The Delta State Government has officially launched its Widows Empowerment Scheme, with 10,000 widows drawn from various local government areas and constituencies across the State set to benefit from the initiative.
The programme, flagged off on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba, was spearheaded by Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and initiated by the Executive Assistant on Social Welfare, Elder Hon. Dr. Isioma Okonta.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori described the scheme as a fulfillment of his campaign promise to support the poor and vulnerable, particularly widows, whom he said played a significant role during his election campaign.
“This initiative is part of our MORE Agenda, designed not only to deliver infrastructural development but also to provide welfare packages that touch lives directly,” the governor stated. “We are committed to ensuring that widows who are among the poorest of the poor are not left behind.”
According to the governor, each beneficiary will receive a monthly stipend of ₦15,000, with arrears of three months already approved for payment directly into their personal accounts. In addition, the widows will be registered for pension benefits and granted access to healthcare services through accredited hospitals and primary health centres across the state.
Oborevwori emphasized that only widows identified through a carefully verified selection process were considered for the scheme, excluding those currently employed by the state government.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included members of the Delta State House of Assembly, commissioners, senior political advisers, permanent secretaries, traditional rulers, spiritual leaders, and representatives of the Christian community.
Elder Okonta, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of the programme, describing it as “a historic first edition that demonstrates the government’s commitment to social welfare.” The flag-off ceremony carried the theme “Widows Alert: Sheriff Is Doing More.”
Governor Oborevwori further disclosed plans to expand empowerment initiatives to include youth employment, women-focused programmes, and other welfare schemes in the coming months.
“As of May 28, 2025, more than 677 people have already benefited from our social welfare programmes. This widows’ empowerment is not an act of charity but an investment in the well-being and future of our people,” he said.
He urged well-meaning Deltans to support the programme, adding that the government will continue to prioritize the needs of vulnerable groups across the state.
The governor then formally declared the Widows Welfare Scheme open.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
