Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has stirred debate after stating that single mothers cannot raise boys into “proper men” without the presence of a male figure.
Speaking in a recent interview with Okay 101.7 FM in Accra, Ghana, Iyke argued that women are naturally built to nurture and love, but boys require the guidance and discipline of a male influence to grow into responsible men.
“A woman can’t raise a man. You’re not built for it. A single mother cannot raise a man properly. You need a male influence – go get your brother that’s doing well, your father, or any man you trust,” Iyke said.
He added that without such support, boys risk becoming “weak men” who replicate the negative behaviors of absent fathers. According to him, the presence of a male role model is essential to instill discipline, structure, and resilience in boys.
Iyke’s comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some agreeing on the importance of male role models, while others criticized his remarks as dismissive of the struggles and successes of single mothers.
