Nollywood actor James Ikechukwu Esomugha, popularly known as Jim Iyke, has stirred controversy with his recent remarks on single motherhood and raising male children. Speaking during an interview on Okay 101.7 FM in Accra, Ghana, the actor asserted that single mothers cannot raise their sons to become “proper men.”

According to Iyke, women are naturally wired to nurture and love, but raising a boy into a man requires a strong male presence. He argued that without male influence, boys risk growing up weak or lacking the discipline associated with manhood. “A woman can’t raise a man. You can’t, you’re not built for it,” he said, suggesting that single mothers should seek support from trusted male figures such as brothers, fathers, or mentors to help guide their sons.

Iyke’s comments have triggered mixed reactions, with some agreeing that male role models play a vital role in shaping boys, while others criticized his remarks as dismissive of the struggles and successes of countless single mothers raising responsible men worldwide. The actor’s statement adds to ongoing debates about parenting, gender roles, and the impact of family structures on child development.