By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has intensified efforts to expand health insurance coverage at the grassroots with a stakeholder engagement themed “Ilera Eko, Ilera Ibile,” held at the Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA Secretariat.
The forum, organised in collaboration with Conference 57, brought together government officials, traditional rulers, market leaders, healthcare stakeholders, and community representatives to boost enrollment in the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme, popularly known as Ilera Eko.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Emmanuella Zamba, described the initiative as a critical step toward achieving universal health coverage through inclusive, community-driven strategies. She noted that the engagement forms part of a three-phase grassroots campaign agreed upon during a February 2026 retreat with council chairmen.
Zamba explained that the initiative would be followed by door-to-door sensitisation and strengthened compliance monitoring to sustain enrollment, adding that the administration of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains committed to mandatory health insurance coverage for all residents.
She further disclosed that the state’s equity fund for vulnerable populations has been increased to ₦3 billion as a first-line charge, while the Eko Social Health Alliance is leading efforts to identify and enroll indigent residents. Flexible payment options, including the “Pay Small, Small” initiative and cooperative models, have also been introduced to ease access.
In his remarks, Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Seyi Jakande, highlighted the role of healthcare in economic development, noting that the Ilera Eko scheme provides comprehensive coverage, including consultations, surgeries, maternal care, physiotherapy, and telemedicine.
Jakande announced that the council had sponsored the enrollment of 1,000 vulnerable residents, with registration set to commence immediately. He also outlined ongoing investments in primary healthcare, including facility upgrades, medical outreaches, immunisation drives, and plans for new health centres.
A representative of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Cynthia Kukoyi, reaffirmed the organisation’s support for Lagos State, particularly in implementing planned door-to-door enrollment campaigns across local governments.
Also speaking, LASHMA Area Coordinator, Mrs Ogunnaike Adewunmi, emphasised that the scheme aims to eliminate out-of-pocket healthcare spending, while Head of Business Development, Mr Olatunji Rotimi, highlighted innovative payment models designed to improve accessibility.
Traditional ruler of the community, Oba Sikirulah Olamide Williams, and Iyaloja, Alhaja Adebimpe Muftiat, both urged residents, especially traders and artisans, to embrace the scheme, stressing the importance of good health for productivity and wellbeing.
In her closing remarks, Medical Officer of Health for the LCDA, Dr. Abimbola Folabi, called for sustained collaboration and community ownership, noting recent improvements in healthcare delivery, including upgraded 24-hour primary health centres and the adoption of electronic medical records.
The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to drive enrollment and ensure wider access to affordable and quality healthcare across Lagos State.
