Lagos Launches Nigeria’s First Health Insurance Online Radio — ILERA EKO Spotlight

In a bold move to expand healthcare awareness and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has launched Nigeria’s first Health Insurance Online Radio, named ILERA EKO Spotlight.

The digital station was unveiled on Wednesday during LASHMA’s 2025 Quarter 3 Media Parley in Lagos. The platform aims to leverage technology, telemedicine, and digital communication to deepen public understanding of the state’s mandatory health insurance scheme.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, said the initiative demonstrates the state government’s commitment to affordable, accessible, and equitable healthcare for all residents.

“This platform will serve as our voice to educate, inform, and connect directly with residents across communities,” Zamba stated. “We want every Lagosian to understand the benefits of enrolling in the ILERA EKO Scheme and take advantage of available healthcare services.”

According to her, the online radio will broadcast daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring verified health information, expert interviews, and live discussions on health insurance, wellness, and telemedicine.

Zamba expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Information and Strategy for its ongoing support, acknowledging contributions from both Mr. Olumide Sogunle (former Permanent Secretary) and Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, the current occupant of the position.

She also apologized for recent technical challenges affecting ILERA EKO enrollees, explaining that they were due to an ongoing ICT system upgrade aimed at improving service quality and user experience.

Since Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the Executive Order on Mandatory Social Health Insurance in July 2024, LASHMA has intensified multilingual awareness campaigns targeting both formal and informal sectors.

To further engage residents, the agency has partnered with veteran actor Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) to produce radio dramas, social media skits, and commercials in Yoruba and Pidgin English.

The new radio platform complements the ILERA EKO Telemedicine Service, which allows residents to consult licensed doctors remotely for medical advice, mental health support, and follow-up care.

“Hospital visits are not always necessary,” Zamba explained. “Through our telehealth platform, residents can receive care conveniently and safely from home.”

Representing the Permanent Secretary of Information, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, the Director of Social Media, Dr. Olajide Atansuyi, described the radio as a milestone in public health communication.

“At the heart of every progressive society is a healthy citizenry,” Bajulaiye said. “The ILERA EKO Spotlight will enlighten, engage, and empower Lagosians with practical health information that can transform lives.”

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s partnership with LASHMA to sustain health education campaigns across the state.

Ms. Adeyinka Gbemibade, LASHMA’s Director of Public Affairs, said the station will feature programmes tailored for youths, women, men, and senior citizens, with access through:

• Website: www.ileraekospotlight.com
• iOS App: ILERA EKO Spotlight
• Social media: @ileraekospotlight (Instagram) and @ileraspotlight (X)

“We encourage residents to join the conversation, download the app, and stay informed about their health,” Gbemibade said.

Dr. Olugbenga Fadipe, Head of ILERA EKO Medical, highlighted the success of the Telehealth and Virtual Booth Initiative launched in 2024, which provides healthcare access in underserved communities.

“This service saves time, reduces hospital congestion, and gives residents access to affordable care at the touch of a button,” he added.

Dr. Nifesimi Akinnagbe, Technical Assistant to the Permanent Secretary, announced that full enforcement of the Executive Order on health insurance will begin in 2026, with the Equity Fund expanded to cover more vulnerable residents through the LASHMA AID initiative.

Adding a practical perspective, Mr. Muyibi Adewale Abioun, HR Manager at OWL Transportation and Logistics, shared that over 100 staff members of his company now enjoy uninterrupted healthcare access through ILERA EKO.

“My team keeps thanking me for introducing 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 — hailed as another landmark step in Lagos State’s journey toward digital-driven healthcare and universal health coverage.

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Lagos Launches ILERA EKO Spotlight — Nigeria’s First Health Insurance Online Radio

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The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has launched ILERA EKO Spotlight, Nigeria’s first Health Insurance Online Radio, to promote universal health coverage, telemedicine, and public health education.