Veteran Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke, has stirred up conversations after claiming that single mothers cannot raise boys into “proper men” without the presence of a male figure.

Speaking during an interview with Okay 101.7 FM in Accra, Ghana, the actor argued that raising a male child requires balance—something he believes a woman alone cannot provide.

“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—get your brother that’s doing well, your father, or even a trusted man. There has to be a male presence in raising a boy,” Jim Iyke said.

According to him, women are naturally built to nurture and love, but without firm male guidance, a boy risks growing up weak and undisciplined.

“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 who will discipline him, tell him ‘No’ often, and put him in the grind,” he added.

His comments have sparked debate online, with many agreeing on the importance of father figures, while others argue that countless single mothers have successfully raised responsible and successful men.