Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, 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 in Asaba, marked a significant step in the governor’s MORE Agenda to uplift vulnerable groups and promote inclusive governance.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Oborevwori recalled his long-standing 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.
“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.
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He explained that the scheme directly supports the second pillar of his administration’s MORE Agenda, and is a fulfilment of his campaign promise to run an inclusive government that carries everyone along, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Under the scheme, each widow will receive a monthly stipend of ₦15,000, to be paid directly into their bank account.
The governor emphasised that payments would commence immediately, with beneficiaries receiving their first stipend of ₦45,000 covering three months in arrears.
In addition to the cash support, all beneficiaries are being enrolled into the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, which guarantees them free access to healthcare services at accredited hospitals and primary health 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,” Gov. Oborevwori held.
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 carefully 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.
