Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday launched the Widows Welfare Scheme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting 10,000 widows across the state with financial aid and free healthcare services.
The launch event, which took place at the Events Centre in Asaba, is a key component of the Governor’s MORE Agenda, specifically targeting the empowerment of vulnerable groups and fostering inclusive governance.
Addressing attendees, Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his long-standing dedication to the well-being of widows, both in his personal capacity and now as a public servant. He described widowhood as a deeply painful experience, made more difficult by the financial and emotional burdens it often brings.
“Becoming a widow is never a choice. Beyond the pain of losing a partner, many widows face the harsh reality of survival without support. This administration is committed to easing that burden and restoring hope,” the Governor said.
He emphasized that the scheme is in line with the second pillar of the MORE Agenda – Opportunities for All – and represents a fulfillment of his campaign promise to run a government that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable.
Under the programme, each widow will receive a monthly stipend of ₦15,000, with the first ₦45,000 payment covering three months arrears and to be paid directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. In addition, all participants will be enrolled in the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, ensuring free medical care at accredited facilities across the state.
“The healthcare coverage is arguably even more critical than the stipend. No widow under this programme should be denied medical treatment because of financial constraints,” Governor Oborevwori stated.
He further clarified that the initiative is strictly non-political and cuts across all ethnic and religious boundaries in the state. Beneficiaries were selected through a rigorous, community-driven verification process across Delta’s 270 federal wards, involving traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders.
Governor Oborevwori explained that the delay in launching the scheme was intentional, to allow for thorough vetting and ensure only genuine, vulnerable widows — especially the elderly and physically challenged — were included, while excluding those already employed or earning government salaries.
Since the beginning of his administration, over 266,000 people have benefitted from various social investment programmes in Delta State, including women and youth empowerment initiatives, skill acquisition schemes, MORE grants, and business support projects.
“As we build roads and infrastructure, we must also invest in the lives of our people. Real governance goes beyond physical development – it’s about transforming lives and restoring dignity,” the Governor added.
Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes, Elder Isioma Okonta, who coordinated the project, hailed the launch as a landmark achievement in Delta’s social investment history. He praised the Governor’s compassion and commitment to using the machinery of government as a source of support for the disadvantaged.
He also acknowledged the role of the First Lady, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for her continued advocacy for widows, describing her as “a beacon of compassion.”
Several beneficiaries, including Christiana Akaluzia, Elizabeth Mukoro, and Mercy Ololo, shared emotional testimonies, thanking the Governor for bringing hope back into their lives through both financial support and free access to healthcare in their communities.
With this bold move, Delta State further cements its reputation as a leader in people-focused governance, setting a powerful example of inclusive, compassionate leadership in Nigeria.
