A Woman Can’t Raise a Proper Man — Jim Iyke

Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has sparked controversy after declaring that single mothers are not “built” to raise boys into proper men without the involvement of a father figure or another trusted male presence.

Speaking in a recent interview with Okay 101.7 FM in Accra, Ghana, Iyke insisted that women, by nature, are nurturing but cannot instill the discipline and resilience needed to raise boys into strong men.

“A woman can’t raise a man. You can’t, you’re not built for it. A single mother cannot raise a man properly,” the actor 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.”

Iyke added that while women provide love and care, these qualities alone could produce men who lack strength and discipline.

“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. You need somebody that would discipline him, tell him ‘No’ as often times as possible, and put him in the grind,” he argued.

To illustrate his point, the actor shared a personal story about his four-year-old son during a family holiday in France. According to Iyke, his son was bullied on the beach by white children who refused to return his football.

Iyke recounted that instead of intervening, he urged his wife not to step in either, insisting the boy should handle the situation himself.

“That is the natural propensity of a woman to go aid him. And I told her, don’t you dare come near him. This is a conversation between two men. Go back to what you’re doing,” he said.

Eventually, his son confronted the bullies, fought them off, and reclaimed his ball. Iyke said the moment was proof that boys need challenges and discipline guided by male figures.

“I’ve never been more proud of him. I’m not here to help you. I’m here to guide you. I’m here to protect you. I’m here to provide for you. The rest, you figure it out by yourself. And that’s what makes tough kids. That’s my idea of leadership,” the actor stated.