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Flags Off Enrollment For 10,000 Widows
BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) has commenced the enrollment of 10,000 widows across the 25 local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Council Hall, Orerokpe in Okpe Local Government Area, the Director-General of DSCHC, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, said the state government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remained determined to ensure that every Deltan, regardless of social or economic status, has access to affordable and quality healthcare.
Dr. Akpoveta highlighted the successes of the state health insurance scheme, noting that it continues to expand coverage to vulnerable groups such as children under five, pregnant women, widows, and the elderly. He explained that the enrollment of 10,000 widows reflects the government’s resolve to leave no one behind. He further assured that the Commission will continue working closely with stakeholders, community leaders, and development partners to deepen access to healthcare services, while encouraging residents to embrace health insurance as a reliable form of financial protection.
He added: “Today, 10,000 widows are no longer forgotten. They are covered, they are cared for, they are cherished because Sheriff cares. Health is dignity, and today, we have restored dignity to our mothers and sisters.”
Also speaking, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes and Coordinator of the Widows Welfare Scheme, Chief Isioma Okonta, described the ceremony as historic, commending the state government for providing financial support to widows and ensuring their enrollment into the state health insurance scheme.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Okpe Local Government, Mary Otikiri, lauded the state government, the Widows Welfare Scheme, and DSCHC for prioritizing the welfare of widows.
Earlier, members of the Widows Welfare Team led by Chief Okonta, alongside Dr. Akpoveta visited the Orodje of Okpe, HRM Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), who is also the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, to seek his blessings.
The traditional ruler, who was represented by the Efeyota of Okpe Kingdom, Chief Isaac Itebu, described the initiative as a landmark in justice and social responsibility, applauding the state government for addressing the needs of one of society’s most vulnerable groups.
…Promises Continued Inclusivity For Persons Living With Disabilities
DELTA State Government has promised to continually carry persons living with disabilities along in the scheme of things.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor (Govt House), Hon Johnson Erijo, made the promise when a delegation of the Forum of Challenged Persons in Service, Delta State, paid him a courtesy visit.
Hon. Erijo noted that all human beings, whether challenged or not, are equal before God and should be treated as such, even as he condemned the sympathetic attitude of society towards persons living with disabilities, instead of showing them empathy.
He said in recognition of persons in that category as critical stakeholders, the government has continued to offer employment opportunities to them in the state civil service, while many others have benefitted and were still benefitting from various job creation and empowerment programmes.
On the problems facing members of the Forum, the Chief of Staff assured that they would be dispassionately looked into to make life more meaningful to them, pointing out that the times were more challenging to persons with disabilities.
Erijo urged persons living with disabilities not to resign to fate due to the situation they found themselves, emphasizing that they should strive to create possibilities out of their disabilities to be able to survive, instead of begging for alms or seeking public sympathy.
He commended members of the Forum for seeing the need to build their capacities, either through education or skills acquisition, which made it possible for them to gain employment in the civil service.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman, Forum of Challenged Persons in Service, Delta State, Mr. Stephen Onwudiachi, expressed appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for signing the Disability Bill into law, which he noted had given hope to persons living with disabilities in the state.
Mr. Onwudiachi also thanked the Governor for his commitment to the welfare of Deltans, expressing confidence that persons living with disabilities would continue to enjoy the support and care of the state government.
He, however, called on the state government to intervene in some critical issues affecting members of the Forum, including disability maintenance allowance, accommodation/low cost housing, exemption from contributory pension scheme, fast tracking pension payment to retired disabled workers, career advancement, disabled – friendly office buildings, among others.
