The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has commissioned a new ILERA EKO office in Surulere as part of efforts to expand access to affordable, quality and equitable healthcare services for residents at the grassroots.
Speaking at the commissioning, LASHMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the office as another milestone in the agency’s drive toward Universal Health Coverage in Lagos State. She said the facility, located within the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) premises in Surulere would function as a one-stop centre where residents can register, enrol, update their records, switch hospitals, or resolve complaints without traveling long distances.
Dr. Zamba said the agency has continued to improve healthcare access since its establishment in 2020 through initiatives such as ILERA EASY PAY, ILERA N’ TIWA Cooperative, ILERA EKO Telemedicine, ILERA IBILE community engagement and the LASHMA Assistance in Distress (LASHMA-AID) emergency service.She also referenced an executive order signed by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in July 2024, which made health insurance mandatory for Lagos residents, and called on traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, and trade groups present to help drive enrolment in their communities.Traditional rulers at the event welcomed the development.
A representative for the Oba of Ikate urged residents to enrol without delay, describing health insurance as a necessary safeguard rather than an optional expense.
The Bashorun of Ojora and Iganmu Kingdom, Chief Hakeem Ojora, said the office would ease the financial burden many residents face in accessing healthcare, and pledged his community’s support.
Also speaking, Community Development Committee Chairman for Surulere Constituency I, Hon. Wemimo Odumosu, described the office as a timely intervention that would strengthen healthcare delivery across Surulere’s local government and local council development areas.
At the ceremony, the Chairman of the Farmers Association, Coker-Aguda LCDA, Mr. Adebowale Dawodu, was named an ILERA EKO Champion in recognition of his contributions to promoting the health insurance scheme and pledged to encourage more farmers to enrol.
Hadizat Giwa