Delta State governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has flagged off a Widows’ Welfare Scheme to lift 10,000 widows in the state.
The ceremony held at the Events Centre in Asaba, the state capital marked a bold step in the governor’s Meaningful Opportunities for all, Accelerated Development, Realistic Reforms, and Excellent Service Delivery (MORE) Agenda and a fulfilment of his campaign promises to run an inclusive government that caters for the poor and vulnerable persons.
At the event, Governor Oborevwori said under the scheme, each widow would receive a monthly stipend of ₦15,000 that will be paid directly into their bank accounts.
He said the payments would commence immediately, with the beneficiaries receiving their first stipend of ₦45,000 of three months in arrears.
In addition to the cash support, all beneficiaries will be enrolled in the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme to guarantee them free access to healthcare services at accredited hospitals and primary health centres in their localities.
The governor recalled his commitment to the welfare of widows both in his private life and public service.
He described widowhood as a painful circumstance that is never a choice, stressing that widows often face neglect and severe survival challenges after the loss of their breadwinners.
Oborevwori said, “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 explained that the scheme supports the second pillar of his administration’s MORE Agenda – Opportunities for All.
“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,” he stated.
The governor clarified that the Widows Welfare Scheme is entirely non-political, cutting across all religious and ethnic divides in Delta, adding that the beneficiaries were selected through a transparent and community-driven process covering the 270 federal wards of the state, involving community leaders, traditional rulers and civil society groups to verify claims of widowhood.
According to him, the delay in the flag-off was to ensure that only genuine widows were enrolled, while excluding those already employed or earning civil service salaries, so that the benefits go strictly to those most in need, especially the aged and physically challenged.
Since the inception of the administration, over 266,000 people have been empowered through social investment programmes such as women empowerment and skill acquisition schemes, youth initiatives, MORE grant projects and business support programmes.
The governor said more interventions, such as job creation and empowerment schemes for women and youths would soon be rolled out.
“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 said.
The executive assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes, Elder Isioma Okonta, who coordinated the scheme, described it as a milestone in Delta’s social investment journey.
He said the initiative demonstrated the governor’s compassion and his resolve to make the government “a father to widows and a pillar of support for the poor.”
Okonta praised the First Lady, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for her consistent advocacy for widows, calling her “a shining example of compassion.”
Some beneficiaries, including Christiana Akaluzia, Elizabeth Mukoro and Mercy Ololo, expressed gratitude to the governor for not only providing them with stipends but also granting them access to free healthcare in their communities.
