Jim Iyke Shares Controversial Take on Parenting: “Single Mothers Can’t Raise a Man”
- Nollywood star Jim Iyke said single mothers cannot raise boys into “real men” without a male figure
- The actor, in a recent interview, narrated a beach incident with his son in France to prove his point about discipline
- The Nollywood star's comments have gone viral, with many Nigerians divided over whether he went too far
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Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has drawn debate with a controversial take on parenting.
Speaking in a recent interview on Okay 101.7 FM in Accra, Ghana, the movie star argued that single mothers are not “built” to raise boys into proper men without the influence of a male figure.
According to him, while women are naturally nurturing, this quality is not enough to instill resilience, toughness, and discipline in a boy.

Source: Instagram
The actor declared:
“A woman can’t raise a man. You can’t, you’re not built for it. A single mother cannot raise a man properly. You need a male influence… there has to be a male presence in it"

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To illustrate his point, the father of one shared a dramatic experience involving his four-year-old son during a family holiday in southern France.
The Nollywood star explained that his son, whom he described as “a horrible footballer,” was bullied by white children who refused to let him go home with his ball after a game.
He recalled:
“My son ran back crying. My wife wanted to step in, but I stopped her. I told her, ‘Don’t you dare come near him. This is a conversation between two men."
Instead of intervening, Iyke said he allowed his son to face the situation. Moments later, the boy returned, confronted the kids, pushed down the biggest one, and reclaimed his ball.
The actor added, stressing that his parenting style is about guidance, not rescue.
“I’ve never been more proud of him than that moment.”
For the actor, fatherhood is not about shielding his son from challenges but about preparing him for them.
He stated:
“I’m not here to help you. I’m here to guide you, protect you, provide for you. The rest, you figure out by yourself. That’s what makes tough kids. That’s my idea of leadership"
See the video here:
Fans react to Jim Iyke's video
Legit.ng compiled the reactions of netizens
@chefhook_:
"Lost my dad at Age 11- my mother raised my siblings and I! The farthest thing I’m from is a weak man, if I tell you what I have been through in this life and what I have achieved someone who has their both parents fit craze if them go through half. Single mothers raise weak men! Mumu talk!"
@its_anitachristabel:
"Don't repeat that, my grandma raised five sons and they're all handsome, successful, and lovely men - a true testament to her parenting!"
@kudzy_rubie23:
"BIG LIE,I and my brother are products of a single mother after my dad passed and she did amazing and is doing wonderfully well"
@ms_juuls:
"Women in general don suffer shaaaa. Every eke market day, women this, women that"

Source: Instagram
Jim Iyke, Gideon Okeke in online battle
Legit.ng earlier reported Nigerian online users have shared their thoughts on a new post by Gideon Okeke regarding his colleague, Jim Iyke
Jim had wished his friend, Kate Henshaw, a happy birthday in the most unusual way. While many found it insulting, others understood his 'sarcasm.'
Nonetheless, this did not sit well with Gideon, who begrudgingly blasted Jim Iyke via a fresh post. He cited his 'arrogance' and 'narcissistic' attitude for posting such a message about Kate Henshaw.
Source: Legit.ng