Lagos rallies support for ILERA EKO, vows health coverage for all

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday commemorated ILERA EKO Day 2025 with a firm pledge to deepen Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the state. The event, held at the Lagos Television Blue Roof Arena in Ikeja, spotlighted the successes of the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) and called for stronger collaboration from residents, stakeholders, and corporate organizations.

Speaking at the celebration, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described ILERA EKO as more than a health initiative—it is a symbol of dignity, health equity, and peace of mind. She noted that the scheme’s enrollees had grown from 100,000 to over one million beneficiaries, reflecting widespread acceptance and trust.

“This year’s ILERA EKO Day theme, ‘ILERA EKO: Health Coverage for All,’ captures our vision for an inclusive and accessible healthcare system,” she said. “From digital tools to customized plans, we are building a healthcare system that truly leaves no one behind.”

Dr. Sanwo-Olu applauded the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) for its forward-thinking innovations, including the ILERA EKO App, Virtual Booths, and telemedicine platforms, which she said had brought healthcare closer to the people.

Highlighting the scheme’s social impact, she praised the Equity Fund administered under EKOSHA, which has enabled vulnerable groups such as orphans, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities to access free healthcare. She also referenced her office’s support for the Community Senior Citizen Initiative, describing it as “a symbolic thank you” to those who built Lagos.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said ILERA EKO Day serves as both a celebration and a rallying call for collective action. “It reinforces our commitment to building a healthier, more resilient Lagos,” she said, acknowledging the First Lady and other sector leaders for their tireless efforts.

Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized that the Lagos State Health Scheme Law of 2015 laid the groundwork for the program’s ongoing success. “ILERA EKO reduces financial hardship, cuts down out-of-pocket expenses, and ensures access to quality care—even in difficult times,” she explained.

She also lauded the ILERA N’TIWA Cooperative, which offers flexible payment options for workers in the informal sector, and encouraged employers across Lagos to register their staff. “Health insurance is not a luxury,” she concluded. “It is a right—and an investment in our collective future.”