Lagos Launches Health Insurance Radio to Deepen Awareness
In a move to deepen public awareness on compulsory health insurance, the Lagos State Health Management Agency has unveiled Nigeria's first health insurance online radio, known as ILERA EKO Spotlight, to educate residents on the importance and benefits of enrolling in the scheme.
The health awareness digital radio is another innovative step by LASHMA toward achieving universal health coverage in Lagos State through effective information dissemination on the state's mandatory Social Health Insurance Scheme, popularly known as Ilera Eko.
The Social Health Insurance of Lagos State is backed by the state's Health Scheme Law of 2015, which makes it compulsory for all residents of the state to have health insurance, regardless of their socio-economic status.
In July 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed an Executive Order making health insurance compulsory for all residents.
Unveiling the radio platform at the Y2025 Quarter 3 Media Parley held at the agency's headquarters in Alausa-Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, reaffirmed the agency's commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and equitable healthcare for all Lagosians.
Zamba disclosed that the radio station would serve as a dynamic platform for continuous engagement and education on health insurance and wellness.
She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Strategy for its consistent partnership, describing it as instrumental to the agency's strong media visibility.
She acknowledged the support received under the immediate past Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, and expressed optimism that the collaboration would thrive under Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, the current Permanent Secretary.
She also commended the media for amplifying the Agency's initiatives, particularly the Executive Order mandating social health insurance for all residents. "Your role in educating the public and promoting health-seeking behaviour has been invaluable," Zamba said, while urging journalists to continue helping Lagos residents understand the benefits of enrolling in the ILERA EKO Scheme.
Addressing recent technical issues faced by enrollees, the PS apologized for temporary service disruptions owing to the ongoing ICT upgrade. "We appeal for patience as we work towards completing the upgrade to improve user experience and service quality," she assured.
Zamba explained that since Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the Executive Order on mandatory Social Health Insurance in July 2024, LASHMA had intensified awareness through multilingual campaigns. She revealed that the Agency had collaborated with veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as "Oga Bello," to produce nine radio docudramas, social media skits, and commercials in Yoruba and Pidgin to reach the informal sector.
According to her, the newly launched ILERA EKO Spotlight online radio will expand LASHMA's digital footprint and help residents access credible health information daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. "This platform will serve as our voice to educate, inform, and connect directly with Lagosians across all communities," she added.
The LASHMA boss also urged residents to embrace the ILERA EKO Telemedicine service, noting that many still preferred unnecessary hospital visits despite the convenience of virtual consultations. "Hospital visits are not always necessary. You can consult licensed doctors from your home or workplace through our Telehealth platform," she said.
In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, represented by the Director of Social Media, Dr. Olajide Atansuyi, described the radio platform as a milestone in health communication. He said health was central to the socio-economic prosperity of Lagos, and the initiative would bridge the gap between government policy and the people.
"At the heart of every progressive society is a healthy citizenry," Bajulaiye said. "The Spotlight Radio Programme will enlighten, engage, and empower Lagosians with practical health information that can transform lives."
He emphasized the role of media as a bridge between government and citizens and pledged the Ministry's continued support to amplify LASHMA's initiatives. "Together, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more informed Lagos," he affirmed.
Presenting details of the ILERA EKO Spotlight platform, LASHMA's Director of Public Affairs, Ms. Adeyinka Gbemibade, said the online radio would serve as an interactive medium for health education, feedback, and support for residents. She added that the programme lineup would include health insurance updates, interviews, and special features for youth, women, men, and senior citizens.
Also speaking, Head of ILERA EKO Medical, D