In a bold statement that has raised eyebrows, Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, has accused the current Nigerian government of harboring more “Yahoo people” (internet fraudsters) within its ranks than outside. The former governor of Anambra State made the comments during his keynote address at the 4th graduation ceremony of Nexford University in Lagos.
The event, themed “Lead the Change; Ignite Your Future”, saw Obi speak out against the corruption he claims is widespread among Nigerian government officials. According to Obi, these corrupt individuals in government have turned the country into a “crime scene” where stealing and fraudulent activities happen on both sides – inside the government and outside, in the streets.
While addressing the graduates, Obi emphasized that the problem of corruption is not exclusive to internet fraudsters, but extends deeply into the government, where many officials are involved in stealing from the public coffers. “For governance, don’t think when we talk about vices, it is only Yahoo boys. There are actually more Yahoo people in government than there are outside,” Obi remarked.
His comments highlight the ongoing frustration many Nigerians feel about the persistence of corruption in high places, despite the country’s efforts to combat it. Obi’s remarks resonate with a large portion of the Nigerian population who are dissatisfied with the current political leadership, which they believe has failed to address the challenges of corruption and poor governance effectively.
The growing problem of internet fraud, known colloquially as “Yahoo Yahoo,” has been a long-standing issue in Nigeria, with young men particularly using it as a means to quickly amass wealth. However, Obi’s remarks suggest that the corruption in the government is much more damaging, as it affects the resources meant for the development of the nation. By drawing this parallel, Obi is criticizing the inability of the current administration to tackle corruption within its own ranks, even as it tries to combat fraud at the grassroots level.
In the same speech, Obi called for a shift in leadership, stating that the nation desperately needs a government that will provide solutions to its many problems. “It is about leadership and igniting the future. It is not rocket science but it is difficult. It is being able to have a strong character, the ability not to do the wrong thing,” he urged. Obi encouraged the graduates to use their newly acquired knowledge to help bring about positive change in Nigerian society. He urged them to rise above the challenges posed by past leadership failures and become agents of transformation for the country.
Obi’s speech highlights a widespread concern in Nigeria: the disconnect between the leadership and the people. Many Nigerians believe that successive governments have failed to provide basic amenities, tackle corruption, and ensure accountability. Obi, who has been an outspoken critic of the government, believes the youth are the key to turning things around. He sees them as the future of Nigeria, capable of making the country a better place through good leadership and service to their communities.
Also speaking at the event was Obi Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Solid Minerals, who underscored the importance of service as the foundation of leadership. Ezekwesili, known for her work in education and governance, encouraged the graduates to see their future careers as an opportunity to serve others. “Service is the best of leadership,” she said, emphasizing that the graduates should approach their professional lives with a mindset of giving back to society.
Ezekwesili also discussed the changing dynamics of the workforce, noting that the world the graduates are entering is vastly different from the one their predecessors faced. “This whole world that you are in, you have to master it,” she advised, urging the graduates to stay ahead of global trends and adapt to the challenges they will encounter in their respective careers.
The graduation ceremony saw a significant turnout, with over 1,200 students graduating with both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The founder of Nexford University, Fadl Al Tarzi, took the opportunity to highlight the institution’s commitment to enhancing education through technology. According to Al Tarzi, the university has been integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its curriculum for nearly five years, positioning itself as a leader in educational innovation. He stated that AI could play a pivotal role in connecting Nigerian talent with global opportunities, potentially boosting the country’s economy by increasing productivity and solving complex problems.
Al Tarzi explained that while AI might disrupt traditional job markets, it holds the promise of solving long-standing challenges and accelerating research and development in various fields. He stressed that the technology could enhance Nigeria’s ability to compete on the global stage, provided the country invests in its development and adapts to the changes AI brings.
Among the graduates was Yewande Matthew, who completed her studies in Digital Marketing with a first-class degree. Reflecting on her academic journey, Matthew described the experience as a mixture of excitement and hard work. She credited her success to prioritizing activities and managing her time effectively, an approach she encouraged fellow graduates to adopt in their future careers.
The ceremony and the speeches delivered by Obi, Ezekwesili, and Al Tarzi all revolved around the theme of leadership and the importance of positive change in society. The speakers called on the graduates to use their education and skills to drive progress, not just in their professional lives, but in their communities as well. The overarching message was clear: the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of the youth, and they must lead the charge in transforming the country into a place of opportunity, integrity, and prosperity.
Peter Obi’s criticism of the government, along with his call for a change in leadership, serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria today. His remarks resonate with a growing number of Nigerians who are frustrated by the lack of accountability and transparency in the government. As the country continues to grapple with issues of corruption and poor governance, the message from Obi and other leaders at the graduation ceremony is one of hope and resilience – that the youth of Nigeria have the power to lead the change the country desperately needs.
