Reality TV star Mercy Eke has stirred major conversations online after revealing that she is fully ready to embrace motherhood even if it happens outside marriage.
In a recent interview, the former Big Brother Naija winner explained that having a child now feels like the next natural step for her, regardless of her marital status. According to her, she has reached a point in her life where she feels prepared, emotionally and financially, to raise a child on her own.
Mercy emphasised that becoming a mother is more important to her at this stage than waiting for the “perfect” partner.
“If I get pregnant now, I’m just going to have my baby,” she declared, adding that she could even raise up to three children independently.
She noted that marriage is not one of her immediate priorities, especially because she has yet to meet someone who matches her expectations or aligns with what she wants at this point in her life.
Addressing societal pressure, Mercy pointed out that criticism around having children outside marriage often targets women with limited financial security. She argued that many women who are comfortable and self-sufficient now feel empowered to make personal decisions without fear of judgment.
Still, Mercy made it clear that she isn’t completely shutting the door on love or marriage. She believes that the right partner will come at the right time but she won’t delay starting a family simply because she is unmarried.
Her candid remarks have reignited national discussions about shifting cultural expectations around marriage, motherhood, and women’s autonomy in Nigeria.
