Nigeria has more ‘Yahoo people’ in government than outside – Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has criticized the current administration, claiming that corruption is more rampant within government institutions than outside of them.

Obi made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 4th graduation ceremony of Nexford University. Speaking at the event themed “Lead the Change; Ignite Your Future,” he said, “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 because we have turned the entire country into a crime scene where people inside are stealing and people outside are stealing.”

He emphasized the need for competent leadership to steer the country away from corruption and called on graduates to become agents of positive change in their communities. “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 said.

Urging the graduates to apply their education for societal improvement, Obi added, “Use what you have learnt to help us change society. You are a victim of Nigeria because our age and the age before has refused to do what is right, and you are suffering it.”

Also speaking at the event, former Minister of Solid Minerals Obiageli Ezekwesili underscored the significance of service as a cornerstone of leadership. She advised the graduates to engage in meaningful service both in their careers and in society. “Service is the best of leadership. We hope that you see graduation as the opportunity for service to the work,” she said.

The founder of Nexford University, Fadl Al Tarzi, revealed that over 1,200 students graduated during the ceremony, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He emphasized the institution’s commitment to leveraging technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance education.

“We have integrated AI in all our courses across all programs. AI has the potential to improve productivity and address challenges that would have otherwise taken years to resolve,” Al Tarzi said. He also noted AI’s potential to connect Nigerian talent with global opportunities and drive economic growth.