Oborevwori Launches Monthly Stipend, Healthcare Welfare Scheme for 10,000 Widows in Delta State

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially launched the Widows Welfare Scheme, a landmark initiative aimed at improving the lives of 10,000 widows across the state through financial and healthcare support.

The flag-off ceremony, held on Monday, August 18, 2025 at the Events Centre, Asaba, marked a major step in advancing the Governor’s MORE Agenda, particularly its pillar of Opportunities for All.

Under the scheme, each widow will receive a monthly stipend of ₦15,000, credited directly to their bank accounts. Payments are to begin immediately, with beneficiaries receiving ₦45,000 upfront to cover three months in arrears.

In addition, all participants are being enrolled in the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, guaranteeing free access to healthcare at accredited hospitals and primary health centres.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that widowhood is a painful condition that comes with enormous social and economic challenges.

“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 stressed that the initiative is non-political, cutting across ethnic and religious lines, with beneficiaries carefully verified through a transparent, community-driven process involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society groups.

Oborevwori explained that the delay in the scheme’s commencement was to ensure that only genuine widows in need, especially the aged and physically challenged, were enrolled. He also highlighted that over 266,000 Deltans have already benefitted from various empowerment and social investment programmes since the start of his administration.

“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 added.

Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes, Elder Isioma Okonta, who coordinated the project, described the initiative as a historic milestone in Delta’s social investment journey. He also 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 financial stipends but also granting them access to free healthcare in their localities.

Since assuming office, Oborevwori’s administration has empowered over 266,000 people through various women, youth, and business support programmes. With the flag-off of the Widows Welfare Scheme, Delta State has once again positioned itself as a pacesetter in pro-people governance, setting a benchmark for inclusive and compassionate leadership in Nigeria.