The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has unveiled Nigeria’s first Health Insurance Online Radio, ILERA EKO Spotlight, as part of its efforts to expand public awareness of the state’s mandatory Social Health Insurance Scheme and drive universal health coverage among residents.

Declaring the radio platform open at the Y2025 Quarter 3 Media Parley on Wednesday, 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. She noted that the radio station would serve as a dynamic platform for continuous engagement and education on health insurance and wellness.

Zamba 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 further 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 Permanent Secretary apologised for the temporary service disruptions caused by an 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, targeting the informal sector.

According to her, the newly launched ILERA EKO Spotlight online radio will expand LASHMA’s digital footprint, enabling residents to 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 emphasised 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.

She listed the access points as the website (ileraekospotlight.com), iOS app (ILERA EKO Spotlight), and social media handles (@ileraekospotlight on Instagram and @ileraspotlight on X). “We want residents to join the conversation, download the app, and stay connected for health enlightenment. You can also reach us through 07052700563 & 07052700544,” Gbemibade said.

Also speaking, Head of ILERA EKO Medical, Dr. Olugbenga Fadipe, highlighted the success of the ILERA EKO Telehealth and Virtual Booth Initiative launched in July 2024 by Governor Sanwo-Olu. He explained that the initiative integrates insurance enrollment with telehealth to expand access to affordable healthcare, especially among the informal sector.

Fadipe noted that the virtual booths located across major markets, toll-free lines, and mobile apps have significantly improved access for residents in underserved areas. “This service saves time, reduces hospital congestion, and provides mental health counselling, all at the touch of a button,” he said.

On the Executive Order implementation, LASHMA’s Technical Assistant, Dr. Nifesimi Akinnagbe, stated that full enforcement of the Order would begin in 2026. She outlined the progress made in sensitisation, vulnerable group enrollment, and compliance among MDAs. “LASHMA’s goal is to ensure that every Lagos resident, regardless of status, has access to health insurance,” she emphasised.

Dr. Akinnagbe also revealed that the Agency had increased the Equity Fund to cover more vulnerable residents and launched the LASHMA AID initiative to guarantee emergency stabilisation for uninsured patients.

Adding a human touch, Mr. Muyibi Adewale Abioun, Human Resources and Admin Manager of OWL Transportation and Logistics, shared a testimonial on his organisation’s experience with ILERA EKO. He said his company registered over 100 staff, who now enjoy seamless access to quality healthcare. “My team members keep thanking me for introducing ILERA EKO. It’s one of the best decisions we ever made,” he said appreciatively.

The parley ended with a live demonstration and the symbolic mini-launch of the ILERA EKO Spotlight online radio, marking another innovative step by LASHMA toward achieving universal health coverage in Lagos State.