BY RITA OYIBOKA
There is growing optimism that the Delta State Government will expand its Widows’ Welfare Scheme to accommodate more beneficiaries to better their lives from the initiative.
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes, Dr Isioma Okonta, who is also the State Coordinator of the Widows’ Welfare Scheme, gave this indication in a recent interview, assuring that the state government, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori remains committed to improving the lives of widows and other vulnerable groups.
Dr Okonta disclosed that the scheme, which was flagged off on August 18, currently benefits 10,000 widows across the 25 local government areas of the state, each receiving a monthly stipend of ₦15,000. He added that the Governor had approved an initial three months’ arrears amounting to ₦45,000 for each widow to help them stabilise financially.
“So far, we have paid 9,006 widows, while the remaining 994 are being assisted to update their data, particularly to obtain Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs). Once that is completed, they will receive both arrears and the current payment,” Okonta said.
He explained that the state government took a cautious approach to verification to ensure transparency and prevent fraud. “Every payment went directly into the widows’ accounts, not those of relatives. We’re being meticulous because the Governor’s goal is to reach the real widows, the poor and vulnerable ones,” he said.
While noting that the number of registered widows in Delta State is estimated to be between 50,000 and 60,000, Okonta expressed hope that the Governor would soon expand the scheme to accommodate more beneficiaries.
“Many widows have shown interest and are already being documented in anticipation of future inclusion. His Excellency started with 10,000, but by the grace of God and as the state’s finances allow, the number will increase. We’re hopeful because he’s a compassionate and generous man,” he said.
The widows’ stipend, according to Okonta, is primarily aimed at supporting livelihood and easing daily hardship. “Some widows have invested in petty trading, farming, or used it for household needs and school fees. As long as it improves their livelihood, that’s what matters,” he said.
He further revealed that the next phase of empowerment may include starter packs for younger and more energetic widows, similar to what was done in previous administrations.
“Once we conclude this phase, we’ll prepare a proposal for His Excellency to consider starter packs. I’m confident he’ll approve it,” he noted.
Okonta also highlighted other social investment initiatives under his office, including the World Bank-supported Delta CARES Programme, which provides livelihood support for economically active youths and women.
The next phase, tagged Delta CARES 2.0, is scheduled to commence in January 2026 and will focus on strengthening economic resilience among small-scale entrepreneurs.
He praised Governor Oborevwori’s leadership style, describing him as “a governor who touches every aspect of empowerment, from widows and pensioners to infrastructure and health.”
“Deltans, especially widows, are happy with him. He’s paying salaries and pensions promptly, revamping hospitals, improving roads, and supporting vulnerable groups. The widows’ welfare scheme is just one of many people-centred initiatives under his administration,” Okonta said.
He urged widows who are yet to be enrolled to be patient and prepare their documentation, assuring them that “their turn will come as the scheme expands.”
“The fact that their neighbours and relatives are receiving the stipends gives them hope. The Governor has revived a programme that was suspended since the end of the previous administration. It’s proof that his government listens and cares,” he affirmed.
