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By Doris Obinna
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has launched Nigeria’s first health insurance online radio, ILERA EKO Spotlight, to deepen public enlightenment on the State’s compulsory health insurance scheme and promote universal health coverage for all residents.
Speaking at the official launch during the agency’s third-quarter media parley held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at its headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the initiative marks a significant milestone in the State’s efforts to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and equitable for every Lagosian.
Zamba described the new online radio as a dynamic platform for continuous public engagement and education on health insurance and wellness. She commended the Ministry of Information and Strategy for its strong partnership and consistent support, acknowledging the contributions of the former Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, and expressing optimism for continued collaboration under the current Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye.
Appreciating the media for their role in promoting health-seeking behaviour and amplifying government initiatives, Dr. Zamba urged journalists to sustain efforts in sensitizing residents on the benefits of enrolling in the ILERA EKO Scheme. She also addressed recent technical challenges faced by enrollees, attributing them to an ongoing ICT upgrade aimed at improving user experience and service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary recalled that since Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the Executive Order mandating social health insurance for all residents in July 2024, LASHMA had intensified its awareness campaigns across multiple platforms and languages. She disclosed that the agency collaborated with veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as “Oga Bello,” to produce a series of radio docudramas and skits in Yoruba and Pidgin to reach informal sector workers.
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According to her, ILERA EKO Spotlight will broadcast daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., providing credible health information and opportunities for public interaction. She encouraged residents to take advantage of the agency’s telemedicine service, which allows virtual consultations with licensed doctors from the comfort of their homes or workplaces, reducing unnecessary hospital visits.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, Director, Social Media, Dr. Olajide Atansuyi, described the radio platform as a milestone in health communication. He noted that health remains central to the socio-economic progress of Lagos and commended LASHMA for bridging the gap between government policy and the people through innovative communication.
In her presentation, LASHMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Ms. Adeyinka Gbemibade, said the radio would serve as an interactive platform for health education and feedback, with programs tailored to youth, women, men, and senior citizens.
Head of ILERA EKO Medical, Dr. Olugbenga Fadipe, highlighted the success of the Telehealth and Virtual Booth Initiative launched by Governor Sanwo-Olu in 2024, noting that it had significantly improved healthcare access in underserved areas. He said the initiative combines telemedicine and insurance enrollment to expand affordable healthcare coverage.
LASHMA’s Technical Assistant, Dr. Nifesimi Akinnagbe, announced that full enforcement of the Executive Order on mandatory social health insurance would commence in 2026. She also revealed that the agency had expanded its Equity Fund to cover more vulnerable residents and launched the LASHMA AID initiative to support uninsured patients during emergencies.
The event concluded with a live demonstration and symbolic mini-launch of ILERA EKO Spotlight, marking another innovative step in LASHMA’s journey toward achieving universal health coverage in Lagos State.
