…beneficiaries to receive stipends, Free Healthcare Services
The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has flagged off the Widows Welfare Scheme, a landmark initiative designed to provide financial and healthcare support for 10,000 widows across the state.
The ceremony, held at the Events Centre, Asaba, marked a major milestone in the Governor’s MORE Agenda to uplift vulnerable groups and entrench inclusive governance.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori recalled his long-standing commitment to the welfare of widows, both in his private life and public service.
He noted that widowhood is a painful circumstance that comes with great challenges, stressing that many widows are left to struggle for survival after the loss of their breadwinners.
“Being a widow is not by choice, and it will never be anyone’s choice. Beyond the pain of losing a loved one, widows are left with the burden of survival. That is why this administration is determined to improve their living conditions and give them hope”,the governor said.
Governor Oborevwori explained that the scheme aligns with the second pillar of the MORE Agenda – Opportunities for All, and fulfills his campaign promise to run an inclusive government that prioritises the poor and vulnerable.
Under the programme, each widow will receive a monthly stipend of ₦15,000, to be paid directly into their bank accounts. He announced that payments would commence immediately, with each beneficiary receiving an initial ₦45,000, representing three months’ arrears.
In addition, all beneficiaries are being enrolled in the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, which guarantees free medical care at accredited hospitals and primary healthcare centres across their localities.
“This health insurance is even more important than the stipends because it ensures that no widow is denied medical care due to lack of funds”, the governor emphasised.
He clarified that the Widows Welfare Scheme is non-political, cutting across religious and ethnic divides. Beneficiaries were carefully selected through a transparent, community-driven process across the 270 federal wards of the state, involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society groups to verify claims of widowhood.
According to him, the delay in the launch was to ensure that only genuine widows were enrolled, excluding those already employed or earning civil service salaries, so that the benefits go strictly to the aged, physically challenged, and most vulnerable.
Since the inception of his administration, Governor Oborevwori said, over 266,000 persons have benefitted from social investment programmes including women empowerment, youth initiatives, MORE grant projects, and business support schemes.
“As we build roads, bridges, and infrastructure, we must also invest in the welfare of our people. True governance is not just about physical projects but about touching lives and giving hope”, he added.
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes, Elder Isioma Okonta, who coordinated the scheme, described it as a historic milestone in Delta’s social investment journey.
He commended the Governor for his compassion and resolve to make government “a father to widows and a pillar of support for the poor”.
Okonta also praised the First Lady, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for her consistent advocacy for widows, describing her as “a shining example of compassion”.
Some beneficiaries, including Christiana Akaluzia, Elizabeth Mukoro, and Mercy Ololo, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the dual support of stipends and healthcare, noting that the scheme has restored their hope and dignity.
With this initiative, Delta State has once again positioned itself as a pacesetter in pro-people governance, setting a benchmark for inclusive and compassionate leadership in Nigeria.
