Labour Party’s presidential candidate during the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has said that most Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.
Obi made these remarks in Onitsha, during a youth-led convention, which he attended as a guest speaker.
“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,” Obi said in a statement released
He cautioned that Nigeria cannot attain greatness while celebrating corruption and rewarding dishonesty. He compared the current vices to those that which is currently affecting the political class.
He said while money is necessary, it represents only a small part of true wealth, which, he said, 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,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor revealed that he had cut short his travels because he felt the urge to encourage many of the youths upon his arrival from the United Kingdom.
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“I went straight to Onitsha and was glad to be part of the event because it addressed a vice that has eroded our values, the greed for material possessions,” Obi said.
He condemned violence that comes in the form of religious attacks, saying that, whether Christians or Muslims, or traditional worshippers, fairness and merit are what Nigerians need.
“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” he concluded.