Nollywood Actress Iyabo Ojo Champions Single Motherhood, Credits Faith for Success

LAGOS, Nigeria – Veteran Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has sparked widespread social media discussion after making bold declarations about single motherhood, success, and challenging societal stereotypes in an emotional video message that has gone viral.

The actress, who raised two children as a single mother, dismissed negative perceptions surrounding unmarried mothers while celebrating her personal achievements, including property ownership in Lagos’s upscale Lekki neighborhood and her children’s professional success.

Breaking Stereotypes About Single Mothers

Ojo used the platform to address persistent stigma facing single mothers in Nigerian society. She emphasized that success should be measured by personal growth, stable finances, and well-adjusted children rather than marital status alone.

“I’m the president-general of single mothers because my daughter has succeeded, my son has succeeded, and my life is better,” the actress declared in the video shared across social media platforms Friday.

The film star, who began raising her children at a young age, described the challenges of single parenthood as mentally and emotionally exhausting. She recounted moments of confusion and uncertainty about her family’s future during the early years.

Faith and Perseverance Lead to Property Ownership

Ojo credited divine intervention and personal resilience for her current circumstances, which include becoming a landlady in Lekki, one of Lagos’s most affluent districts. The actress expressed disbelief at her own journey from struggling single mother to property owner.

“When you’re raising children at a young age, you almost run mad. There were times I didn’t know which road to pass,If they told me I’d be a landlady in Lekki, I’d say it was a lie. It wasn’t me, it was God.” – She added

The actress’s testimony resonates with many Nigerian women who face financial and social challenges while raising children without partners. Property ownership in areas like Lekki represents significant economic achievement in Lagos’s competitive real estate market.

Views on Relationships and Parenting

Beyond celebrating single motherhood, Ojo addressed relationship dynamics between men and women. She noted that both genders make choices in marriage, suggesting that relationship outcomes depend on multiple factors rather than gender alone.

The actress also expressed admiration for fathers who actively participate in raising their children, challenging narratives that portray absent fathers as the norm in single-parent situations.

“Put your faith in God and see whether God will not do it for you. I easily fall in love with fathers that take care of their children, “Na man go leave you, na man go marry you. Na woman go leave you, na woman go marry you,” she said in Nigerian pidgin English.

Mixed Social Media Reactions

The video generated diverse responses across Nigerian social media platforms, with users debating the actress’s message about success, marriage, and motherhood.

Some social media users praised Ojo’s candid discussion of single motherhood challenges and her emphasis on faith-based resilience. Others questioned the timing of her statements, noting that her daughter recently married, while she advocates that marriage isn’t an achievement marker.

User @Judecstephen described the declaration as equal parts humor, inspiration, and celebration, while others expressed skepticism about the sustainability of her daughter’s recent marriage.

Critics suggested the actress’s message might send conflicting signals to younger women about relationship goals and personal fulfillment.

Career and Public Profile

Ojo has maintained a prominent position in Nigeria’s entertainment industry for over two decades, appearing in numerous Yoruba and English-language films. Beyond acting, she has developed business ventures and maintains an active social media presence where she regularly shares perspectives on parenting, relationships, and personal development.

The actress has previously spoken about her journey as a single mother, though this latest declaration marks her most emphatic public stance on the subject. Her willingness to address sensitive topics has made her both controversial and influential among Nigerian audiences.

Broader Context on Single Motherhood in Nigeria

Single mothers in Nigeria often face social stigma, economic challenges, and limited support systems. Traditional cultural expectations around marriage and family structure can create additional pressure on unmarried mothers.

However, increasing numbers of Nigerian women are publicly sharing their experiences raising children independently while building careers and achieving financial stability. Ojo’s high-profile declaration adds to growing conversations about redefining success beyond marital status.

The actress’s emphasis on faith reflects the significant role religion plays in Nigerian society, where many attribute personal achievements to divine favor rather than individual effort alone.

As discussions continue online, Ojo’s message highlights ongoing debates about parenting, gender roles, and what constitutes a successful life in contemporary Nigerian society.