I told my wife whenever I slept with another lady – Charly Boy

Charly Boy

First, I don’t like the word, ‘activism’, because it has been so abused and overused. I am just a person who sees things differently. I would rather be called a ‘social engineer’. I am trying to re-tweak the minds of young people. I have always maintained that the salvation of this country lies in the hands of the youth. In my lifetime, I have met more than a few outstanding young people I will always be proud to say that I learnt from. Some of them have even made me to think differently.

I know they can bring about change if they get themselves together; and that is part of my job. ‘Area Fada’ is not just a nickname; but a way of life.

On what steps should be taken to ensure continuity of activism in the country, I am doing what I can, and I am not the only one engaged in this social re-engineering of the Nigerian youth. There are many of us doing the same thing; so, it is already happening. I don’t have to wait, or go looking for who to teach or mentor. All I need to do is to keep encouraging them, because I know  they have the power. They have the numbers, but the journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. Nigeria is not going to be fixed overnight. That is why they should see it as a battle between light and darkness, and between hopelessness and their destiny. If they can think along those lines, I am here to give them guidance.

I think a lot comes with age and personality. I have no reason to be alive today. I am only alive by God’s grace. God prepared me for something special. My mother carried me in her womb for 11 months, instead of the regular nine months. So, I know that I am not ordinary, and I don’t follow trends. I walk my own path. That is why some people say I am controversial; because, I speak the truth and I’m brutally honest about who I am. I don’t care what anybody thinks about me. I have no shame in my ‘game’; not after 10 children and 16 grandchildren. I already know who I am. That is why I cry sometimes, because of the injustice in Nigeria. The only reason I have not finally gone mad is because I don’t keep anything bottled up inside me. I share the little I know with people who are looking for knowledge. I don’t go to sleep carrying anything in my mind. I think that is what explains my youthfulness, aside from exercising.

Like they always say, it takes two to tango. There’s what I call ‘demarcation of duties’. Everybody should know their position.

Longevity in marriage does not rely solely on the woman. But, I believe that women are the stronger sex. I believe that as God created them to love and nurture, they have the upper hand. But, for an irresponsible man, it would be quite difficult. For a man who is not on the same page with the woman, keeping the marriage will be difficult.

I don’t believe that women are the weaker vessels. In terms of physical strength, men are stronger. But, in terms of emotional strength and nurturing, I believe that women are far stronger than men. In the past, I used to hear it said that men should not cry. But, I don’t subscribe to that; because I cry when things affect me.

My wife has been a very good friend. She totally understands me. Even if I make mistakes, or sleep with somebody outside, I would tell my wife.