Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has certified and licensed a new set of professionals for the Ilera Eko health scheme to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The certification ceremony, held on Tuesday, marked the official commissioning of 99 newly trained professionals including 25 new marketing agents and 74 sales agents tasked with expanding health insurance enrolment across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, emphasised the crucial role of the agents in bridging the gap between Lagosians and accessible healthcare services.
She reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring that no resident is left behind in the drive toward affordable healthcare.
“The individuals and organizations we are presenting certificates to today have shown interest and firm commitment to improving health insurance uptake within our communities. As certified ILERA EKO marketing and sales agents, they are now equipped with the knowledge, skills, and official recognition to promote health insurance enrollment, educate the public, and facilitate seamless access to affordable healthcare services,” she stated.
Dr. Zamba highlighted that the Ilera Eko Social Health Insurance Scheme goes beyond just providing financial protection for medical expenses, adding that the scheme has also created a dedicated network of trained agents who will educate the public, drive awareness, and facilitate seamless access to affordable healthcare services.
Speaking on the importance of certification and licensing, the Head of Business Development at LASHMA, Mr. Rotimi Olatunji, described social health insurance as a trillion-naira economy with immense growth potential. He emphasized the need for proper structure and professionalism in health insurance marketing, highlighting LASHMA’s commitment to standardizing and regulating the sector.
“We need to create a platform where people can thrive, professionalise the sale of social health insurance, and ensure that only trained and licensed agents handle enrollments. This is not just about registration; it is about providing quality service and long-term sustainability,” he noted.
Olatunji also stressed that all licensed agents have serial numbers and are registered on LASHMA’s digital platform, allowing the public to verify their authenticity. This transparency, he said, would help build trust in the system and encourage more residents to enroll.
Beyond marketing, he urged the agents to see the bigger picture of social health insurance and aspire to become leaders and financiers of major health projects in the future. He expressed hope that a professional body for social health insurance marketers would soon emerge, further institutionalising the industry.
The Head of Sales and Marketing at LASHMA, Ms Uche Igweonyia, reinforced the agency’s ambition to make ILERA EKO a household name. She stressed that health insurance awareness must reach every corner of Lagos, from local communities to markets and businesses.
“The key takeaway from today’s event is that we are all partners in ensuring that Lagos residents have universal health coverage. Our vision is to see the ILERA EKO flag flying high in every community,” she stated.
She expressed confidence that with the newly licensed agents, health insurance awareness and enrollment would see a significant boost, making ILERA EKO a widely recognized and trusted scheme.
Two of the newly certified agents, Olayinka Sharafa, CEO of Bylinks International Investment Ltd, and Mr. Wale Oladigbolu, Senior Vice President of Advantage Health Africa, expressed their gratitude and commitment to the ILERA EKO initiative.
Sharafa praised Dr. Zamba and the LASHMA team for their dedication to implementing Mr. Governor’s executive order, which has been instrumental in strengthening the ILERA EKO Academy and expanding health insurance coverage.
“For us, the agents, we must preach the gospel of social health insurance to everyone. With Lagos State’s 30 million residents, ILERA EKO remains the only sustainable solution for widespread healthcare access,” he noted.
Oladigbolu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the certificates awarded to the agents would serve as a stepping stone toward greater achievements.
“I appreciate the entire LASHMA team for bringing us together. This certification is not just a document; it is an opportunity to impact lives and contribute to a healthier Lagos,” he remarked.
The ILERA EKO Agents Certification and Licensing Ceremony represents a significant step in Lagos State’s march toward Universal Health Coverage.
With a dedicated network of trained professionals, LASHMA is set to deepen health insurance penetration and ensure that millions of Lagosians gain access to quality, affordable healthcare.
As the newly certified agents step into their roles, the future of ILERA EKO looks brighter, with a stronger push towards financial protection, preventive healthcare, and sustainable health financing.
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