The Lagos State Government has launched Nigeria’s first Health Insurance Online Radio, ILERA EKO Spotlight, to strengthen public enlightenment on compulsory health insurance and promote universal health coverage for all residents.
The initiative, driven by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), was unveiled at the agency’s third-quarter media parley held at its headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking at the launch, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the online radio would serve as a vital digital platform for continuous public engagement and education on health insurance and wellness. She noted that the agency remains committed to making healthcare affordable, accessible, and equitable for every Lagos resident.
Dr. Zamba expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Information and Strategy for its consistent partnership and media support in amplifying the agency’s initiatives. She urged journalists to sustain their role in promoting health-seeking behavior and public understanding of the ILERA EKO Scheme, which provides residents with affordable health insurance.
Addressing recent service interruptions experienced by enrollees, Zamba attributed them to an ongoing ICT system upgrade, assuring residents of improved efficiency and user experience once completed.
She explained that since Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the Executive Order on mandatory health insurance in July 2024, LASHMA has intensified its enlightenment campaigns across the state. The agency has also collaborated with veteran actor Adebayo “Oga Bello” Salami to produce multilingual radio dramas and social media skits in Yoruba and Pidgin to reach informal sector workers.
According to her, the ILERA EKO Spotlight online radio will broadcast daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering health tips, interviews, insurance updates, and interactive segments for residents. The platform can be accessed via ileraekospotlight.com, its mobile apps, and social media handles.
In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, represented by Dr. Olajide Atansuyi, commended LASHMA for the innovation, describing it as a milestone in public health communication. He said the initiative would bridge the information gap between government policies and the people, empowering Lagosians with vital health knowledge.
The Director of Public Affairs, Ms. Adeyinka Gbemibade, highlighted that the radio platform would also feature programs targeting youths, women, men, and the elderly to ensure inclusivity in health communication.
Other speakers, including Dr. Olugbenga Fadipe, Head of ILERA EKO Medical, and Dr. Nifesimi Akinnagbe, Technical Assistant to the LASHMA Permanent Secretary, emphasized the agency’s ongoing telemedicine and virtual booth initiatives aimed at improving access to quality healthcare in underserved communities.
Adding a human perspective, Mr. Muyibi Adewale Abioun, Human Resources Manager of OWL Transportation, shared his organization’s positive experience with ILERA EKO, noting that over 100 staff members now enjoy seamless healthcare services under the scheme.
The event concluded with a live demonstration and symbolic launch of the ILERA EKO Spotlight online radio, marking another major milestone in Lagos State’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage through innovation, inclusivity, and digital transformation.
