The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has trained journalists on the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) and the Mandatory Social Health Insurance Programme, with a focus on improving public understanding, ethical reporting and awareness of Ilera Eko.
The two-day capacity-building programme, held from August 18 to 19, 2026, at the LASHMA Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja, was designed to strengthen journalists’ knowledge of the Lagos State Health Scheme Law, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act and the mandatory nature of Ilera Eko.
The training also focused on promoting accurate, ethical and solution-focused reporting on social health insurance, access to healthcare and accountability.
The programme commenced with a welcome address delivered by Mr. Kayode Sutton, who represented the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Information and Strategy.
The keynote address by the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, was delivered by Mr. Olatunji Rotimi, who represented the Permanent Secretary at the training.
The first day featured sessions on the Social Health Insurance Legal Framework and its implications for the general public, LASHMA’s readiness on the Executive Order, Ilera Eko health insurance plans and benefit packages, as well as Ilera Eko registration and enrolment.
Mrs. Bukola Badejo presented an overview of the Ilera Eko benefit packages, providing participants with insights into the healthcare services and benefits available under the scheme.
Participants also engaged in an interactive question-and-answer session with LASHMA officials, seeking clarification on issues surrounding Ilera Eko enrolment, benefits, service delivery, grievance mechanisms, and the rights and responsibilities of enrollees.
On the second day, participants were taken through key topics including the Ilera Eko customer journey, Ilera N’ Tiwa Cooperative, Ilera Easy Pay, the LASHMA ScoreCard and ethical reporting on health insurance issues.
The journalists also participated in a group activity focused on developing health insurance story ideas, with the different groups presenting their work.
The practical session provided participants with an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained during the training and explore effective ways of reporting health insurance issues to the public.
The training concluded with a post-test, award presentation and closing remarks by the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba.
The two-day programme brought together journalists and media practitioners from various media organisations, including EkoSpotlightNEWS, Eko FM, Radio Lagos, Traffic Radio, PM News and other media outlets across Lagos State.
The capacity-building programme further strengthened journalists’ understanding of Ilera Eko and reinforced the role of the media in promoting public awareness, accountability and responsible reporting on health insurance and access to healthcare in Lagos State.