Dare Babalola
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for efforts to redirect the energies of young Nigerians involved in internet fraud, popularly known as ‘Yahoo boys’, towards innovation and national development.
Obi made the call on Saturday in Onitsha, Anambra State during a conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, where he was a guest speaker at a youth event with the theme “Money Beyond Wealth”.
He noted that ‘Yahoo boys’ are geniuses who need guidance rather than condemnation.
According to him, true wealth is not just about money, but about integrity, character, and purpose, adding that real wealth uplifts individuals and society, promotes education, and creates opportunities for others.
“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.
He stressed that leadership must lead by example, saying a nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity.
He urged Nigerian youths to rediscover the dignity of labour and embrace hard work and innovation, saying nations are built by men and women who think, work, and build.
“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,” Obi wrote in a statement he posted on X.
Obi also noted that Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources, but picks the will to do what is right
He wrote, “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.”
