August 18, 2025 – Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, officially flagged off the widows’ welfare scheme, a landmark initiative aimed at supporting 10,000 widows across the state with financial and healthcare benefits.
The launch, held at the Events Centre in Asaba, represents a major part of the governor’s MORE Agenda to uplift vulnerable groups and ensure inclusive governance.
“I officially flagged off this administration’s Widows Welfare Scheme – Widows Alert – today, in consonance with the second pillar of the MORE Agenda, which is Opportunities for All,” Oborevwori stated during the ceremony.
“It is also in fulfilment of my promise to run an open and all-inclusive government that carries everyone along. In all, 10,000 beneficiaries have been enrolled to receive monthly stipend.”
The governor confirmed that each widow would receive a monthly stipend of ₦15,000, with three months’ arrears already approved for upfront payment. Beneficiaries are to get ₦45,000 immediately, while subsequent payments will be credited directly into their bank accounts.
“I have directed that three months’ arrears be paid upfront to the beneficiaries. Thereafter, the monthly stipend will continue to be paid to all enrolled widows,” he said.
Highlighting the difficult realities many widows face, Oborevwori added, “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.”
As part of the welfare package, the governor announced that all beneficiaries have been enrolled into the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, with the government paying the monthly premiums.
This guarantees widows access to free healthcare in accredited hospitals and primary health centres across their communities. “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,” Oborevwori explained.
He further stressed that the initiative is not tied to politics, religion, or ethnicity. “The widows’ welfare scheme is entirely non-political, cutting across all religious and ethnic divides in Delta,” the governor clarified.
He also revealed that the selection of the 10,000 widows was done through a transparent and community-driven process covering the 270 federal wards in the state. Community leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society groups played roles in verifying claims of widowhood to ensure fairness.
“As a government, we cherish every opportunity to contribute towards improving the lives of widows and other vulnerable individuals in our society,” the governor concluded.