Widows Welfare Scheme: Oborevwori flags off initiative, 10,000 widows to benefit ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

The Widows Welfare Scheme, a landmark initiative designed to provide financial and healthcare support for 10,000 widows across Delta State, has been flagged off by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori

Additionally , all beneficiaries will be 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.

Flagging off the scheme at the Dome Event Centre on Monday 18th August 2025 , in Asaba the state capital, Governor Oborevwori recalled his long standing commitment to the welfare of widows both in his private life and public service.

He explained that the scheme directly supports the second pillar of his administration,s MORE Agenda--Opportunities for All, and is a fulfillment of his campaign promise to run an inclusive government that carries everyone along , especially the poor and vulnerable

The Governor 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 bread winners .

Said Governor Oborevwori on the free health care services to be enjoyed by the beneficiaries: "This health insurance is even more important than the stipends ( #15,000 monthly) because it ensures that no widow is denied medical care due to lack of funds"

The Governor , while clarifying that the Widows Welfare Scheme is entirely non-political, cutting across all religious and ethnic divides in the state , added 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 widowhood claims .

Earlier , the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes , Elder Isioma Okonta , who also coordinated the scheme, described it as a historic milestone in Delta,s social investment journey .

He added that the initiative demonstrates the Governor,s compassion and his resolve to make government  "a father to widows and a pillar of support , to the poor"

With the flag off of the Widows Welfare Scheme , Delta State , with over 266,000 people having been empowered through various social investment programmes such as women empowerment , skills acquisition schemes, youth initiatives, MORE grant projects, and business support programmes, has once again positioned itself as a pace setter in pro-people governance , setting a benchmark for inclusive and compassionate leadership in Nigeria.