Obi Calls For Redirection Of Yahoo Boys’ Talent For National Growth

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, says many young Nigerians involved in internet fraud, commonly called Yahoo boys, possess rare intelligence that can be channelled towards national development if properly guided.

Speaking at the “Golden Health” conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, the former Anambra State governor said Nigeria should focus on redirecting such creativity rather than condemning it. The event, themed Money beyond wealth, was aimed at inspiring ethical leadership and moral renewal among young people.

Obi revealed that he returned from a two-day meeting in the United Kingdom to attend the conference because it focused on one of Nigeria’s most troubling moral challenges — the growing obsession with wealth and materialism. He noted that the country cannot make progress while glorifying corruption and dishonesty.

He explained that money, though important, represents only a fraction of true wealth, which is built on integrity, character, and purpose. He added that real wealth uplifts both individuals and communities by promoting education, reducing poverty, and creating opportunities for others to live meaningful lives.

Obi warned that Nigeria’s moral foundation has been weakened by greed and the reckless pursuit of money. According to him, the country cannot move forward when its leaders fail to lead by example. He said nations that reward dishonesty cannot build a culture of integrity.

He urged Nigerian youths to rediscover the dignity of labour and to pursue hard work as the foundation of lasting success. Obi stated that progress does not come through miracles but through the collective effort of citizens who think, work, and build their nation.

He also called for fairness and justice in governance, stressing that national progress cannot be achieved through ethnic or religious divisions. He reminded the audience that no tribe or religion enjoys cheaper living costs than others, urging Nigerians to unite and do what is right for the country’s future.

The Labour Party leader commended Bishop Owen Nwokolo of the Diocese on the Niger for his guidance and praised the organisers of the event for promoting discipline and value-based leadership among the nation’s youth.