In Onitsha, Anambra State at the Golden Health Conference held at Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, Peter Obi  former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party  delivered a compelling address on youth, innovation and morality.

According to a report by Daily Trust, Obi described Nigeria’s “Yahoo boys” (internet fraudsters) as “genuinely gifted individuals” whose talents, if properly channelled, could fuel national development. Daily Trust

Geniuses in the Wrong Direction

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.” Daily Trust

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He argued that while the term “Yahoo boy” typically carries social scorn, behind the label lies ingenuity and boldness resources Nigeria cannot afford to waste. According to the organiser of the conference and local reports from Daily Post Nigeria, the event’s theme was “Money Beyond Wealth.”

Values, Leadership and Real Wealth

Obi warned that Nigeria cannot

“achieve greatness while celebrating corruption and dishonesty.” He said that leadership at all levels must “lead by example.” He urged youths to rediscover the dignity of labour and embrace hard work, emphasising that

“Nations are not built by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build.”

On the matter of wealth, he clarified that money is “important, but it is only a small part of true wealth.” He asserted that when wealth uplifts both the individual and society through education, opportunity and dignity, then it fulfils its proper purpose.

Redirecting Talent, Not Wasting It

Obi’s key message: the ingenuity behind many internet fraud operations presents a challenge and an opportunity. If channelled into technology, enterprise or problem-solving rather than cybercrime, those talents could be turned into engines of growth. He remarked that a nation that rewards wrongdoers or mocks integrity cannot build a healthy society.

He further identified Nigeria’s leadership deficit as a major obstacle to progress, saying the failure to enforce integrity and fairness in governance damages every sector of society. Leadership must embody the values it preaches.

In essence, Peter Obi wants the spotlight shifted: from condemnation of youth who go into cybercrime, to constructive redirection of their skills. His message: we cannot afford to squander Nigerian talent even when it takes the wrong path.

“Instead of throwing them away, let’s find ways to channel their energy into technology, enterprise, and problem-solving.” According to Daily Trust

If we build a society where integrity is rewarded, innovation is nurtured and talent is redirected, Nigeria stands a greater chance of sustainable progress.