LAGOS CELEBRATES ILERA EKO DAY 2025 WITH RENEWED COMMITMENT TO UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE

…First Lady Hails Scheme’s Expansion, Urges More Support for the Vulnerable

…Over One Million Residents Enrolled as Government Unveils New Benefits for Public Servants

In a bold affirmation of its commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Lagos State Government on Wednesday marked the 2025 ILERA EKO Day at the Lagos Television Blue Roof Arena, Agidingbi, Ikeja. The event celebrated the progress made through the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) and called on residents, stakeholders, and corporate bodies to support the initiative to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing affordable and quality healthcare.

Speaking at the celebration, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu described the ILERA EKO scheme as a symbol of dignity, health equity, and peace of mind for residents. She emphasised that health insurance is a right, not a privilege, and highlighted the scheme’s growth from 100,000 enrollees to over one million beneficiaries.

“This year’s Ilera Eko Day theme: ‘ILERA EKO: Health Coverage for All,’ captures the vision of a truly inclusive health system,” she stated. “From digital innovations to tailor-made plans, the Lagos State Government is working to ensure that access to quality healthcare becomes a lived reality.”

She commended the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) for pioneering innovations such as the Virtual Booths, ILERA EKO App, and telemedicine platforms that have enhanced access to care.

Highlighting the scheme’s human impact, the First Lady pointed to the Equity Fund under EKOSHA, through which orphans, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities have been enrolled at no cost. She noted her office’s role in supporting elderly citizens through the Community Senior Citizen Initiative, calling it “a symbolic thank you” to those who laid the foundation of Lagos.

“As a mother and medical doctor, I understand the relief that comes from knowing your family is covered,” she said. “I encourage all Lagos residents to enrol and urge philanthropists, market leaders, and corporate organizations to support the initiative so more people can benefit.”

She encouraged enrollees to share their experiences to inspire others and called on everyone to become ILERA EKO ambassadors. “A healthy Lagos is a productive Lagos, and a productive Lagos is a prosperous Lagos,” she concluded.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, described ILERA EKO Day as a celebration and a call to action. “It reaffirms our commitment to building a healthier Lagos,” she said, commending the First Lady and health sector leaders for their dedication.

Dr. Ogunyemi noted that the LSHS Law of 2015 laid the foundation for the scheme’s successes. “Health insurance offers financial protection, reduces out-of-pocket spending, and ensures access to quality care. ILERA EKO is helping us achieve that dream, even in tough economic times,” she said.

She also praised the ILERA N’TIWA Cooperative for enabling flexible premium payments for informal sector workers and urged employers to enrol their staff. “Health insurance is not a luxury; it is a right and an investment.”

Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, emphasised the government’s support for public servants, noting that the Governor now subsidizes 75% of their annual premium to make healthcare more accessible. “We are grateful to Mr. Governor for this visionary step,” he said.

He unveiled additional health benefits for public servants, including cancer treatment coverage of up to ₦5 million, renal dialysis for up to 52 weeks, orthopaedic surgery, fibroid removal, and prosthetics support. “These are landmark improvements in employee welfare,” he noted.

Agoro also announced an inter-state healthcare partnership allowing public servants living in Ogun border towns to access care in 15 approved Ogun facilities. “This shows the administration’s practical approach to healthcare access,” he said.

Chairman of LASHMA, Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to health equity and social protection. He described ILERA EKO as a movement aimed at shielding Lagosians from the financial burden of healthcare.

Dr. Adedewe highlighted milestones since the scheme’s inception, including over one million enrollees across the 57 LGAs and LCDAs. He attributed this to community engagement, grassroots mobilization, and strategic partnerships.

He noted that ILERA EKO offers a broad range of tailored plans for various population groups, including the Standard Jaara, Seniors, and School Health Plans. He also acknowledged the support of traditional and religious institutions, the Office of Civic Engagement, and the First Lady, who serves as the ILERA EKO Icon and Grand Dame of EKOSHA.

Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, commended the growing trust Lagosians place in the health scheme. “Our goal has always been to provide equitable, quality healthcare. ILERA EKO is proof that we’re on the right track,” she said.

Dr. Zamba emphasised the role of technology in healthcare delivery, citing the ILERA EKO App, Telemedicine service, and Virtual Booths as tools that are transforming access to care in both urban and underserved communities.

She added that LASHMA is continuously improving its plans, including the Seniors and School Health Plans, to meet the needs of different groups. “With consistent support, we can build a resilient health system that leaves no one behind,” she said.

The high point of the event was the investiture of the First Lady of Lagos State as the ILERA EKO Icon and Grand Dame of EKOSHA, as well as the launching of the Ilera Eko Healthcare Provider Handbooks by the First Lady.

The event featured testimonials from beneficiaries, musical performances, and an interactive session on how to register and use ILERA EKO digital tools. Hundreds of enrollees attended, with many praising the government for bringing healthcare closer to the people.