Some Yahoo Boys Are Geniuses Who Need Redirection, Not Condemnation — Peter Obi
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that some of Nigeria’s internet fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo boys, are actually geniuses whose talents need proper redirection rather than condemnation.
Obi made this known in a post on his verified X handle titled “Our Youths Need Redirection,” where he shared insights from his engagement with young people in Onitsha, Anambra State. He said he was invited by the Archbishop of All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, to speak at a youth conference themed “Money Beyond Wealth.”
According to him, despite being in the United Kingdom for a scheduled two-day meeting, he cut his trip short to attend the Onitsha event because it addressed one of Nigeria’s moral challenges — the excessive pursuit of material wealth.
“I arrived in the UK on Friday morning for an engagement but had to return early to attend a youth event in Onitsha. The conference focused on the greed for material possessions that has eroded our moral values,” Obi stated.
Speaking at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, Obi urged Nigerian youths to understand that while money is important, it is not the ultimate measure of true wealth.
“True wealth rests on integrity, character, and purpose. Real wealth uplifts individuals and society, promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives,” he explained.
The former Anambra State governor emphasized that some young Nigerians labeled as Yahoo boys possess remarkable creativity and courage that, if properly guided, could contribute to national development.
“I told the youths that some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. Their creativity, if channelled rightly, can drive innovation and growth. Our challenge is to guide their energy from deception to productive enterprise,” Obi noted.
He further warned that the reckless pursuit of money leads to the destruction of both personal character and community values, stressing that leaders must lead by example.
“For a nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity,” Obi said, adding that Nigeria must embrace the dignity of labour and value hard work and innovation as the foundation for progress.
He concluded by reminding Nigerians that “no religion or tribe buys bread cheaper than another,” emphasizing the need for justice, fairness, and merit as the path to national greatness.
“I thank Most Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, for his guidance, and commend the organisers of the Golden Health Conference for promoting ethical leadership and moral renewal among our youths. A new Nigeria is POssible,” Obi affirmed.
— Peoples Talk
