By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has paid glowing tributes to two distinguished Nigerians, veteran entertainer and activist Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa and renowned environmentalist and adventurer Newton Jibunoh, describing them as extraordinary patriots whose lives continue to inspire hope, resilience and national service.
Obi made the remarks on Saturday via his X handle after attending the launch of 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy in Lagos on July 31 and visiting the newly established Newton Jibunoh Centre and Museum in Asaba on Saturday.
Reflecting on the memoir launch, Obi said Charly Boy is often misunderstood because of his unconventional appearance and public image, but insisted that behind the persona is “a thoughtful intellectual, a compassionate human being, and a patriot deeply committed to building a better society for all.”
He particularly commended Charly Boy’s campaign for men’s health through his foundation, noting that the veteran entertainer had transformed his personal battle with prostate cancer into a platform for creating awareness, encouraging early detection and expanding access to treatment.
According to Obi, good health remains one of the most important pillars of national productivity and development, pledging his support for the foundation’s efforts to improve men’s health across the country.
The former Anambra State governor also used the occasion to honour Newton Jibunoh, whom he described as one of Nigeria’s living icons, during a visit to the newly inaugurated Newton Jibunoh Centre and Museum in Asaba.
Although he was unable to participate in Jibunoh’s Mandela Day event themed, “Poverty and Inequality Are in Our Hands,” Obi said it was important for him to personally visit the elder statesman.
He described Jibunoh as a man of immense wisdom whose life experiences and remarkable achievements continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.
Obi recalled Jibunoh’s historic road expeditions across the Sahara Desert to London, first undertaken in 1967 and repeated in 2000, 2008 and subsequent years, saying the journeys remain enduring symbols of courage, resilience, determination and an adventurous spirit.
He observed that the expeditions also serve as a reminder of an era when travel within Nigeria and across Africa was considerably safer than it is today.
According to him, every conversation with Jibunoh reinforces the urgent need to restore security, unity and shared prosperity in Nigeria.
