Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for redirecting the ingenuity of cybercrime perpetrators, also known as Yahoo Yahoo, for national development.
Obi made the call in a post on X at the weekend, where he recalled his remarks at a Youth Conference in Anambra State.
The conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, of Onitsha, had the theme ‘Money Beyond Wealth’.
Obi described how perpetrators of cyber fraud as “geniuses”, who should be guided and encouraged to drive innovation.
“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,” .. read.
Obi said his aim of attending the conference was to address a vice that has eroded the values of the youths and the greed for material possessions.
“I reminded our young people that while money is important, it is only a fragment of true wealth, which rests on integrity, character, and purpose.
“Real wealth uplifts both the individual and society, promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives,” he noted.
Obi further stressed that the reckless pursuit of money destroys both character and community.
He urged the nation’s leaders to lead by example because “a nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity.
“I urged our youths to rediscover the dignity of labour and embrace hard work and innovation. Nations are built not by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build.”
He added, “Finally, I reminded everyone that 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.”
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