The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described Nigerian youths involved in internet fraud, popularly known as ‘Yahoo boys’, as “geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”
Obi made the remarks while speaking as a guest speaker at the “Money Beyond Wealth” conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, in Onitsha.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday, the former Anambra State governor argued that the skills possessed by these youths could be harnessed for national development.
“I told the youths that some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation,” Obi stated. “Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development. Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise.”
The conference, organised by the Golden Health Conference, was convened to address the “greed for material possessions” which Obi noted has “eroded our values.”
In his address, Obi stressed that money is merely a “fragment of true wealth,” which he defined as resting on “integrity, character, and purpose.” He contrasted this with the damaging effects of ill-gotten gains.
“I also stressed that the reckless pursuit of money destroys both character and community,” he said. “Leadership must lead by example, for a nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity.”
Obi, who mentioned he cut short a two-day meeting in the United Kingdom to attend the youth event, urged attendees to “rediscover the dignity of labour and embrace hard work and innovation.”
“Nations are built not by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build,” he continued.
He concluded with a call for national unity and justice, reminding the audience that Nigeria’s challenges are not tribal or religious.
“Finally, I reminded everyone that no religion or tribe buys bread cheaper than another,” Obi said. “Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources; what we lack is the will to do what is right. Once we embrace justice, fairness, and merit, our nation’s greatness will naturally unfold.”
He also thanked the host, Most Rev. Dr Owen Nwokolo, Bishop of the Diocese of the Niger, and the event organisers for “promoting ethical leadership and moral renewal” among youths.