Veteran Nigerian entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has revealed why he connected former President Olusegun Obasanjo with comedian and content creator Isbae U for his interview show, Curiosity Made Me Ask.
Charly Boy spoke on Tuesday after Obasanjo’s appearance on the popular podcast went viral over the weekend.
According to him, the interview demonstrated the importance of giving young people opportunities and encouraging older generations to engage with their ideas and platforms.
The legendary musician, however, said Obasanjo’s age and experience embraced the unconventional format of the show and matched Isbae U’s energy.
He said, “Sometimes, the greatest thing you fit give a young person no be money. Na opportunity. Look at wetin happen when Baba entered Bae U’s world.”
“A man of his age and experience sat down with a young man whose style dey completely different from wetin he is used to. Baba no just sit there looking serious. He matched the energy, played along and showed Nigerians another side of himself.”
The 76-year-old musician further disclosed his role in making the collaboration between the former President and the young content creator.
“And who helped make that connection happen? CharlyBoy. Fada believed in the young people behind that show enough to pull Baba into their space.”
Obasanjo’s appearance on Curiosity Made Me Ask attracted attention after the former president engaged in the show’s trademark humour and banter with Isbae U.
The host jokingly introduced Obasanjo as his former employee, claiming that he had paid his salary, provided his food, and paid his rent at Aso Rock between 1999 and 2007.
Obasanjo also played along with the joke and responded to Isbae U’s questions about contemporary Nigerian pop culture, including whether he knew music producer Don Jazzy, dancer Poco Lee and content creator Carter Efe.
The former president said he did not know them, prompting further banter from the host.
Reflecting on the deeper lesson from the interview, Charly Boy urged older people to create opportunities for younger Nigerians rather than simply encouraging them to succeed.
“To the older generation: don’t only tell young people to succeed. Give them room. Open doors. Recommend them. Trust them with opportunities,” he wrote.
He also encouraged young people to prepare themselves to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
“To the younger generation: don’t wait for somebody to hand you a future. Build something worth believing in. When opportunity comes, be ready,” he said.
“When generations support each other, everybody gets to grow. Na so legacy suppose work,” the veteran entertainer submitted.
