ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday launched the Widows Welfare Scheme, a landmark initiative aimed at providing financial and healthcare support for 10,000 widows across the state.
The official flag-off, which took place at the Events Centre in Asaba, was described by the Governor as a crucial step in his MORE Agenda to uplift vulnerable groups and promote inclusive governance.
Oborevwori, reflecting on his personal and political commitment to widows’ welfare, noted that widowhood is a painful circumstance that no one chooses, stressing that widows often face neglect and harsh survival challenges after losing 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.
He explained that the scheme aligns with the second pillar of his administration’s MORE Agenda – Opportunities for All – and represents a direct fulfilment of his campaign promise to run an inclusive government.
Each widow under the scheme will receive ₦15,000 monthly, with payments to be made directly into their bank accounts. The Governor disclosed that beneficiaries would receive their first payment of ₦45,000, covering three months in arrears, without delay.
In addition, all beneficiaries are being enrolled in the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, granting them free access to healthcare services at accredited facilities across the state.
“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,” Oborevwori emphasized.
The Governor clarified that the Widows Welfare Scheme is entirely non-political and non-discriminatory, cutting across all religious and ethnic divides. He added that the beneficiaries were selected through a transparent and community-driven process involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society groups across the 270 federal wards of the state.
He explained that the delayed launch of the scheme was to ensure proper verification of genuine widows, excluding those already employed or drawing civil service salaries, so that the benefits reach only the most vulnerable, especially the aged and physically challenged.
Since assuming office, the Oborevwori administration has empowered over 266,000 people through social investment programmes such as women empowerment, youth skill acquisition, MORE grant projects, and business support initiatives.
“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,” the Governor stated.
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes, Elder Isioma Okonta, who coordinated the initiative, hailed the scheme as a historic milestone in Delta’s social investment journey.
Okonta said the initiative reflects the Governor’s compassion and his resolve to make government “a father to widows and a pillar of support for the poor,” while also commending the First Lady, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for her consistent advocacy for widows.
Beneficiaries including Christiana Akaluzia, Elizabeth Mukoro, and Mercy Ololo expressed deep gratitude to the Governor, describing the scheme as life-changing, especially with the added access to free healthcare in their communities.
With the introduction of the Widows Welfare Scheme, Delta State has once again reaffirmed its position as a pacesetter in pro-people governance, setting a benchmark for inclusive and compassionate leadership in Nigeria.
