Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, has urged Nigeria to guide internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo boys,” toward positive contributions instead of condemning them. Speaking at the “Golden Health” conference in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi said, “Some Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection. Their creativity, if guided, can drive innovation and national development.”
The event, held at All Saints’ Cathedral with the theme “Money Beyond Wealth,” aimed to promote ethical leadership and moral values among young people. Obi, who returned early from a UK trip to attend, stressed that Nigeria’s progress hinges on rejecting corruption and embracing integrity.
He emphasized that true wealth is rooted in character and purpose, not just money. “Real wealth uplifts society, supports education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities,” Obi posted on X. He cautioned that Nigeria’s moral foundation has been weakened by the pursuit of wealth without integrity and called on leaders to set an example of honesty.
Obi also encouraged youths to embrace hard work, saying, “Nations are built by people who think, work, and build, not by miracles.” He pushed for fair governance, free from ethnic or religious divisions, adding, “No tribe or religion buys bread cheaper than another. Nigeria has resources; what we lack is the will to do right.”
He commended Bishop Owen Nwokolo for his mentorship and praised the event organizers for fostering disciplined leadership among Nigerian youths.