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Lagos State Government on Thursday disclosed that 1,152, 455 Lagosians have been enrolled in the Ilera Eko health insurance
to commemorate the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2024 with the theme, “Health: It’s on the (house) Government.”
As at December 2023, the number of enrollees on the Ilera Eko stood at 923,000 which means that there was an increase of 229, 455 enrollees within a year.
The State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had earlier this year signed an Executive Order which was to domesticate the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act.
The Order was also to strengthen the Lagos State Health Scheme Law of 2015, which makes enrolment in ILERA EKO mandatory for all residents by ensuring that more people can access quality healthcare services.
Zamba said, “This year’s theme underscores the vital role of government leadership in ensuring that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and equitable for all. It also provides the opportunity for us to showcase the Government’s immense contributions to healthcare using the ILERA EKO Way.
“Universal Health Coverage is not just a global ideal; it is a fundamental human right that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.
“Lagos State has made tremendous strides toward Universal Health Coverage, and our journey has been driven by the ILERA EKO scheme, which embodies the government’s commitment to health equity. Since the enactment of the Lagos State Health Scheme Law in 2015, LASHMA has worked tirelessly to ensure that residents are protected from catastrophic health expenditures and can access quality care when they need it.”
The Permanent Secretary added, “Investing in health is not just about improving lives—it is about strengthening the backbone of our societies and economies. A healthy population means a more productive workforce, stronger communities, and greater national resilience.
“Universal Health Coverage is the key to achieving these outcomes, and it requires unwavering political will, strategic funding, and inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable.
“Today, we will take you through our journey to UHC using the ILERA EKO Way. We will share how the scheme has grown over the years, with over one million enrollees and an expanded benefits package. We will also highlight our strategies to enlighten the public and drive enrolment. Public awareness is critical to the success of ILERA EKO, and we have implemented innovative initiatives to simplify the enrolment process and ensure that every Lagosian is aware of the scheme’s benefits.
“We will provide insights into these strategies, including our growth initiatives designed to enhance the scheme’s reach and impact.”
Zamba explained that in order to boost ILERA EKO scheme, the agency had partnered with healthcare provider network, saying.the network was the backbone of the scheme which provides channels to make enquiries and complaints.
“Additionally, we will look into how we are addressing the needs of vulnerable populations through the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA). You will see how we are bridging the gap through our innovative approach, ensuring that no Lagosian is left behind in our journey to UHC.
“We will also highlight measures we are taking to ensure that all residents fulfil their obligation to enrol in ILERA EKO, which is critical to achieving our shared goal of Universal Health Coverage,” she stated.
In her contribution, Head Monitoring & Evaluation of LASHMA, Tayo Adetoro said that since inception of Ilera Eko, a total of 1,152, 455 Lagosians have enrolled in the programme.
She added, that the agency has been partnering with other agencies to ensure that the scope of expansion is enhanced.
IBRAHIM QUADRI
Lagos State Government on Thursday disclosed that 1,152, 455 Lagosians have been enrolled in the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme.
The Permanent Secretary, of Lagos State Health Management Agency, LASHMA Dr Emmanuella Zamba made the disclosure during a media briefing to commemorate the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2024 with the theme, “Health: It’s on the (house) Government.”
As of December 2023, the number of enrollees on the Ilera Eko stood at 923,000 which means that there was an increase of 229, 455 enrollees within a year.
The State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had earlier this year signed an Executive Order which was to domesticate the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act.
The Order was also to strengthen the Lagos State Health Scheme Law of 2015, which makes enrolment in ILERA EKO mandatory for all residents by ensuring that more people can access quality healthcare services.
Zamba said, “This year’s theme underscores the vital role of government leadership in ensuring that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and equitable for all. It also provides the opportunity for us to showcase the Government’s immense contributions to healthcare using the ILERA EKO Way.
“Universal Health Coverage is not just a global ideal; it is a fundamental human right that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.
“Lagos State has made tremendous strides toward Universal Health Coverage, and our journey has been driven by the ILERA EKO scheme, which embodies the government’s commitment to health equity. Since the enactment of the Lagos State Health Scheme Law in 2015, LASHMA has worked tirelessly to ensure that residents are protected from catastrophic health expenditures and can access quality care when they need it.”
The Permanent Secretary added, “Investing in health is not just about improving lives—it is about strengthening the backbone of our societies and economies. A healthy population means a more productive workforce, stronger communities, and greater national resilience.
“Universal Health Coverage is the key to achieving these outcomes, and it requires unwavering political will, strategic funding, and inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable.
“Today, we will take you through our journey to UHC using the ILERA EKO Way. We will share how the scheme has grown over the years, with over one million enrollees and an expanded benefits package. We will also highlight our strategies to enlighten the public and drive enrolment. Public awareness is critical to the success of ILERA EKO, and we have implemented innovative initiatives to simplify the enrolment process and ensure that every Lagosian is aware of the scheme’s benefits.
“We will provide insights into these strategies, including our growth initiatives designed to enhance the scheme’s reach and impact.”
Zamba explained that in order to boost ILERA EKO scheme, the agency had partnered with a healthcare provider network, saying.the network was the backbone of the scheme which provides channels to make enquiries and complaints.
“Additionally, we will look into how we are addressing the needs of vulnerable populations through the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA). You will see how we are bridging the gap through our innovative approach, ensuring that no Lagosian is left behind in our journey to UHC.
“We will also highlight measures we are taking to ensure that all residents fulfill their obligation to enroll in ILERA EKO, which is critical to achieving our shared goal of Universal Health Coverage,” she stated.
In her contribution, Head Monitoring & Evaluation of LASHMA, Tayo Adetoro said that since the inception of Ilera Eko, a total of 1,152, 455 Lagosians have enrolled in the programme.
She added, that the agency has been partnering with other agencies to ensure that the scope of expansion is enhanced.
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Residents of Ajegunle in the Ajeromi Ifeldoun Local Government Area of Lagos State, have petitioned the management of Eko Electricity Distribution Plc over alleged multiple and unjustified billing practices.
The residents vented their frustration during a protest in the community on Tuesday.
In the petition addressed to the EKEDP’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh, the residents under the auspices of Ajegunle Peoples Movement accused the electricity distribution company of imposing exorbitant charges on the consumers without complying with the legal backing of the National Electricity Regulation Commission.
According to the petition, EKEDP had been issuing multiple bills to single meters in various compounds, with charges ranging from N40,000 to N150,000. Additionally, consumers were receiving separate flat-rate bills of N7,808, allegedly to recover NERC’s penalty against the EKEDP.
“A particularly troubling development is the issuance of an additional distinct bill for every bill to consumers. The first is the “normal bill,” which imposes exorbitant charges ranging from N40,000 to N150,000 per compound. This is even though many of these compounds are inhabited by tenants who use minimal electricity, typically limited to just light bulbs and fans. In addition, the EKEDP has imposed separate new bills at a flat rate of N7,808 each on consumers, in addition to the regular monthly bills.
“We have been informed that this additional billing is to surreptitiously recover NERC’s penalty against EKEDP for failing to properly bill residents or for overbilling consumers who were provided prepaid meters.
However, community findings have revealed that such multiple billings lack NERC’s orders or backing, making them unwarranted and unlawful.
“It is alarming that even though most of the Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA are classified under Band B and C for electricity supply, we are witnessing clear instances of extortion through overbilling in various streets,” the petition read in part.
The residents identified the affected communities as Etugbo Street, Layinka Street, Boundary Road, Odofin Street, Amechi Street, Arumoh Street, Nosamu Street, and Orodu Street, stating that they had been experiencing erratic power supply, impacting small businesses, sleeping hours, and neighbourhood security.
The residents however demanded immediate cessation of the multiple billing practices, withdrawal of extra bills, and transparent, equitable billing reflecting actual consumption.
“We reject these unjustified bills and demand free prepaid meters for all consumers,” Oshunfunrewa said. He also requested a town hall meeting between EKEDP management and the residents to address the grievances openly and transparently.
The spokesperson for the group, Moshood Adebola, told our correspondent that the petition was submitted at the EKODISCO Orege zonal branch.
EKEDP’s Apapa District spokesperson, Chioma Rose, did not respond to calls made to her phone. A text message sent to her had yet to be responded to as of the time the time this report was filed.
The Lagos State Police Command arraigned a 54-year-old man, Olajide Aro, on Tuesday, for allegedly assaulting an Eko Electricity Distribution company worker.
The defendant was arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court, Yaba, before Magistrate Patrick Nwaka and charged with four counts of assault, breach of peace, obstruction of legitimate duties, and causing physical injuries.
The charges alleged that the defendant, on July 18, 2024, assaulted one Adeniyi Mathew, a staff member of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company, while he was trying to perform his legitimate duties.
PUNCH Metro gathered that Olajide and others in Ogbe Close, Iwaya, Lagos, conspired to forcefully disallow the EKEDC worker from disconnecting the power supply of consumers who were owing.
During the heated argument, Olajide allegedly gave Adeniyi a fist blow on his face, causing him to sustain a cut on his lips, and then further tore his shirt and pushed him.
The case was reported to the Sabo Police Station, and he was arrested and questioned. At the police station, he confessed to assaulting the complainant, claiming he did not mean to, but things got out of hand, and it was the work of the devil.
Prosecutor Thomas Nurudeen informed the court that the alleged offence was committed on July 18, 2024, contravening Sections 411, 168(d), 116(1), and 173 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
The prosecutor also said the wound, the complainant’s statement, the torn shirt, and statements from the investigating officer serve as evidence that the alleged offences were committed.
The defendant’s plea was not taken.
Nwaka ordered that a bail sum of N200,000 be paid and two sureties, who are residents of Lagos State, be provided.
He further ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until he perfected his bail terms.
The case was adjourned to September 11, 2024.