Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate for the 2023 election, has taken aim at the current administration, asserting that there are more “Yahoo people” in government than outside its walls.
Obi made this statement during his keynote address as the guest speaker at the 4th graduation ceremony of Nexford University.
Speaking at the event themed “Lead the Change; Ignite Your Future”, Obi highlighted that the nation is gripped by corrupt officials siphoning funds from government coffers.
“When we talk about vices in governance, don’t assume it’s only the Yahoo boys causing the problem. In reality, there are more Yahoo practitioners within the government than outside of it, as we have turned the entire country into a crime scene, with both insiders and outsiders stealing,” he said.
He stressed the urgent need for effective leadership to steer the country’s affairs, encouraging the graduates to become catalysts for positive change within their communities.
“It boils down to leadership and igniting the future. It may not be rocket science, but the challenges are significant. It requires strong character and the resolve to resist wrongdoing.
“It is your responsibility to foster the positive change in the society you wish to inhabit. You have gained valuable knowledge today; use what you’ve learnt to help transform our society.
“You are all victims of Nigeria. Our generation, along with the one before us, has failed to do what is right, and you are now bearing the consequences,” he emphasised.
Former Minister of Solid Minerals, Obi Ezekwesili, described service as the cornerstone of leadership, urging graduates to engage in initiatives that have a positive impact on both their workplaces and the nation as a whole.
“Service epitomises leadership. We hope you view graduation as a chance to serve in the workplace.”
“The world of work you are entering is different from the one we knew. You must take the time to master it,” she remarked.
The founder of the institution, Fadl Al Tarzi, announced that over 1200 students graduated, attaining both undergraduate and master’s degrees.
He stated that the institution is dedicated to enhancing education through technology, highlighting the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support learning.
“We have specialised in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for nearly five years and have woven AI into all our courses and programmes.”
He further explained that AI could facilitate connections between Nigerian talents and their counterparts worldwide, potentially boosting the country’s economy.
“AI has the capacity to enhance the economy, depending on its development, but it may also displace jobs both in Nigeria and other markets. However, it has the potential to significantly increase productivity and expedite solutions to problems that could have taken years to resolve,” he added.
One of the graduates, Yewande Matthew, who achieved a first-class degree in Digital Marketing, described her academic journey as a blend of excitement and hard work, crediting her success to prioritising her activities and effective time management.
