The Lagos State Government has launched Nigeria’s first health insurance online radio, ILERA EKO Spotlight, in a move to expand access to health information and strengthen awareness on its mandatory health insurance scheme.
The digital station, unveiled by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) at its Quarter 3 Media Parley held in Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, marks a new phase in the state’s public enlightenment efforts aimed at achieving universal health coverage.
Speaking at the launch, LASHMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the innovation underscores the government’s commitment to affordable, accessible, and equitable healthcare for all residents.
She described the new radio platform as a “dynamic tool for continuous engagement and education on health insurance and wellness.”
“This platform will serve as our voice to educate, inform, and connect directly with Lagosians across all communities,” she said. “We are committed to ensuring that every resident understands the value of health insurance and how it benefits families.”
Dr. Zamba expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Information and Strategy for its partnership and to the media for amplifying LASHMA’s campaigns, especially following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order on mandatory health insurance signed in July 2024.
She disclosed that as part of its enlightenment drive, LASHMA collaborated with veteran actor Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) to produce multilingual health insurance docudramas and social media skits targeting the informal sector.
Addressing service disruptions recently experienced by enrollees, Zamba apologized for temporary technical glitches, explaining they were caused by an ongoing ICT system upgrade. “We appeal for patience as we work towards completing the upgrade to enhance user experience,” she assured.
Highlighting the benefits of LASHMA’s telemedicine service, the Permanent Secretary urged residents to embrace virtual consultations rather than unnecessary hospital visits. “You can consult licensed doctors from home or work through our ILERA EKO Telehealth platform,” she advised.
Representing the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, who was represented by the Director of Social Media, Dr. Olajide Atansuyi, described ILERA EKO Spotlight as a milestone in health communication.
“At the heart of every progressive society is a healthy citizenry. This platform will enlighten, engage, and empower Lagosians with practical health information that can transform lives.” Bajulaiye said.
The Director of Public Affairs, Ms. Adeyinka Gbemibade, explained that the online radio, accessible via www.ileraekospotlight.com and the ILERA EKO Spotlight app, will broadcast daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
She said the platform would feature interviews, health insurance updates, and dedicated segments for youths, women, men, and senior citizens.
Head of ILERA EKO Medical, Dr. Olugbenga Fadipe highlighted the success of the ILERA EKO Telehealth and Virtual Booth Initiative, introduced by Governor Sanwo-Olu in 2024, which integrates health insurance with telemedicine for wider access among informal sector workers.
He noted that the booths, toll-free lines, and mobile apps have made healthcare more accessible, particularly in underserved areas.
“This service saves time, reduces hospital congestion, and provides mental health counseling, all at the touch of a button,” he said.
Also speaking, Technical Assistant to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nifesimi Akinnagbe, said full enforcement of the Executive Order on compulsory health insurance would begin in 2026.
She noted that the Agency had scaled up its Equity Fund to cover more vulnerable residents and launched the LASHMA AID initiative to ensure emergency stabilization for uninsured patients.
Adding a testimonial, Mr. Muyibi Adewale Abioun, HR and Admin Manager at OWL Transportation and Logistics, commended the scheme, revealing that his organization enrolled over 100 employees under ILERA EKO. “It’s one of the best decisions we ever made,” he said.
The event concluded with a live demonstration and symbolic mini-launch of the ILERA EKO Spotlight online radio, a move expected to enhance digital health engagement and push Lagos closer to achieving universal health coverage.