The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority has provided free health insurance coverage for 1,320 residents across the state’s three senatorial districts under the ILERA EKO health initiative.

The programme, implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), covers 360 individuals and 240 families. Each family plan includes four beneficiaries, bringing the total number of individuals under the scheme to 1,320.

Speaking during the rollout on Monday, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to expanding access to healthcare and improving residents’ welfare.

He explained that the exercise was carried out simultaneously over the weekend across Lagos Central, Lagos East, and Lagos West senatorial districts.

According to him, the Lagos Central session was held in a local council area, while Ikorodu Local Government Office hosted Lagos East, and Agege Youth Centre served as the venue for Lagos West.

Are added that the authority fully paid the premiums for all beneficiaries for one year, describing the intervention as a first of its kind. He expressed optimism that the programme could be sustained and expanded in subsequent phases.

The Permanent Secretary and CEO of LASHMA, Emmanuella Zamba, said the ILERA EKO scheme offers a wide range of healthcare services and encouraged beneficiaries to make full use of accredited facilities across the state.

She also noted that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader goal of achieving universal health coverage.

Beneficiaries at all locations also received free basic health screenings, including blood pressure and blood sugar tests, as part of the programme’s preventive healthcare component.

Officials said the intervention reflects ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and improve access to affordable healthcare services across public and private facilities.