Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described some Nigerian internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo boys, as “misguided geniuses” whose creativity can be redirected toward national development rather than outright condemnation.
Speaking on Saturday in Onitsha, Anambra State, during the Golden Health Conference themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” Obi said many young people involved in cybercrime demonstrate innovation and intelligence that, if properly guided, could transform Nigeria’s economy.
“Some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation,” Obi said. “Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development.”
He noted that his early return from a UK trip to attend the event underscored his commitment to addressing moral decay and material greed in Nigerian society. According to him, “Money is necessary, but it is only a small part of real wealth. True wealth is built on integrity, character, and purpose — it uplifts society, promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others.”
The former Anambra governor decried the glorification of wealth obtained through questionable means, saying Nigeria’s moral fabric is collapsing because “leadership celebrates corruption while punishing honesty.” He urged young people to rediscover the dignity of labour and rebuild the nation through innovation and hard work, not shortcuts.
Obi also called for justice and fairness in governance, stressing that development cannot thrive in a nation divided by tribal and religious sentiments. “No religion or tribe buys bread cheaper than another. What we lack in Nigeria is not resources, but the will to do what is right,” he said.
He thanked Bishop Owen Nwokolo of the Diocese on the Niger and commended the conference organisers for championing value-based leadership and moral reorientation among Nigerian youths.
