Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the current administration, accusing it of sheltering more corrupt officials, whom he referred to as “Yahoo people,” than those outside government.
Obi made these comments during his keynote address at the 4th graduation ceremony of Nexford University, where he served as the guest speaker. Themed “Lead the Change; Ignite Your Future,” the event focused on the significance of leadership and youth empowerment in shaping a better future.
Addressing governance and corruption, Obi expressed deep concern over the state of the nation, describing it as a breeding ground for both internal and external looters.
“When we talk about vices, don’t think it’s just Yahoo boys. There are actually more Yahoo people in government than outside it. We’ve turned this entire country into a crime scene, where both those inside and outside government are stealing,” he remarked.
Obi highlighted the pressing need for effective leadership to guide Nigeria toward meaningful development, urging graduates to be catalysts for positive change in their communities.
“Leadership is about igniting the future. It’s not rocket science, but it requires strong character and the ability to resist doing the wrong thing,” he explained.
Encouraging the graduates, he said, “You have gained knowledge today. Use it to drive societal change. Your education equips you to help create a better environment in the society where you want to live.”
Reflecting on the challenges facing young Nigerians, Obi added, “You are victims of Nigeria’s systemic failure because our generation and those before us have refused to do what is right. As a result, you are bearing the consequences.”
The former governor of Anambra State also stressed the pivotal role of young people in the country’s transformation. He urged them to leverage their education and skills to lead with integrity and build a nation rooted in accountability and progress.
By challenging the status quo and inspiring the next generation, Obi’s message resonated as a call to action for leadership driven by character, innovation, and commitment to change.
