Abayomi Susan
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Labour Party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, veteran broadcaster Bisi Olatilo, Zinox Group Chairman Leo Stan Ekeh, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, popular comedian MC Gordons, and other prominent Nigerians converged in Lagos on Friday for the public presentation of Charles Oputa’s memoir, 999, alongside the unveiling of the Charly Boy Foundation.
The event, held at the Alliance Française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre on Osborne Road, Ikoyi, featured the launch of the memoir as well as a fundraising drive for the newly established Charly Boy Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early diagnosis, and supporting the treatment of prostate cancer.
Delivering his opening remarks, Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, reminisced about his long-standing relationship with Charly Boy, revealing that they both attended Holy Ghost College, Owerri. He described the veteran entertainer and activist as a fearless, unconventional Nigerian whose unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power has remained consistent throughout his career.
The memoir was reviewed by renowned communications scholar, Dr. Austin Tam-George, who described 999 as an intimate and thought-provoking account of Charly Boy’s life. According to him, the book chronicles the author’s journey through family, identity, activism, resilience, and purpose while offering profound lessons on courage, perseverance, and social responsibility.
One of the defining moments of the event was a fireside conversation between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Charly Boy. During the discussion, Obasanjo reflected on his years in office, acknowledging that choosing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election was, in his view, “the greatest mistake” of his presidency.
The former President observed that leadership inevitably involves difficult decisions and occasional missteps, noting that while every leader makes mistakes, that particular decision was one he would not make again.
Beyond the political discourse, the gathering also celebrated the enduring legacy of the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, to whom the memoir is dedicated. Speakers paid glowing tributes to the revered jurist for his unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law, while commending Charly Boy for preserving his father’s ideals through literature and social advocacy.
With the theme, “A Story. A Legacy. A Rebellion in Ink,” 999 offers an unfiltered account of Charly Boy’s extraordinary life—from his upbringing as the son of one of Nigeria’s most respected jurists to his emergence as one of the nation’s most outspoken entertainers, social commentators, and advocates for justice.
The memoir also provides candid reflections on his personal struggles, family experiences, activism, health challenges, and the life lessons gained from decades of living boldly and authentically.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the title, Charly Boy explained that 999 symbolises new beginnings rather than an ending. As he approaches his 76th birthday, he said the memoir marks the beginning of another chapter in his life’s journey and expressed optimism that readers would find inspiration, hope, and resilience in the experiences shared throughout the book.
The event drew an impressive gathering of leaders from politics, business, media, and the entertainment industry, underscoring Charly Boy’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s cultural and democratic landscape while reinforcing the importance of literature, advocacy, and public health awareness.
