Reality TV star and businesswoman Mercy Eke has opened up about her readiness to embrace motherhood—even if it means doing so without being married.

The Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem winner revealed during a recent interview that, at 33, she feels mentally, emotionally, and financially prepared to welcome a child as a single mother if the right partner doesn’t show up soon.

Mercy explained that her decision stems from confidence in her ability to raise a child independently, noting that financial stability changes how society perceives single motherhood.

According to her, much of the stigma surrounding women who give birth outside marriage tends to affect those who lack financial support. She believes that success and independence reshape the narrative.

In her words:

“I’m ready to have a child outside marriage… At this point, I think if I get pregnant now, I’m just going to have my baby.
“I have worked so hard, and I think I can take care of myself and three kids. For me, what people don’t know is all this stigma of having kids without a father is only applied to people who don’t have things going on well for them.
“I’ve not met the person that I will want to spend the rest of my life with.”

Mercy also clarified that marriage is not a pressing priority for her at the moment, as she is yet to meet someone who aligns with her values and expectations.

Opinion: A Bold Statement in a Society That Still Worships Marriage

Mercy Eke’s declaration is one of those statements that shakes the table—and rightly so. In a society where women are constantly pressured with “When are you marrying?” and “Your biological clock is ticking,” her honesty comes across as refreshing, brave, and deeply relatable for many modern women.

Her stance reflects a growing shift:
More women are choosing fulfillment, stability, and emotional readiness over society’s timeline.

And she’s not wrong about the stigma. Nigeria’s social standards often judge single mothers harshly, but that judgment tends to fall harder on those struggling financially. For a woman who has built a successful brand, multiple businesses, and a strong presence in the entertainment space, the narrative changes.

Still, her opinion sparks important conversations:

Should motherhood depend solely on marriage?
Is emotional readiness more important than societal approval?
And does financial stability truly erase stigma—or does it simply silence critics?

Whether or not one agrees, there’s something admirable about Mercy’s clarity. She knows what she wants, understands the weight of the responsibility, and refuses to be boxed into society’s expectations.

At the end of the day, every woman has the right to choose her path. And Mercy’s choice—bold, unconventional, and confident—shows the power of a woman who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to live by her own terms.