Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described many Nigerian internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as highly intelligent individuals whose talents need redirection rather than condemnation.
Speaking on Saturday at the Golden Health Conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, Obi argued that some of these young people possess creativity and courage that, if properly channelled, could contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development,” he said.
“Instead of discarding them, let’s find ways to channel their energy into technology, enterprise, and problem-solving.”
Themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” the conference focused on rebuilding moral values and promoting ethical leadership among Nigerian youth.
Obi disclosed that he cut short a two-day engagement in the United Kingdom to attend the event, describing it as a “timely platform to address a vice that has eroded our values, the uncontrolled pursuit of material wealth.”
He lamented that Nigeria cannot progress while celebrating corruption and dishonesty, stressing that “a nation that rewards wrongdoers cannot build integrity.”
“Money is important, but it is only a small part of true wealth,” Obi said.
“Real wealth uplifts both the individual and the community. It promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live with dignity.”
The former governor noted that the relentless chase for money has weakened the country’s moral foundation, insisting that leaders must serve as examples of honesty and responsibility.
“No society can move forward when dishonesty is celebrated and integrity is mocked. Leadership must reflect the values it preaches,” he added.
Obi urged Nigerian youths to embrace hard work and the dignity of labour, saying that great nations are not built through miracles but through consistent effort and innovation.
He also called for justice, equity, and fairness in governance, emphasizing that true national development can only be achieved through honesty and shared purpose rather than ethnic or religious bias.
“No tribe or religion buys bread cheaper than another,” Obi said.
“Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources; what we lack is the will to do what is right.”
