Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has once again set social media on fire, this time with his controversial comments about single mothers raising male children. The actor, known for his bold personality, claimed in an interview that boys raised without fathers often face serious struggles in life, sparking a wave of heated debates online.
Jim Iyke, who has never shied away from speaking his mind, explained that while women are capable of nurturing, the absence of a father figure leaves gaps in a boy’s upbringing. According to him, male children require the guidance, discipline, and role modeling of a father to truly navigate the challenges of becoming men.
“A single mother can give her son love, care, and education, but there are things only a father can teach a boy,” Jim Iyke said.
The statement immediately went viral, with thousands of Nigerians flooding social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook to share their thoughts. Some agreed with Jim Iyke, citing cases where boys without father figures struggled with identity, discipline, or direction. Others, however, accused him of disrespecting hardworking single mothers who sacrifice everything to give their children the best.
One online user wrote: “Jim Iyke is right. No matter how strong, a mother can’t fully teach a boy how to be a man.” Another clapped back saying: “Single mothers are raising kings every day. Stop discrediting their efforts!”
The debate touches a deep cultural nerve in Nigeria, where family structures and gender roles remain a sensitive subject. Many pointed out that poverty, broken marriages, and absentee fathers have forced millions of women into single motherhood, and yet many of these women have successfully raised accomplished sons.
This is not the first time Jim Iyke has sparked controversy with his outspoken remarks. His comment has once again highlighted the clash between tradition and modern realities in Nigerian society.
As the reactions continue to pour in, one thing is clear: Jim Iyke has opened up a conversation that many Nigerians are passionate about — the role of fathers, mothers, and society in shaping the next generation of men.
