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As Music and Cultural Icon Champions Men’s Health Awareness
- Odibo Victory
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is set to unveil 999, the latest memoir by veteran entertainer, social activist and television personality, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy.
The public presentation, scheduled for Friday at the Alliance Française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre on Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, is dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.
The event promises an evening where legacy meets literature, storytelling inspires reflection and advocacy drives social impact.
Obasanjo will lead the unveiling in honour of Justice Oputa, whose unwavering commitment to justice, integrity and the rule of law left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s legal and democratic history.
The event will also celebrate Charly Boy’s remarkable journey as an unconventional public figure whose fearless advocacy, artistic expression and commitment to social justice have influenced generations of Nigerians.
With the tagline, “A Story. A Legacy. A Rebellion in Ink,” 999 offers an unfiltered account of a life defined by courage, controversy, creativity and conviction.
The memoir takes readers through Charly Boy’s upbringing as the son of one of Nigeria’s most respected jurists to his emergence as one of the country’s most outspoken cultural figures.
It explores themes of identity, family, resilience, courage, rebellion and purpose, presenting a powerful narrative of a life lived on its own terms.
Beyond its literary significance, the event will also support the Charly Boy Foundation’s campaign to raise nationwide awareness about men’s health, with a particular focus on prostate cancer.
Through sustained public education and advocacy, the foundation aims to encourage regular screening, early detection and timely treatment to improve health outcomes for men across Nigeria.
The event is expected to attract distinguished personalities from government, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps, the private sector, civil society, academia, healthcare, the media and the creative industry, alongside literary enthusiasts and members of the public.
Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Charly Boy described the memoir as “more than a personal story.”
“This book is about truth, courage and the freedom to be yourself despite the odds. It is my tribute to my father, whose sense of justice shaped my worldview, and my gift to every Nigerian who has ever dared to be different.
“If it also encourages more men to pay attention to their health, then its mission extends far beyond literature.
“999 is not just about me. It is about courage, truth, legacy and survival. It is a reflection of where I come from, the values my father stood for, the battles I have fought and the hope that our stories can inspire others to live boldly, care for themselves and never give up.”