Elegbede Abiodun
Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) on Wednesday intensified efforts to deepen health insurance coverage at the grassroots with a stakeholders’ engagement titled “Ilera Eko, Ilera Ibile,” held at the Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Secretariat in Ilupeju.
The engagement, organised in collaboration with Conference 57, the umbrella body representing the 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State brought together government officials, traditional rulers, market leaders, healthcare stakeholders and community representatives in Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA to drive enrollment into the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme, popularly known as Ilera Eko.
Welcoming participants, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the forum as a critical step towards achieving universal health coverage in Lagos State through inclusive, community-driven strategies.
She said the initiative was a direct outcome of resolutions reached between LASHMA and the 57 council chairmen during their February 2026 retreat, noting that the engagement marks the first phase of a three-pronged grassroots enrollment campaign.
According to her, “This engagement is not merely another gathering; it is a strategic platform for collaboration, dialogue and collective action to ensure every resident has access to affordable and equitable healthcare.”
Zamba disclosed that the programme would be followed by door-to-door sensitisation campaigns and a robust compliance monitoring framework at the local government level to ensure sustained enrollment and participation.
She reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to universal health coverage, referencing the Executive Order mandating all residents to enroll in the State’s health insurance scheme.
The Permanent Secretary further revealed that the State’s equity fund for vulnerable populations has been increased to ₦3 billion and designated as a first-line charge, ensuring that indigent residents are not excluded from accessing healthcare services.
She added that the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) is spearheading the identification and enrollment of vulnerable residents, while flexible payment options such as “Pay Small, Small” and cooperative schemes have been introduced to ease financial barriers.
In his address, the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Seyi Jakande, underscored the importance of healthcare as a foundation for economic growth and community development.
He noted that Ilera Eko provides comprehensive coverage for residents, including consultations, surgeries, maternal care, physiotherapy and telemedicine services through a wide network of accredited providers.
Jakande announced that the LCDA has sponsored the enrollment of 1,000 vulnerable residents, with registration set to commence immediately, describing the move as part of efforts to improve health outcomes at the grassroots.
He further highlighted investments in primary healthcare infrastructure, including the renovation of facilities, medical outreaches, immunisation campaigns and plans to commission additional health centres within the LCDA.
The Chairman called for collective responsibility among stakeholders, urging traditional rulers, market leaders and community groups to mobilise residents to enroll in the scheme for a healthier society.
Speaking on behalf of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, analyst Cynthia Kukoyi reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Lagos State in expanding health insurance coverage.
She said CHAI would continue to provide technical and programmatic support, particularly in driving the planned door-to-door campaigns across local government areas.
Kukoyi commended the leadership of the LCDA for its proactive approach and pledged continued collaboration to achieve improved health outcomes for residents.
Also speaking, LASHMA Area Coordinator for Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA and Mushin LGA, Mrs Ogunnaike Adewunmi, emphasised that the scheme is designed to eliminate out-of-pocket spending on healthcare.
She noted that enforcement of the State’s mandatory health insurance policy has commenced, urging residents to take advantage of the opportunity to enroll.
Head of Business Development at LASHMA, Mr Olatunji Rotimi, highlighted innovative payment models introduced to enhance accessibility to the scheme.
He explained that the “Pay Small, Small” initiative allows flexible premium payments over time, while cooperative models enable immediate access to healthcare and additional social benefits.
In his goodwill message, the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Sikirulah Olamide Williams, described the initiative as a laudable step towards ensuring equitable healthcare access for all residents.
He urged community members, particularly artisans and traders, to embrace the programme, assuring of his continued support in mobilising grassroots participation.
Similarly, the Iyaloja of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye, Alhaja Adebimpe Muftiat, called on market men and women to key into the initiative, noting that good health is essential for economic productivity.
She commended the State Government and its partners for prioritising the wellbeing of residents and pledged the support of the market community.
Delivering the closing remarks, the Medical Officer of Health for the LCDA, Dr. Abimbola Folabi, appreciated stakeholders for their active participation and commitment.
She stressed the need for sustained collaboration and community ownership to achieve universal health coverage, urging participants to serve as ambassadors of the scheme.
Folabi also highlighted improvements in healthcare delivery within the LCDA, including the upgrade of primary health centres to 24-hour service facilities and the introduction of electronic medical records.
The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to drive enrollment, strengthen awareness and ensure that no resident is left behind in accessing affordable and quality healthcare in Lagos State.
Signed
Tunbosun Ogunbanwo
Director, Public Affairs
15th April, 2026
