Emmanuel Ikubese: “It’s Not Just About Looks – Intelligence Wins Every Time”
Actor and former Mr Nigeria, Emmanuel Ikubese.
Actor and former Mr Nigeria, Emmanuel Ikubese, has shared what truly draws his attention to a woman—and it’s not just physical beauty. In a recent interview, Ikubese explained that while a woman’s appearance might initially catch his eye, it’s her intellect, emotional depth, and problem-solving ability that keeps his interest.
“Even if your body is perfect, and if you don’t have wisdom or emotional intelligence, it’s nothing,” he said.
He encouraged women to focus on developing their minds just as much as their bodies. According to him, a woman who can think critically, support her partner emotionally, and offer meaningful insights is far more valuable than one who focuses solely on appearance.
The Silent Struggles of Men
Ikubese also opened about the emotional challenges many men face but rarely talk about. He highlighted how society often expects men to always be strong, leaving them little room to express vulnerability.
“One of the most painful parts of being a man is that you’re not allowed to look weak, even when you’re breaking,” he said.
He spoke about the silent burden of always being the giver—expected to provide, protect, and stay strong even when emotionally drained. This pressure, he believes, is a major reason many men suffer in silence, which can eventually lead to emotional breakdowns.
“Be the kind of woman that can solve problems, that can make a man say, ‘Oh my God, I didn’t think of that; thank you!’ That’s what lasts.” — Emmanuel Ikubese
The Need for Safe Spaces
Ikubese called for a cultural shift that allows men to be seen as humans first—people who also need support, love, and a listening ear. He stressed that men should be free to cry, seek help, and be vulnerable without being labelled weak.
To manage his own stress, Ikubese said he takes breaks, travels, learns new things, and most importantly, leans on prayer as his anchor in tough times.
Emmanuel Ikubese’s insights are a reminder to both men and women: beauty fades, but wisdom, kindness, and emotional connection endure. As a society, we must learn to value intellect in women and emotional freedom for men, so everyone can thrive without judgment.
