The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that many of Nigeria’s so-called internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo boys,” are actually gifted individuals whose talents need to be redirected for national development.
Obi made the remark in a post titled “Our Youths Need Redirection” on his verified X handle on Sunday, following his participation in a youth event held in Onitsha, Anambra State.
He explained that he attended the conference at the invitation of the Archbishop of All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, where he spoke to young people on the theme “Money Beyond Wealth.”
“I arrived in the United Kingdom on Friday morning to attend a scheduled two-day meeting, but I had to cut it short by a day to attend a youth event in Onitsha today as a guest speaker,” Obi stated.
He said the conference, held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, addressed a moral crisis in society — the greed for material possessions. According to him, true wealth goes beyond money and is built on integrity, character, and purpose.
“I reminded our young people that while money is important, it is only a fragment of true wealth, which uplifts both the individual and society, promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives,” he said.
Obi emphasized that some youths involved in cybercrime possess exceptional creativity and intelligence but have misdirected their energy. “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.
He warned that the reckless pursuit of money erodes character and community values, adding that leaders must lead by example if the nation hopes to rebuild integrity. “A nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor urged young Nigerians to rediscover the dignity of labour and embrace hard work and innovation, stressing that no nation progresses by miracles but through the dedication of its people.
He also called for justice, fairness, and meritocracy, saying these values would help Nigeria achieve its full potential.
Obi thanked Most Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, Bishop of the Diocese of the Niger, for his guidance, and commended the organisers of the Golden Health Conference for promoting ethical leadership among the youth.
“A new Nigeria is possible,” he concluded.