2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said that some internet fraudsters, popularly known as yahoo boys, are geniuses who need redirection rather than condemnation.
Obi revealed via his X page that he made the remark while addressing young people at the Golden Health Conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha.
The event, themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” focused on rebuilding values among Nigerian youths.
He said many of those involved in online fraud possess intelligence and courage that could be harnessed for innovation and national development.
“Some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation,” Obi said. “Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development.”
He warned against the reckless pursuit of money, noting that it destroys both character and community.
According to him, real wealth rests on integrity, character, and purpose, not material possessions.
“A nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity,” Obi said. “Our youths must rediscover the dignity of labour and embrace hard work and innovation.”
He also urged leaders to lead by example, adding that Nigeria’s greatness will unfold once justice, fairness, and merit are embraced.
Obi thanked Most Rev. Dr Owen Nwokolo, Bishop of the Diocese of the Niger, for his guidance, and commended the conference organisers for promoting moral renewal among youths.
See his full post below
Our Youths Need Redirection
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. Upon my arrival this morning, I went straight to Onitsha and was glad to be part of the event because it addressed a vice that has eroded our values — the greed for material possessions.
The Conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, had the theme “Money Beyond Wealth.” I reminded our young people that while money is important, it is only a fragment of true wealth, which rests on integrity, character, and purpose. Real wealth uplifts both the individual and society, promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives.
I told the youths that 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. Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise.
I also stressed that the reckless pursuit of money destroys both character and community. Leadership must lead by example, for a nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity. I urged our youths 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.
Finally, I reminded everyone that no religion or tribe buys bread cheaper than another. 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.
I thank Most Rev. Dr Owen Nwokolo, Bishop of the Diocese of 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. -PO
