Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa on Tuesday in Asaba flagged off the state Social Welfare Scheme for Widows with over 5500 widows benefitting and a promise that no Deltan would be left out in the prosperity for all Deltans agenda.

Speaking at the eventful ceremony, Dr. Okowa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge said that the scheme would take care of the financial and health needs of the widows in the state as only a healthy people can contribute to the wealth and development of the state.

“Today we are here to witness another milestone in the health care system in the state, the welfare scheme which is designed for selected widows in the state, is meant to pay them a monthly stipend of N5,000 and enrol them into the state contributory health insurance scheme to cater for all their health needs. The state government will pay for their premiums monthly,” he said, adding: “A total of 5,555 widows drawn from the 270 wards in the state will participate in the scheme which will would at the end of January, 2018”.

“I want to extend His Excellency’s goodwill to all Deltans as once you have a healthy people, you will have a wealthy nation as they will contribute to the development of the nation”, he added.

He explained that the welfare scheme was another addition to the prosperity agenda as over 1,200 youths and ward Liaison Officers were presently benefitting from the Government Empowerment Scheme

He commended the Government Special Project Committee, organisers of the event, for their diligence and cooperation in bringing the event to fruition and enjoined all the participating widows to register with the Contributory Health Commission to enable them benefit from the welfare scheme.

Earlier in a welcome address, Chief Festus Ochonogor, Senior Political Adviser and member of the committee, said that the commencement of the welfare scheme for widows was meant to take care of the needs of this set of vulnerable residents of Delta State, while Chief Isaac Akpoveta and Dr. Ben Nkechika, Chairman and Director-General, Contributory Health Commission said the commission is poised to ensure efficient and effective health care for the people of the state.

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