Veteran Nigerian entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as CharlyBoy, has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness about prostate cancer, promoting early screening, and encouraging timely treatment among Nigerian men.
Speaking in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), CharlyBoy explained that the initiative is part of a broader mission by the CharlyBoy Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to men’s health issues, including mental wellness, diabetes, and prostate care.
A survivor of prostate cancer himself, the 70-year-old activist said the campaign is deeply personal and driven by a desire to challenge the silence and stigma often surrounding men’s health.
“We’re in the middle of a silent epidemic,” he said. “Too many men are suffering in silence because they don’t talk about their health especially prostate-related issues.
In this phase of my life, I want to use my experience to help others. Many men suffer needlessly because they delay checkups or can’t afford care.”
CharlyBoy highlighted poverty as a major barrier to early detection, adding that many men seek medical attention only when symptoms become severe.
“My mission is to raise awareness and pull men out of isolation. I want them to understand the importance of routine checkups and not wait until it’s too late.”
Known affectionately as Areafada, CharlyBoy revealed that his foundation is already making strides by running mobile screening clinics in rural areas, hosting awareness drives, and collaborating with diagnostic labs to make services more accessible.
“This isn’t just talk we’re taking action. We subsidize screening costs for those in need. Through podcasts, social media, and our website, we’re also creating support networks and sharing crucial health information.”
He called on Nigerians both at home and abroad to support the campaign not just with donations, but by offering their time and expertise.
“It’s not only about money. We need volunteers. Men are struggling, and it’s affecting their ability to lead and provide. We must act now — together.”
Speaking alongside CharlyBoy, Dr. Doris Udenzi-Davis, CEO of the CharlyBoy Foundation, shared that over 500 men have already benefited from free prostate screenings provided by the organisation.
“Right now, we’re covering 100% of the screening costs,” she said. “But to expand the program and eventually offer treatment support, we need more funding.”
Dr. Udenzi-Davis added that the foundation partners with healthcare providers and community-based organisations to host local men’s health forums, offering both education and testing.
“We work closely with labs across the country. Community groups help identify at-risk men, and we refer them to nearby facilities. Some of our partners have even donated vital supplies, like catheters.”
She urged individuals, corporate bodies, and government agencies to support the growing initiative.
“We can’t do this alone. Every contribution counts whether it’s financial, material, or through volunteering.
We also call on the federal and state governments to join hands with us in reaching and saving more lives across Nigeria.”
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