Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for the redirection of internet fraudsters’ talents towards national development, describing them as creative individuals whose skills could drive innovation if properly channelled.
Speaking at the Golden Health Conference on Saturday at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, Obi argued that young Nigerians involved in cybercrime possess abilities that could benefit the country if guided appropriately.
“I told the youths that some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation,” Obi said during the event themed “Money Beyond Wealth.”
“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.”
The former governor, who returned early from a two-day engagement in the United Kingdom to attend the youth-focused conference, described materialism amongst young people as a moral crisis threatening Nigerian society.
“The event addressed a vice that has eroded our values the greed for material possessions,” he said.
“Whilst money is important, it is only a fragment of true wealth, which rests on integrity, character, and purpose.”
Obi emphasised that genuine wealth extends beyond personal accumulation to societal impact.
“Real wealth promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives,” he added.
The politician warned against the destructive consequences of pursuing money without moral consideration, noting that such behaviour damages both individual character and community wellbeing.
“Leadership must lead by example, for a nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity,” he stated.
Addressing Nigerian youths directly, Obi urged them to embrace hard work and reject shortcuts to prosperity.
“Nations are not built by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build,” he said, calling for a return to the dignity of labour.
He further stressed that merit and fairness should form the foundation of Nigeria’s development agenda.
“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,” he said.
Obi commended Most Rev. Dr Owen Nwokolo, Bishop of the Diocese of the Niger, and the conference organisers for their efforts in promoting moral renewal and ethical leadership amongst young people.
