Peter Obi: Some ‘Yahoo Boys’ Are Geniuses Who Need Redirection

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has called for a more constructive approach to tackling cybercrime in Nigeria, saying that many so-called “Yahoo boys” possess exceptional intelligence that could be redirected toward national development.

Speaking on Saturday at the *Golden Health Conference* held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, Obi said, “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.”

The conference, themed *“Money Beyond Wealth,”* focused on promoting ethical leadership and moral renewal among young people. Obi revealed that he cut short a two-day meeting in the United Kingdom to attend the event, describing its focus as timely given the erosion of values and the rise of materialism in Nigerian society.

“Nigeria cannot attain greatness while celebrating corruption and rewarding dishonesty,” he warned. “Money is necessary, but it represents only a small part of true wealth, which rests on integrity, character, and purpose.”

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Obi wrote that real wealth uplifts individuals and communities by promoting education, reducing poverty, and creating opportunities for dignified living. He lamented that the reckless pursuit of money has undermined Nigeria’s moral foundation and urged leaders to model integrity.

“Leadership must lead by example, for a nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity,” he said.

Addressing the youth, Obi emphasized the importance of hard work and the dignity of labour, noting that “nations are not built by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build.”

He also called for justice and fairness in governance, stressing that national development demands a collective commitment free from ethnic and religious bias.

“No religion or tribe buys bread cheaper than another,” he remarked. “Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources; what we lack is the will to do what is right.”

Obi thanked Bishop Owen Nwokolo of the Diocese on the Niger for his mentorship and commended the organisers for promoting discipline and value-based leadership among Nigerian youths.