Ese Obire, an aide to the Delta State Governor, has criticized wealthy individuals in the state for failing to establish blue-chip companies that offer high-paying jobs. Speaking in a recent video, Obire claimed that no local company in the oil-rich state pays its staff salaries ranging from N400,000 to N500,000.
Concerns Over Investment Priorities
Obire expressed concern that the local elite prefer spending up to N7 billion on entertainment and events rather than investing in industrialization. While acknowledging the efforts of a few entrepreneurs, Obire pointed out that most businesses established in the state are hospitality ventures like hotels.
Low-Paying Jobs Dominate
He noted that these establishments primarily employ front desk officers and low-income earners, paying them the ₦70,000 minimum wage or less. The governor's aide appealed to Delta State businessmen to pivot toward high-value investments that can guarantee living wages for workers.
Obire's remarks have sparked discussions about economic development and job creation in Delta State, one of Nigeria's key oil-producing regions.
