The Lagos State Government has unveiled ILERA EKO Spotlight, Nigeria’s first online health insurance radio, as part of efforts to expand healthcare access and deepen public enrollment in the State’s compulsory health insurance scheme.
The initiative, launched by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) on Wednesday, integrates digital radio broadcasting with telemedicine to drive awareness about the ILERA EKO Social Health Insurance Scheme and advance universal health coverage across the state.
LASHMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said the new digital platform underscores the state’s commitment to providing affordable and equitable healthcare for all residents.
“The ILERA EKO Spotlight radio will serve as a dynamic tool for continuous engagement, education, and health awareness. It’s about empowering Lagosians with the right information to make informed health choices,” she said.
Dr. Zamba thanked the Ministry of Information and Strategy for its long-standing collaboration, acknowledging the support of both former and current permanent secretaries, Mr. Olumide Sogunle and Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, respectively. She noted that the partnership had been crucial to the Agency’s growing media presence.
Addressing recent service disruptions experienced by enrollees, Zamba apologized for technical challenges linked to an ongoing ICT system upgrade. “We appeal for patience as we complete the upgrade to improve user experience and service delivery,” she said.
The LASHMA boss highlighted that since Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the Executive Order making health insurance mandatory in July 2024, the Agency has intensified public education through multilingual outreach campaigns.
As part of those efforts, LASHMA partnered with veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, to produce radio dramas, social media skits, and commercials in Yoruba and Pidgin English aimed at reaching informal sector workers.
According to Zamba, the ILERA EKO Spotlight radio station will air daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., providing credible health information and direct interaction with residents across Lagos.
“This platform will be our voice to inform, educate, and connect with Lagosians across communities,” she said. She also encouraged residents to embrace the ILERA EKO Telemedicine service, stressing that many hospital visits could be avoided through virtual consultations with licensed doctors.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye—represented by Dr. Olajide Atansuyi, Director of Social Media—described the project as a landmark in public health communication.
“At the heart of every progressive society is a healthy citizenry. The Spotlight programme will enlighten, engage, and empower Lagosians with practical health information that can transform lives,” Bajulaiye said.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting LASHMA’s communication initiatives, adding that the media remains a vital link between government policy and public understanding.
“Together, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more informed Lagos,” he added.
