Maverick entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy or Area Fada, has shared his personal battle with Stage 1 prostate cancer and his determination to raise awareness about men’s health through the Charly Boy Foundation.

Speaking candidly in a statement, Charly Boy recounted how his condition, which rendered him sterile and uninterested in sex, led him to undergo surgery in May last year at Reddington Hospital. Though his recovery was swift, he acknowledged that the journey had profoundly impacted his physical and emotional well-being.

“I was lucky,” Charly Boy said, “because my pee and everything were mixing with my bladder. It had become cancerous, so there was a need to just stop it in its tracks. After the successful surgery, my wife even took me to church to thank God. It was a humbling experience.”

Reflecting on the stigma surrounding prostate health among men, Charly Boy explained how societal expectations make it difficult for men to discuss such issues openly. “For a man, your penis is like your prized possession. If it doesn’t function, you feel less of a man. Many men carry it as their cross instead of seeking help.”

The Charly Boy Foundation: A Legacy of Advocacy

Motivated by his experience and inspired by a conversation with entrepreneur Louis Stan Ekeh, Charly Boy launched the Charly Boy Foundation to support men battling prostate cancer. The foundation partners with hospitals across Nigeria, including Umuahia, Owerri, Enugu, and Abuja, offering subsidized tests, follow-up treatments, and financial aid for surgeries.

The goal, he said, is to encourage men to prioritize their health and undergo regular screenings. “Men can be slow in medically checking themselves. My duty is to relate with them in a way that encourages openness and action.”

Charly Boy also highlighted the need for more support, calling on well-meaning Nigerians to donate to the foundation. “I’m scratching my head because I don’t see many NGOs catering to men. It’s all about women and children, but men are human beings too.”

Opinion: Breaking the Silence on Men’s Health

Charly Boy’s openness is a breath of fresh air in a society where conversations about men’s health are often shrouded in stigma. His willingness to share his vulnerability not only humanizes the issue but also sets an example for others to follow.

Prostate cancer is a silent killer, and many men suffer in silence due to fear or societal pressures. Charly Boy’s initiative to create awareness and provide financial support is a commendable step toward breaking these barriers.

However, the fight against prostate cancer requires collective effort. Governments, NGOs, and private individuals must rally around initiatives like the Charly Boy Foundation to ensure more men have access to screenings and treatments.

A Call to Action

Charly Boy’s journey underscores the importance of early detection and treatment. His message is clear: men must prioritize their health and break the culture of silence surrounding medical issues.

As he works tirelessly to create a legacy of advocacy, his story serves as a reminder that health is wealth—and that no challenge is insurmountable when faced with courage, community, and care.