Yahoo boys are talented youths who need guidance, not punishment – Peter Obi

 

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for a more constructive approach to addressing internet fraud among Nigerian youths, popularly known as yahoo boys.

Speaking on Saturday at the Golden Health Conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi described many of the youths involved in cybercrime as “genuinely gifted individuals” whose intelligence and creativity are being misapplied.

The conference, themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” focused on promoting ethical leadership and moral renewal among the youth.

“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. Instead of throwing them away, let’s find ways to channel their energy into technology, enterprise, and problem-solving,” Obi said.

The former Anambra governor said he cut short a two-day engagement in the United Kingdom to attend the event, describing it as “a timely platform to discuss a vice that has eroded our values — the uncontrolled pursuit of material possessions.”

He warned that Nigeria could not achieve greatness while celebrating corruption and dishonesty, stressing that “a nation that rewards wrongdoers cannot build integrity.”

“Money is important, but it is only a small part of true wealth. Real wealth uplifts both the individual and society. It promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives,” he said.

Obi lamented that the reckless pursuit of money has damaged Nigeria’s moral foundation, saying that leadership must be exemplary to rebuild trust and integrity in public life.

“Leadership must lead by example. No society can progress when dishonesty is rewarded and integrity is mocked. Our leaders must embody the values they preach,” he said.

He urged Nigerian youths to rediscover the dignity of labour and embrace hard work, adding that “nations are not built by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build.”

The Labour Party stalwart also called for justice, equity, and fairness in governance, saying that true national development can only emerge from shared purpose and honesty, not ethnic or religious sentiments.

“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,” Obi added.