Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has called for the moral and ethical redirection of Nigerian youths, urging them to prioritise integrity, hard work, and innovation over the reckless pursuit of wealth.
Obi made the call on Saturday while addressing young people at the Golden Health Conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra State. The conference, themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” sought to address the growing materialism among Nigerian youths.
The former Anambra State governor revealed that he had to cut short a two-day meeting in the United Kingdom to attend the event, underscoring its importance. “I was glad to be part of the event because it addressed a vice that has eroded our values — the greed for material possessions,” he said.
Speaking on the true essence of wealth, Obi reminded participants that money, while important, constitutes only a fraction of real wealth. “True wealth 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 explained.
Obi also addressed the issue of internet fraud, commonly known as Yahoo Yahoo, describing some of those involved as “misguided geniuses” whose creativity and courage could be harnessed for national development if properly redirected.
“Our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. Their creativity, if guided, can drive innovation and progress. The challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise,” he noted.
He warned that the reckless pursuit of money corrodes both personal character and community values, stressing that leadership must set the right example. “A nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity,” he cautioned.
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Obi urged Nigerian youths to rediscover the dignity of labour and embrace hard work, innovation, and honesty as foundations for national rebirth. “Nations are built not by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build,” he said.
He further reminded the audience of the need for justice, fairness, and merit in governance, noting that Nigeria’s challenges lie not in resources but in the collective will to do what is right. “No religion or tribe buys bread cheaper than another. Once we embrace justice and fairness, our nation’s greatness will naturally unfold,” he added.
The Labour Party stalwart also commended Most Rev. Dr Owen Nwokolo, Bishop of the Diocese of the Niger, for his mentorship and praised the conference organisers for promoting ethical leadership and moral renewal among young Nigerians.
Concluding his remarks, Obi reiterated his optimism for national transformation, stating that “a new Nigeria is possible.”