leading a fundraising campaign in support of prostate cancer awareness.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Alliance Française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, drew an impressive gathering of distinguished personalities, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, Zinox Group Chairman and tech entrepreneur Leo Stan Ekeh, veteran broadcaster Bisi Olatilo, and book reviewer Dr. Austin Tam-George.
In an emotional moment, Charly Boy paused to acknowledge Leo Stan Ekeh before the audience, asking guests to appreciate him for planting the seed that eventually became the Charly Boy Foundation. According to the entertainer, Ekeh advised him to devote more time to serving God and humanity through a structured foundation focused on prostate health rather than expending all his energy on activism. He further disclosed that, beyond the advice, Ekeh also played an active role in helping structure and financially support the initiative.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also shared a heartfelt reflection during the ceremony, revealing that his admiration for Charly Boy did not begin with his public activism but with the profound respect the entertainer consistently showed his parents. Obasanjo admitted he was initially not drawn to the flamboyant “Area Fada” persona but came to appreciate the man behind the image after observing his devotion to family values, particularly the honour he accorded his late father, one of Nigeria’s most respected jurists.
Speaking during his opening remark, Ekeh congratulated Charly Boy on the successful publication of his memoir, describing him as a global citizen whose creativity and unconventional approach have left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s cultural landscape. While acknowledging Charly Boy’s famously rebellious public image, he noted that beneath the persona is a man of remarkable influence and uncommon communication skills. He remarked that, with his gift for connecting with people, Charly Boy could easily have ranked among the world’s leading marketing consultants.
The memoir, aptly described by its author as “a battleground rather than a biography,” chronicles Charly Boy’s journey from his upbringing in one of Nigeria’s most respected judicial families to becoming the outspoken cultural figure popularly known as the “Area Fada.” Through stories of resilience, controversy, creativity, and conviction, the book presents a deeply personal account of a life lived unapologetically.
Beyond the literary celebration, the event served as a platform to spotlight prostate cancer awareness and the importance of early detection. Guests participated in health advocacy activities, while fundraising efforts were directed toward expanding the reach of the Charly Boy Foundation’s interventions for men living with prostate-related conditions.
By the close of the event, 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy had achieved more than a successful book launch. It became a celebration of purpose, friendship, service, and the enduring impact of ideas that transcend personal ambition. It also demonstrated how influential voices, when combined with meaningful action, can inspire lasting social change, whether through literature, philanthropy, or public health advocacy. Supported by Samsung and Zenith Bank, the event also featured free prostate screening, reinforcing its broader health awareness objective.