Veteran Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has revealed that the controversy surrounding the renaming of a bus stop once named after him almost pushed him into depression.
The 74-year-old activist explained that the change of “Charly Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” deeply affected him, to the point where he briefly left Nigeria in search of peace of mind.
“Life is a bitch, then we die. I had to escape Nigeria just to save my sanity,” he admitted.
According to him, he travelled to Europe to visit his brother, musician Dr Alban, intending to rest and recharge.
“I was to spend three weeks recharging and rebooting. But after just ten days, body begin scratch me like say I forget something for Nigeria, the same place wey dey give me sleepless nights. Couldn’t even complete two weeks, I run come back,” he said.
Although he jokingly described the experience as feeling like “jazz,” Charly Boy stressed that depression is a serious issue many Nigerians silently battle with.
“Depression na real matter. I was lucky to take a break and come back refreshed. But how many people get that kind privilege? Some people no even get where to run to. Dem dey stuck with their pain, smiling on the outside, but bleeding inside.”
The self-styled Area Fada further urged Nigerians not to treat mental health struggles as weakness or taboo, encouraging people to speak up and seek help.
“If Area Fada fit admit say sometimes e dey choke, you too no need to pretend. Speak up, breathe, find your way back. Life go still test us, but make we no let am break us. My people, here’s wishing you a happier month. It shall be well with us,” he added.
