Yahoo Boys are now role models, Diezani has said.
NewsOne Nigeria reports that Diezani Alison-Madueke, the Minister of Petroleum Resources under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, on Sunday noted that the society has lost its value to the extent that internet fraudsters (Yahoo Boys) have become role models in Nigerian.
Diezani made this comment while delivering a lecture at a virtual event which also had in attendance, former President Jonathan.
Speaking at the event organised by the Ijaw National Development Group on Friday, the former minister stressed the need for mentorship of Ijaw youths.
Diezani said: “The ones that have swag, the Yahoo Yahoo boys as my son would say; these, in short, are the role models they are looking at. These are the ones that reinforce negative societal norms and values.
“This is a travesty of an unfolding tragedy for us. Why have I spent time talking about fatherless homes and the impact it has on our children? The truth of the matter is that an irresponsible boy tends to become an irresponsible man and it is, therefore, a vicious cycle. If you plant yam, you cannot harvest plantain.”
Speaking further, Diezani said there are no shortcuts to progressing in life, adding that only hard work could guarantee success.
Diezani added: “There are no shortcuts to working your way up the ladder of life. Progressing in life, in work and relationships – marital or otherwise – is always dependent on consistent effort and hard work.
“As we create more responsible young men, we will generate more responsible fathers which will, in turn, engender a more sustainable society and build a greater nation of successful Ijaw men and women.”
The former minister said societal values have been affected due to the weak family bonds caused by broken homes.
Diezani pointed to cases where single parents raise kids and they do well, but noted that it is not the norm for single parents to raise kids.
The former minister thanked her former boss, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, for empowering women during his tenure.
Diezani has reduced to step her feet in the country following the allegations levelled against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.