What was billed as the public presentation of 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy became a compelling call to action on purpose, philanthropy, and men’s health, as veteran entertainer and social commentator Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, used the occasion to launch a fundraising campaign for prostate cancer awareness while sharing the defining moments of his remarkable life journey.
The colourful event, held at the Alliance Française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, attracted an array of eminent personalities, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Zinox Group Chairman and technology entrepreneur Leo Stan Ekeh, veteran broadcaster Bisi Olatilo, and book reviewer Dr. Austin Tam-George.
One of the evening’s most touching moments came when Charly Boy paused his remarks to recognise Leo Stan Ekeh, urging the audience to celebrate the businessman for inspiring the vision that ultimately gave birth to the Charly Boy Foundation.
According to the entertainer, Ekeh had encouraged him to channel more of his passion into serving God and humanity through a structured foundation dedicated to prostate health, rather than focusing solely on activism.
Charly Boy also revealed that beyond offering the idea, Ekeh played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation and providing financial support that helped bring the initiative to life.
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, and 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.
