The Lagos State Government has stepped up its push for universal health coverage with a grassroots engagement in Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), where stakeholders rallied to boost enrollment into the state’s social health insurance scheme, Ilera Eko.
The event, tagged “Ilera Eko, Ilera Ibile,” was held on Wednesday at the LCDA Secretariat in Ilupeju. It was organised by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) in collaboration with Conference 57, the umbrella body for the 57 LGAs and LCDAs in the state.
The forum drew government officials, traditional rulers, market leaders, healthcare providers, and community representatives. The goal: drive community ownership of the Lagos State Social Health Insurance Scheme and ensure no resident is left behind in accessing affordable healthcare.
Welcoming participants, LASHMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the engagement as a critical step towards achieving universal health coverage through inclusive, community-driven strategies. She said the initiative was a direct outcome of resolutions reached between LASHMA and the 57 council chairmen during their February 2026 retreat.
“This engagement is not merely another gathering; it is a strategic platform for collaboration, dialogue and collective action to ensure every resident has access to affordable and equitable healthcare,” Zamba said.
She explained that the programme marks the first phase of a three-pronged grassroots enrollment campaign. It will be followed by door-to-door sensitisation and a robust compliance monitoring framework at the local government level to sustain enrollment.
Zamba reiterated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to universal health coverage, referencing the Executive Order mandating all residents to enroll in the state’s health insurance scheme. She disclosed that the state’s equity fund for vulnerable populations has been raised to ₦3 billion and designated as a first-line charge to ensure indigent residents are not excluded.
The Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) is leading the identification and enrollment of vulnerable residents, she added. To ease financial barriers, LASHMA has introduced flexible payment options such as “Pay Small, Small” and cooperative schemes that allow installment payments and immediate access to care.
In his address, Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Seyi Jakande, described healthcare as the foundation for economic growth and community development. He said Ilera Eko provides comprehensive coverage including consultations, surgeries, maternal care, physiotherapy, and telemedicine through a wide network of accredited providers.
To kickstart enrollment, Jakande announced that the LCDA has sponsored 1,000 vulnerable residents, with registration to commence immediately. He said the move aligns with ongoing investments in primary healthcare infrastructure, including facility renovations, medical outreaches, immunisation campaigns, and plans to commission additional health centres.
He urged traditional rulers, market leaders, and community groups to mobilise residents to enroll. “Collective responsibility is key to a healthier society,” Jakande said.
Speaking for the Clinton Health Access Initiative, analyst Cynthia Kukoyi reaffirmed CHAI’s commitment to support Lagos in expanding health insurance coverage. She said the organisation will continue to provide technical and programmatic support, especially for the planned door-to-door campaigns. She commended the LCDA’s proactive approach and pledged continued collaboration.
LASHMA Area Coordinator for Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA and Mushin LGA, Mrs Ogunnaike Adewunmi, stressed that the scheme is designed to eliminate out-of-pocket spending on healthcare. She noted that enforcement of the state’s mandatory health insurance policy has commenced and urged residents to enroll.
Head of Business Development at LASHMA, Mr Olatunji Rotimi, explained that the “Pay Small, Small” model allows flexible premium payments over time, while cooperative models give immediate access to healthcare plus other social benefits.
Traditional ruler Oba Sikirulah Olamide Williams described the initiative as laudable and urged artisans and traders to embrace it, promising to help mobilise grassroots participation. Iyaloja of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye, Alhaja Adebimpe Muftiat, also called on market men and women to key in, noting that good health drives economic productivity.
Delivering closing remarks, the LCDA’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Abimbola Folabi, thanked stakeholders for their commitment and urged sustained collaboration. She highlighted improvements in healthcare delivery within the LCDA, including the upgrade of primary health centres to 24-hour service facilities and the introduction of electronic medical records.
The engagement ended with a renewed pledge by stakeholders to drive enrollment, deepen awareness, and ensure that every resident can access affordable, quality healthcare in Lagos State.
