Lagos State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo‑Olu, has championed universal health coverage, asserting that the “Ilera Eko” health‑insurance scheme is a basic right, not a privilege.

She said this on Wednesday during the 2025 ILERA EKO Day celebration held at the Lagos Television Blue Roof Arena in Agidingbi, Ikeja.

Marking the state government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the event celebrated the significant strides made by the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS), popularly known as ILERA EKO.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu called upon residents, stakeholders, and corporate organisations to actively support the initiative to ensure no individual is left behind in accessing affordable and quality healthcare.

Addressing the gathering, the First Lady hailed the ILERA EKO scheme as a “symbol of dignity, health equity, and peace of mind” for the state’s residents.

She highlighted the scheme’s remarkable growth, noting its expansion from an initial 100,000 enrollees to now benefiting over one million Lagosians.

“This year’s Ilera Eko Day theme: ‘ILERA EKO: Health Coverage for All,’ precisely captures the vision of a truly inclusive health system that the Lagos State Government is diligently working to achieve,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu stated.

She added that through various initiatives, including digital innovations and tailored health plans, the government is striving to make access to quality healthcare a “lived reality” for all.

The First Lady specifically commended the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) for pioneering innovative digital solutions such as Virtual Booths, the ILERA EKO App, and telemedicine platforms, which she said have significantly enhanced access to care for residents.

She also drew attention to the scheme’s profound human impact, particularly the Equity Fund under EKOSHA, which provides health coverage at no cost to vulnerable populations like orphans, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu also reiterated her office’s support for elderly citizens through the Community Senior Citizen Initiative, viewing it as a “symbolic thank you” to those who contributed to building Lagos.

Sharing a personal perspective, she remarked, “As a mother and medical doctor, I understand the relief that comes from knowing your family is covered.”

She issued a strong call to action, encouraging all Lagos residents to enrol in the scheme and urging philanthropists, market leaders, and corporate bodies to lend their support to expand its reach.

Furthermore, she encouraged existing enrollees to share their positive experiences to inspire others and urged everyone to become “ILERA EKO ambassadors.”

Dr. Sanwo-Olu concluded her address with a powerful affirmation: “A healthy Lagos is a productive Lagos, and a productive Lagos is a prosperous Lagos.”

Earlier in the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, described ILERA EKO Day as both a celebration and a call to action, reinforcing the state’s commitment to a healthier Lagos.

She acknowledged the foundational role of the LSHS Law of 2015 and highlighted health insurance as a crucial tool for financial protection and reducing out-of-pocket expenses, even in challenging economic times.

Dr. Ogunyemi also lauded the ILERA N’TIWA Cooperative for facilitating flexible premium payments for informal sector workers.

Adding to the commitments, Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, announced enhanced health benefits for public servants under the scheme, including a 75% subsidy on their annual premiums by the Governor.

He unveiled new coverage areas such as cancer treatment up to ₦5 million, renal dialysis, orthopaedic surgery, fibroid removal, and prosthetics support.

Mr. Agoro also revealed an inter-state partnership allowing public servants in border communities to access care in approved facilities in Ogun State.

At the event, the First Lady also officially launched the new Ilera Eko Healthcare Provider Handbooks.