Veteran 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.
During a recent interview, the actor argued that women are naturally built to nurture and love, but not to instill the discipline and structure required to raise a man.
“A woman can’t raise a man. You can’t, you’re not built for it. A single mother cannot raise a man properly,” he said.
“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 it.”
Jim Iyke added that without such influence, boys raised by single mothers risk becoming “weak men”, resembling the very men who may have abandoned their families.
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“What you’re going to raise is a very weak man. He is going to be everything like the men that left you. You need somebody that would discipline him, tell him ‘No’ as often as possible, and put him in the grind.”
His comments have sparked heated reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the role of single mothers in raising emotionally and mentally strong sons. While some agree with Iyke’s perspective, others have called it reductive and dismissive, pointing to countless examples of successful men raised by single mothers.
Jim Iyke, known for his outspoken nature and bold takes, has yet to respond to the backlash.
