Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has stirred controversy after claiming that single mothers cannot raise boys into “proper men” without the influence of a male figure.
The actor made the statement during a recent interview on Okay 101.7 FM in Accra, Ghana, where he spoke about parenting, discipline, and family structures. His remarks have since triggered heated conversations across Nigeria and beyond.
In the interview, Iyke stressed that raising a boy child requires both masculine and feminine guidance. According to him, a mother’s nurturing nature alone is not enough to shape a boy into a responsible man.
“A woman can’t raise a man. You can’t, you’re not built for it,” he said firmly. “A single mother cannot raise a man properly. You need a male influence – go get your brother that’s doing well, or your father, or even any man that you trust. There has to be a male presence in raising a boy child.”
He argued that without this male presence, boys raised by single mothers risk becoming weak or undisciplined men who may struggle in life or repeat negative patterns.
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Iyke went further to explain his belief in distinct gender roles when it comes to parenting. He described women as natural nurturers who provide love and care, but insisted that men are necessary to instil discipline and resilience.
“Because women are naturally built to nurture, to love. And then what you’re going to raise is a very weak man. He is going to be everything like the men that left you,” Iyke said.
He added that boys need someone who can challenge them, discipline them, and sometimes say “no” to prepare them for life’s struggles. “You need somebody that would discipline him, tell him ‘No’ as often as possible, and put him in the grind,” the actor stated.
Iyke’s comments have ignited mixed reactions. Supporters argue that his view reflects cultural and traditional beliefs about family structures, where men are often seen as the primary disciplinarians and role models for boys. They believe that without father figures, many young boys struggle with identity, behaviour, and responsibility.
However, critics say his remarks are outdated and unfair to single mothers who successfully raise sons into responsible men. Many pointed to countless examples of strong, successful men who were raised by single women. For them, Iyke’s statement reinforces harmful stereotypes and undermines the sacrifices of single parents.
Nigeria, like many parts of the world, has a high number of single-parent households, often led by women. Economic pressures, divorce, migration, and even widowhood contribute to the growing number of single mothers raising children on their own.
Experts note that while parenting with two supportive parents has its advantages, many single mothers step into both roles successfully. They argue that love, stability, and consistent discipline matter more than whether a household is led by one parent or two.
Jim Iyke, one of Nollywood’s most popular actors, is no stranger to controversy. Known for his roles in action-packed and romantic films, he has often been in the spotlight for his outspoken views on life, relationships, and success.
His latest comments once again place him at the centre of debate, especially among women’s groups and advocates for single parents who believe his words downplay the resilience of women.
Iyke’s remarks have now fueled broader conversations about parenting in modern African society. Should raising boys be seen as a shared responsibility between men and women? Or can a strong, determined mother provide everything a child needs, regardless of the absence of a father figure?
For now, the actor’s comments continue to divide opinion. While some see his views as a wake-up call about the importance of fatherhood, others view them as dismissive of women’s strength and ability to raise successful children alone.
What remains clear is that Jim Iyke has once again sparked a discussion that touches deeply on culture, family, and the evolving roles of men and women in raising the next generation.
