The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has called for a reorientation of Nigeria’s youth, saying that some individuals commonly labeled as “Yahoo boys” are actually geniuses whose talents need proper guidance rather than condemnation.
Obi made the call when he addressed young people in Onitsha during a youth conference organised by the Archbishop of All Saints’ Cathedral, where he spoke on the theme, “Money Beyond Wealth.”
In a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, titled “Our Youths Need Redirection,” Obi said he had travelled to the United Kingdom for a two-day meeting but cut short his trip by a day to attend the event in Onitsha because of its relevance tow youth development.
“Upon my arrival this morning, I went straight to Onitsha and was glad to be part of the event because it addressed a vice that has eroded our values — the greed for material possessions,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor explained that during the conference, which was held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium of All Saints’ Cathedral, he reminded young people that while money is important, it represents only a small part of true wealth.
“Real wealth rests on integrity, character, and purpose,” he said. “It uplifts both the individual and society, promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives.”
He stressed that some of those involved in cybercrime were actually gifted and innovative individuals who could contribute meaningfully to national development if properly guided.
“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,” Obi
said. “Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise.”
The former governor warned that the reckless pursuit of money without values could destroy both individual character and community harmony.
He further urged leaders to set good examples, saying that a nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity.
Obi also advised Nigerian youths to rediscover the dignity of labour, embrace innovation, and understand that sustainable progress comes from hard work rather than shortcuts.
“Nations are built not by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build,” he said. “No religion or tribe buys bread cheaper than another. Nigeria has abundant resources; what we lack is the will to do what is right.”
He expressed appreciation to the Bishop of the Diocese of the Niger, Most Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, for his guidance, and commended the organisers of the Golden Health Conference for promoting moral renewal and ethical leadership among Nigerian youths.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
