Veteran Nigerian entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has revealed that his father gave him his first cigarette after discovering that he had already begun experimenting with smoking in secret.
Speaking during an interview with Nevon HQ on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Charly Boy reflected on how he developed the smoking habit at a young age and explained why he is now committed to quitting after decades of tobacco use.
According to the entertainer, his father became aware that he had been sneaking behind the house to imitate smoking by rolling paper. Rather than overlooking the behavior, his father confronted him and handed him a cigarette.
Recounting the experience, Charly Boy said the incident marked the first time he was given an actual cigarette, although he had already been experimenting with smoking beforehand.
“My father gave me my first cigarette. He said, ‘I know you go to the backyard to roll paper, come and take one cigarette.’ But I thank God I’m also beating that habit because I can’t be advocating for good health and at my age I’m still smoking,” he said.
The veteran entertainer explained that quitting smoking has become an important personal goal, particularly because of his growing advocacy for healthy living.
According to him, continuing to smoke while encouraging others to adopt healthier lifestyles would contradict the message he hopes to promote.
Charly Boy acknowledged that breaking a habit developed over many years is not easy, but he said he is determined to overcome it and ensure that his personal lifestyle reflects the values he now advocates publicly.
He noted that his decision to stop smoking is motivated not only by concerns about his own health but also by a desire to lead by example.
The entertainer said he believes it is important for public figures to practice what they preach, especially when speaking about issues relating to health and well-being.
His remarks also offered insight into his childhood and his relationship with his father, revealing how his early exposure to cigarettes developed.
While he said his father gave him his first cigarette, Charly Boy explained that he had already started experimenting with smoking by secretly rolling paper behind the house before his father discovered what he was doing.
The revelation illustrates how habits can begin at an early age and, in some cases, continue well into adulthood if they are not addressed.
Despite having smoked for many years, Charly Boy said he remains optimistic about his ability to leave the habit behind.
He described his ongoing effort to quit as part of a broader commitment to living a healthier life and maintaining consistency between his personal choices and his public advocacy.
Over the years, Charly Boy has become known not only for his career in entertainment but also for his outspoken views on social issues and his advocacy on matters affecting Nigerians.
His latest comments highlight a more personal aspect of his life, as he reflected on the origins of a longtime habit and the determination required to change it.
The entertainer’s account also underscores the long-term impact that early-life experiences can have on personal behavior, while demonstrating that it is possible to make positive lifestyle changes regardless of age.
According to Charly Boy, his decision to quit smoking represents more than a personal health objective. It is also an effort to ensure that his actions align with the message he shares with others about the importance of healthy living.
His remarks serve as a reminder that overcoming long-standing habits often requires commitment and self-reflection, and that individuals can choose to adopt healthier lifestyles even after many years.
The comments were made during his interview with Nevon HQ, where he discussed both the origins of his smoking habit and his ongoing efforts to leave it behind as part of his commitment to promoting better health.
