LAGOS — The Lagos State Government marked a major milestone in its quest for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) on Wednesday, as it celebrated Ilera Eko Day 2025 with the announcement that over one million residents are now enrolled in the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS). The event also featured the unveiling of expanded healthcare benefits for public servants, underscoring the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to inclusive healthcare.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, hailed the success of the Ilera Eko initiative as a triumph of “dignity, health equity, and peace of mind” for the people of Lagos. She emphasized that access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege, noting the scheme’s impressive growth from just 100,000 enrollees at its inception to over one million today.
“This year’s theme, ‘Ilera Eko: Health Coverage for All,’ reflects our vision of a truly inclusive and equitable health system,” she said. “Through digital innovation and customized plans, the Lagos State Government is bringing quality healthcare closer to every Lagosian.”
The First Lady also applauded the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) for its adoption of technology to enhance healthcare delivery, including Virtual Booths, the Ilera Eko mobile app, and telemedicine services.
Highlighting efforts to protect the vulnerable, Dr. Sanwo-Olu pointed to the Equity Fund under the EKOSHA initiative, which provides free health coverage to orphans, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. She further noted her office’s Community Senior Citizen Initiative as a gesture of appreciation to the elderly population.
The Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, announced a substantial increase in the state’s healthcare subsidy for public servants. Under the revised structure, the government will now cover 75% of the annual health insurance premium, significantly easing financial access to care.
Agoro also unveiled new welfare enhancements for employees, including:
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Cancer treatment coverage up to ₦5 million
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Expanded support for renal dialysis
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Orthopedic surgery and fibroid removal
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Prosthetic devices assistance
“These improvements are game-changing for our workforce,” he stated.
In a further push to expand access, Agoro announced an interstate partnership that will allow Lagos public servants living in Ogun State border towns to receive care at 15 approved healthcare facilities within Ogun.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, described Ilera Eko Day as both a celebration and a call to action. “We’re reaffirming our unwavering commitment to building a healthier Lagos,” she said.
Chairman of LASHMA, Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, described Ilera Eko as a “movement” that shields residents from the financial burden of healthcare, adding that the scheme’s success is rooted in strong community engagement and strategic collaborations across all 57 local government and development areas in Lagos.
The highlight of the day was the investiture of the First Lady as the ILERA EKO Icon and Grand Dame of EKOSHA, in recognition of her leadership in promoting the scheme. Heartfelt testimonials from beneficiaries underscored the transformative impact of Ilera Eko in providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to Lagosians.
With its rapidly expanding reach and enhanced benefits, Ilera Eko continues to establish itself as a cornerstone of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s health agenda—bringing the vision of Universal Health Coverage ever closer to reality in Lagos State.
