Asaba, Delta State – October 18, 2025 – In a heartwarming display of governmental compassion and unwavering commitment to social equity, thousands of widows across Delta State are once again beaming with unbridled joy as the much-anticipated disbursement of their monthly stipends under the transformative Delta State Widows Welfare Scheme resumes. The air in communities from the bustling streets of Asaba to the serene villages of Bomadi is filled with gratitude, as payment alerts lit up mobile phones on Thursday, October 16th, and Friday, October 17th, 2025. This latest round of financial support is not merely a transaction; it is a lifeline, a promise fulfilled, and a testament to the progressive vision of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration.
At the core of this initiative lies a straightforward yet profoundly impactful gesture: each beneficiary received ₦15,000 directly into their bank accounts. This amount, while modest on paper, represents far more than currency—it symbolizes dignity restored, burdens lifted, and futures brightened for vulnerable women scattered across the state's 270 federal wards. Delta State, with its rich tapestry of ethnic diversity, oil-rich landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage, has long grappled with the socioeconomic challenges faced by widows, many of whom are left to single-handedly shoulder the weight of family responsibilities after losing their spouses. The Widows Welfare Scheme steps in as a beacon, ensuring that no widow is left behind in the march toward prosperity.
To fully appreciate the significance of this resumption, one must rewind to the scheme's recent milestones. Just last month, in August and September 2025, the program had already disbursed a substantial ₦45,000 to each participant—equivalent to three months' worth of stipends. This proactive bundling of payments ensured continuity during potential administrative hiccups, preventing any gaps in support. Now, with October's disbursement seamlessly integrated, the scheme demonstrates remarkable efficiency and reliability. Imagine the relief washing over a widow in Uvwie Local Government Area, juggling school fees for her grandchildren while tending to a small farm; or another in Warri, navigating the high cost of living in an urban hub. For them, these alerts are not just notifications—they are notifications of survival, empowerment, and hope.
The Widows Welfare Scheme is no isolated effort; it forms a pivotal pillar of the MORE agenda, Governor Oborevwori's flagship socio-economic policy unveiled upon his assumption of office. MORE, an acronym for Making Opportunities Reach Everyone, encapsulates a holistic blueprint designed to uplift Delta's most vulnerable populations. Launched with fanfare in 2023, the agenda prioritizes five key areas: Making the Delta Economy Robust, Opportunities for All Deltans, Robust Security Framework, Education and Human Capital Development, and Excellent Healthcare Delivery. Within this framework, the widows' initiative stands out as a targeted intervention, aligning perfectly with the "Opportunities for All" ethos. By channeling resources directly to those in need, the administration is not only alleviating immediate poverty but also fostering long-term inclusivity, ensuring that women—who often bear the brunt of societal inequities—have a seat at the table of progress.
Elder Isioma Okonta, the esteemed Coordinator of the Widows Welfare Scheme, captured the essence of this moment during an exclusive interview in Asaba. With a voice resonant with passion and eyes gleaming with pride, Okonta declared, “This initiative is not just about giving money; it’s about restoring dignity, providing hope, and showing our widows that they are not forgotten. Through the Governor's visionary MORE agenda, we are reaching those who need support the most.” Okonta, a seasoned community leader and elder statesman from the Isoko ethnic group, has been instrumental in overseeing the scheme's rollout. Under his stewardship, the program has expanded from an initial pilot phase to a statewide juggernaut, leveraging digital banking platforms for transparent, corruption-free disbursements. His words echo the sentiments of countless beneficiaries, who have shared testimonials of transformed lives: from funding vocational training to settling medical bills, the stipends have ripple effects that extend to entire families and communities.
Since its formal inception in early 2024, the Widows Welfare Scheme has reportedly touched the lives of over 25,000 women across Delta State—a figure that continues to grow as more eligible widows register through local government channels. In the oil-producing heartlands of Delta North and South, where environmental degradation and economic volatility exacerbate hardships, the scheme has eased financial burdens by providing a consistent monthly stream of support. Take, for instance, Mama Ejiro from Oghara in Ethiope West LGA. At 62, she lost her husband to a sudden illness five years ago, leaving her to care for four grandchildren. "Before this scheme, I would go days without eating properly just to feed the children," she recounted, her face lighting up as she showed her payment alert. "Now, with ₦15,000 every month, I can buy seeds for my cassava farm and even save a little. Governor Oborevwori, you are our hero!" Stories like Mama Ejiro's are not anomalies; they are the norm, painting a vivid portrait of resilience reignited.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, a lawyer-turned-politician whose rise to power was marked by a grassroots campaign emphasizing empathy and action, has continued to garner effusive praise for this prioritization of vulnerable Deltans. Hailing from the Urhobo nation, Oborevwori's administration has been lauded by civil society organizations, women's rights groups, and even opposition figures for its tangible deliverables. The Nigerian Women's Trust Fund, in a recent report, hailed the scheme as "a model for other states," noting its 98% disbursement success rate and minimal leakages. Internationally, it has drawn comparisons to successful cash transfer programs in Rwanda and Brazil, underscoring Delta's emergence as a leader in African social policy innovation.
Critics, few and far between, have occasionally pointed to the scheme's scalability challenges amid Delta's population of over 5.6 million. Yet, the administration's response has been swift: plans are underway to integrate the widows' program with broader skills acquisition initiatives under the MORE agenda, empowering beneficiaries with tailoring, farming, and petty trading workshops. This forward-thinking approach ensures sustainability, transforming passive recipients into active economic contributors.
As the sun sets on another disbursement day, widows across Delta State—from the mangrove swamps of Burutu to the highlands of Okpe—gather in churches, markets, and town halls, their renewed smiles a collective chorus of appreciation. These are not just individual victories; they reflect a government truly doing “MORE” in Making Opportunities Reach Everyone. In a nation where social welfare often promises much and delivers little, Delta State's Widows Welfare Scheme shines as a shining example of targeted intervention delivering real, measurable impact. For these women, the joy is palpable, the hope eternal, and the future, finally, within reach.
Governor Oborevwori's office has hinted at expansions, including potential increases in stipend amounts and inclusion of elderly widowers by 2026. As Delta marches forward, one alert at a time, it sets a precedent: when leaders listen, widows don't just survive—they thrive.
