By Chioma Obinna

To ensure every resident has access to quality healthcare, the Lagos State Government, through its Health Management Agency, LASHMA, yesterday launched a series of ambitious initiatives designed to increase enrollment in the ILERA EKO health insurance scheme.

The strategies are designed to offer flexible payment options, ensuring that artisans, traders, and low-income earners are not excluded from accessing essential healthcare in the same state.

Announcing this in Lagos at the Y2025 Q1 media parley, LASHMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, who laid out the agency’s strategic vision stressed the importance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s executive order mandating health insurance for all Lagosians.

“We are committed to ensuring that every Lagosian is adequately sensitised and educated on the significance and compulsory nature of social health insurance.”

She further emphasised the agency’s dedication to transparency and public engagement, announcing quarterly media briefings to provide updates and bolster support for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA introduced a new approach called ILERA ‘N TIWA Cooperative, an initiative designed to specifically cater to the informal sector.

Zamba explained that the cooperative offers flexible payment options, ensuring that artisans, traders, and low-income earners are not excluded from accessing essential healthcare.

To further amplify its reach, LASHMA has established the ILERA EKO Academy, tasked with training a robust sales force to educate and enroll more residents.

“This academy serves as a platform for training agents who will educate Lagosians on the benefits of enrolling in ILERA EKO,” Zamba stated.

She revealed that 250 sales agents have already been trained through the academy between 2024 and 2025.

Recognising the need for convenient access, LASHMA has also expanded registration channels.

Zamba detailed the multiple options available, saying, “Let me reiterate that ILERA EKO is mandatory for every resident in Lagos State. For those who are yet to enroll, registration has been made simple and accessible.

“You can register at our Head Office at our Divisional and Sub-Divisional Offices, kiosks across the State, or at any Community Pharmacy or Provider under the Ilera Eko Scheme.” She also explained the availability of self-registration via USSD and the LASHMA website.

Zamba said “ILERA EKO is not just a program, it is a movement towards a healthier, more secure Lagos. Together, we can achieve UHC and ensure no resident is left behind.”

On the importance of public support, Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, urged the media to play a vital role. “Public awareness is at the heart of the success of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s programs, particularly in the health sector. I urge journalists to give ILERA EKO robust publicity to ensure its success,” he said.

Head of Business Development at LASHMA, Mr. Rotimi Olatunji, elaborated on the ILERA ‘N TIWA Cooperative as a vital financial inclusion strategy.

“Through this initiative, members can make small, incremental payments while gaining access to healthcare and other social impact benefits,” he explained.

He added that members would also benefit from financial rewards, low-interest loans, and other social programmes.

He announced the imminent launch of the cooperative, saying: “This is the first of its kind in Nigeria, and we encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to access quality healthcare at a minimal cost.”

Reinforcing the legal framework, Mr. Nifesimi Akinnagbe, Technical Assistant on the Lagos Social Health Insurance Executive Order, stressed that mandate set forth by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu signed an Executive Order in July 2024, mandating the enforcement of social health insurance for all Lagos residents.”

He outlined plans for increased public sensitisation leading to full enforcement in the third quarter of 2025.

The transformative impact of the ILERA EKO scheme was brought to life through the powerful testimonials of beneficiaries. Elder David Alabi shared his life-saving experience.

 “If I had not subscribed to the Ilera Eko plan, I might have died…Since then, we have received medical care without paying extra fees. I thank the Governor of Lagos State for this initiative.”

Similarly, Alhaja Sowemimo expressed her gratitude after receiving comprehensive health screenings. “A young lady introduced me to Ilera Eko, and three months after enrolling, I went to the hospital for a general body test. I didn’t pay a dime for all the medical tests I did,” she recounted, commending the government for prioritising residents’ health.