Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo will unveil 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy at a special event in Lagos on Friday, July 31, honouring the legacy of late Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa as entertainer and social activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, launches his deeply personal account of a life shaped by activism, resilience and public service.

The event will take place at the Alliance Française de Lagos and Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, bringing together senior government officials, members of the judiciary, diplomats, business leaders, healthcare professionals, media executives, creatives and literary enthusiasts for an evening centred on legacy, literature and public advocacy.

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The memoir, titled 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy, chronicles Charles Oputa’s unconventional journey from growing up in one of Nigeria’s most respected legal families to becoming one of the country’s most outspoken cultural figures.

Through deeply personal reflections, the book explores identity, resilience, family, social justice and the price of challenging societal norms.

The launch also serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, the retired Supreme Court Justice widely remembered for chairing Nigeria’s Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission, popularly known as the Oputa Panel.

Established in 1999 by the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the commission became a defining effort to examine human rights abuses committed during years of military rule and remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Beyond its literary significance, the event carries a strong public health message. Proceeds and awareness generated through the occasion will support the Charly Boy Foundation’s campaign to encourage prostate cancer screening, early diagnosis and improved men’s health education across Nigeria.

Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Charles Oputa described the memoir as more than an autobiography.

“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,” Charles Oputa said.

Charles Oputa added that the memoir reflects decades of personal struggles, public scrutiny and unwavering advocacy.

“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.”

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s participation adds symbolic significance to the occasion, given the former president’s longstanding association with Justice Oputa through the historic Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission.

Observers say the event represents a rare convergence of public service, literature, civic engagement and health advocacy.

The unveiling is expected to provide readers with a powerful insight into one of Nigeria’s most unconventional public figures while reinforcing conversations around justice, personal freedom and preventive healthcare.

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The occasion also highlights the growing role of memoirs in documenting contemporary Nigerian history through the lived experiences of influential personalities.