Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially flagged off the Delta Widows Welfare Scheme, a landmark social investment initiative designed to provide financial relief and healthcare support for 10,000 widows across the state.
The well-attended ceremony at the Events Centre, Asaba, was described as a major milestone in the Governor’s MORE Agenda, particularly the pillar of Opportunities for All, aimed at uplifting the vulnerable and promoting inclusive governance.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his personal and political commitment to the welfare of widows, describing widowhood as a painful circumstance that is never by choice.
“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 stated.
According to him, under the programme, each widow will receive a monthly stipend of ₦15,000, credited directly into their bank accounts.
Payments are to commence immediately, with beneficiaries receiving an initial ₦45,000, covering three months in arrears.
In addition to financial aid, all beneficiaries are being enrolled into the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, giving them free access to healthcare services at accredited hospitals and primary health centres.
Governor Oborevwori stressed that the scheme is non-political and inclusive, cutting across all ethnic and religious divides.
Beneficiaries were identified through a transparent, community-driven process involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organizations to ensure that only genuine widows benefit, particularly the aged and physically challenged.
Since assuming office, the Oborevwori administration has empowered over 266,000 Deltans through women and youth empowerment schemes, skill acquisition programmes, MORE grants, 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 affirmed.
Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes, Elder Isioma Okonta, who coordinated the initiative, described it as “a historic milestone in Delta’s social investment journey”.
He commended the Governor’s compassion and praised First Lady, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for her consistent advocacy on behalf of widows.
Some beneficiaries, including Christiana Akaluzia, Elizabeth Mukoro, and Mercy Ololo, expressed deep gratitude, noting that the initiative would not only ease their financial burdens but also guarantee access to healthcare in their communities.
With the launch of the Widows Welfare Scheme, Delta State has further established itself as a pacesetter in pro-people governance, setting a new benchmark for compassionate and inclusive leadership in Nigeria.
