Reality TV star Mercy Eke has revealed that she is ready to become a mother — even if it means having children outside of marriage.

In a recent interview, the BBNaija winner said she feels fully prepared, emotionally and financially, to raise a family on her own terms.

Mercy noted that she has worked hard enough to comfortably take care of herself and up to three children without needing a partner.

According to her, she hopes to have *three children — two girls and one boy* — and does not consider marriage a prerequisite for starting a family.

Mercy further explained that society’s criticism of women who have children outside of wedlock mostly affects those who are not financially stable.

She believes she is equipped to challenge that stereotype and create the life she wants.

She said: “I’m ready to have a child outside marriage. This year I actually wanted to have a baby, but something happened and I had to choose between that and the baby. At this point, if I get pregnant now, I’ll keep my baby. I have worked so hard, and I think I can take care of myself and three kids. I’m a goal-oriented person and I plan ahead.”*

She added:

"People don’t know that the stigma of having kids without a father is only applied to those who don’t have things going well for them.”