Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that some Nigerian internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo boys, possess remarkable intelligence and creativity that could be redirected toward innovation and national development.
Speaking in Onitsha, Anambra State, at the Golden Health Conference themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” Obi said many of the yahoo boys need guidance rather than condemnation.
“Some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not rejection. Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” he stated.
Obi, who cut short a trip to the United Kingdom to attend the event, described the conference as significant because it tackled a growing moral crisis which is the obsession with material wealth.
He lamented that Nigeria would not attain greatness while glorifying corruption and rewarding dishonesty.
“Money is important, but it represents only a fraction of true wealth,” he said. “Real wealth is rooted in integrity, character, and purpose — it uplifts communities, supports education, fights poverty, and creates opportunities for others.”
The former Anambra State governor warned that the uncontrolled pursuit of wealth had eroded the nation’s values, stressing that leaders must model honesty and responsibility.
“A country that celebrates dishonesty cannot build a culture of integrity,” he cautioned.
Obi also encouraged Nigerian youths to rediscover the dignity of labour, emphasizing that nations were built “not by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and create.”
While calling for justice, fairness, and unity in governance, he reminded Nigerians that development transcends tribal and religious boundaries. “No tribe or religion buys bread cheaper than another. Our challenge is not a lack of resources, but a lack of the will to do what is right,” he said.
He added by thanking Bishop Owen Nwokolo of the Diocese on the Niger and commended the conference organisers for championing value-based leadership and discipline among Nigerian youths.
