The Lagos State Government has stepped in to support a vulnerable family by providing health insurance coverage to a set of newborn quadruplets whose mother died shortly after childbirth, alongside their father and grandparents.
The intervention, announced on Monday by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), followed an official visit to the family’s residence in Ikotun. During the visit, government representatives presented health insurance enrolment documents and essential baby care items to support the infants’ wellbeing.
The quadruplets were born on February 27, 2026, to Charity Anani, a 28-year-old teacher from Cross River State, who tragically passed away after delivery at a private hospital.
Speaking during the visit, LASHMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the agency’s decision was driven by the family’s circumstances and the need to ensure the children receive proper medical care in the absence of their mother.
She explained that the health insurance package would guarantee access to routine immunisation, medical treatment, and continuous monitoring of the babies’ health.
“We considered it necessary to support the family at this critical time by enrolling them in the scheme and providing items that will promote the babies’ health and wellness,” she said.
Beyond the quadruplets, the agency also extended free health insurance coverage to their father, Paul Anani, and their grandparents, Sunday and Rachael Anani, who are assisting in raising the children.
Zamba further appealed to the public to support the family, noting the financial strain involved in caring for four infants, particularly in the current economic climate. The children’s father, an okada rider, faces significant challenges in meeting the demands of their care.
She also used the opportunity to encourage residents of Lagos State to enrol in the ILERA EKO health insurance scheme, highlighting its affordability and broad coverage. According to her, the scheme provides access to essential healthcare services, including treatment for common illnesses, chronic disease management, surgeries, specialist consultations, emergency care, and telemedicine.
Responding to the gesture, Paul Anani expressed deep gratitude to the state government, noting that the support would significantly ease the burden on his family.
“The assistance and gifts are timely and will go a long way in helping us care for the babies,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians to embrace health insurance, stressing that affordable access to healthcare can make a crucial difference during emergencies.
The children’s grandparents described the intervention as unexpected, expressing appreciation for the government’s generosity despite the family not being indigenes of Lagos State.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare access and supporting vulnerable residents through its public health programmes.
