Yahoo Boys Are Geniuses Who Need Redirection, Not Condemnation, Opines Peter Obi

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has described young Nigerians involved in internet fraud, commonly called Yahoo boys, as “brilliant minds who require guidance rather than condemnation.”

Obi made this assertion while delivering a keynote address at the Money Beyond Wealth conference, held on Saturday at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra State.

In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the former Anambra State governor emphasized that the creative and technical skills possessed by many of these youths could be channeled into meaningful innovation and national progress if properly redirected. “I told the youths that 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. Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise.”

The conference, organised by the Golden Health Conference, focused on the dangers of materialism and the erosion of moral values in society. Obi lamented that greed and the obsession with wealth have undermined integrity and weakened the moral fabric of the nation.

According to him, money should not be mistaken for real wealth. “True wealth,” he said, “rests on integrity, character, and purpose.” He warned that the reckless pursuit of money, especially through dishonest means, destroys both personal character and communal harmony. “Leadership must lead by example,” he added. “A country that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity.”

Obi revealed that he cut short a two-day meeting in the United Kingdom to attend the youth conference, describing it as an opportunity to inspire young Nigerians to embrace hard work, innovation, and the dignity of labour. “Nations are not built by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build,” he stated.

The former governor also urged Nigerians to unite beyond ethnic and religious divides, insisting that the country’s problems are rooted in injustice and lack of moral leadership. “No religion or tribe buys bread cheaper than another,” he noted. “Nigeria is richly endowed with 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.”

Obi expressed appreciation to the Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Most Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, and the event organisers for their commitment to promoting ethical leadership and moral renewal among young Nigerians.