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By Doris Obinna
The Lagos State Government has intensified its push for universal health coverage, taking its grassroots health insurance campaign to Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) with a bold mix of policy enforcement, community engagement and financial inclusion measures.
At a stakeholders’ forum tagged “Ilera Eko, Ilera Ibile” held in Ilupeju on Wednesday, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) rallied traditional rulers, market leaders, health professionals and community groups to drive mass enrollment into the state’s social health insurance scheme, Ilera Eko.
Speaking, Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the engagement as a decisive move to close the healthcare access gap at the community level. She said the initiative goes beyond advocacy, positioning it as a coordinated strategy aimed at ensuring no resident is excluded from affordable healthcare. “This is not just another gathering. It is a platform for collective action to guarantee equitable healthcare access for every Lagos resident.”
Zamba revealed that the outreach forms the first phase of a three-pronged campaign agreed upon during a February 2026 retreat involving all 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and LCDAs under Conference 57. “The next phases will include aggressive door-to-door sensitisation and a strict compliance monitoring system at the local government level.”
She underscored the backing of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, pointing to an Executive Order mandating compulsory enrollment into the state’s health insurance scheme. In a significant policy shift, she disclosed that the equity fund for vulnerable residents has been increased to N3 billion and elevated to a first-line charge, ensuring sustained funding for indigent populations.
At the local level, Chairman, Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Seyi Jakande, translated policy into action by announcing the sponsorship of 1,000 vulnerable residents for immediate enrollment into the scheme. He described healthcare as a cornerstone of economic growth and community stability, stressing that the initiative would significantly improve living standards.
Jakande highlighted that Ilera Eko offers a wide range of services, including consultations, surgeries, maternal care, physiotherapy and telemedicine, delivered through an expanding network of accredited providers. He also pointed to ongoing investments in primary healthcare, including facility upgrades, immunisation drives and plans to commission additional centres.
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The campaign, which drew strong backing from development partners, with Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) reaffirmedits support. Its representative, Cynthia Kukoyi, pledged continued technical assistance, particularly in executing the planned door-to-door enrollment drive across communities.
On the operational front, LASHMA officials stressed that the scheme is designed to eliminate the burden of out-of-pocket healthcare spending. LASHMA Area Coordinator, Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA and Mushin LGA Mrs. Ogunnaike Adewunmi noted that enforcement of mandatory health insurance has already commenced, urging residents to enroll without delay.
Head, Business Development, LASHMA, Olatunji Rotimi unveiled flexible payment options, including the “Pay Small, Small” model, which allows residents to spread premium payments over time, alongside cooperative-based enrollment systems that provide immediate access to care.
Signalling strong grassroots buy-in, the traditional ruler, Sikirulah Olamide Williams, described the programme as a major step toward healthcare equity, urging artisans and traders to participate actively. Similarly, Iyaloja Adebimpe Muftiat emphasised the economic value of good health, calling on market men and women to take advantage of the scheme.
In her closing remarks, Medical Officer of Health, LCDA, Abimbola Folabi pointed to ongoing improvements in service delivery, including the upgrade of primary health centres to 24-hour operations and the introduction of electronic medical records.
