Peter Obi Says Some Yahoo Boys Are Geniuses Who Need Guidance, Not Condemnation

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that many of Nigeria’s so-called “Yahoo boys” are actually gifted individuals whose talents need redirection rather than condemnation.

Obi made this statement in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account titled “Our Youths Need Redirection”, following his engagement with young people at a youth conference in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The former Anambra governor said he had been invited by the Archbishop of All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, to speak on the theme “Money Beyond Wealth.”

“I arrived in the United Kingdom on Friday morning for a scheduled two-day meeting but had to cut it short by a day to attend a youth event in Onitsha today as a guest speaker,” Obi explained.

“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.”

The conference, held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, focused on promoting values of integrity and purpose over the pursuit of wealth.

Obi said he reminded the youths 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.”

Highlighting the potential of young Nigerians involved in internet fraud, Obi stated: “I told the youths that 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. Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise.”

He cautioned that the reckless pursuit of money destroys both individual character and community values, adding that leadership must set the right example. “A nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity,” he said.

Obi also urged Nigerian youths to rediscover the dignity of labour, embrace hard work, and commit to innovation. “Nations are built not by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build,” he said.

Concluding his message, Obi reminded Nigerians of the need for justice and fairness in nation-building: “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. Once we embrace justice, fairness, and merit, our nation’s greatness will naturally unfold.”

He expressed gratitude to Most Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, for his leadership and commended the organisers of the Golden Health Conference for promoting ethical leadership and moral renewal among the youth.

“A new Nigeria is POssible,” Obi added.

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