In a bid to enhance healthcare access and welfare for senior citizens, the Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State has enrolled more than 300 elderly residents in the Lagos State Health Management Agency (Ilera Eko) insurance scheme.
The initiative, launched under the theme “Mudun Mudun, Itoju Agba” (Care for the Elderly) and “Ladega Cash Support,” was held on Friday at the council secretariat. It featured free medical screenings for diabetes and hypertension, alongside the distribution of food packs and cash gifts to 100 beneficiaries.
Council Chairman, Mr. Adedayo Ladega, said the programme was part of his commitment to improving the health and welfare of residents, particularly the elderly, in fulfilment of promises made during his election campaign.
“My promise to the people of Ikorodu has always been to prioritise their health and general well-being,” Ladega said. “Through this initiative, our elders can now know their health status, access medical care, and enjoy the benefits of health insurance. The food and cash support are additional palliatives to ease current economic hardship, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He also urged youths in the area to shun social vices and remain hopeful, assuring that his administration would continue to implement programmes that foster security and prosperity.
“The first thing I did upon assumption of office was to meet with all security agencies and local vigilantes to strengthen community safety. We are committed to making Ikorodu a model of progress and development,” Ladega added.
One of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Akeem Odubeko, expressed appreciation to the council chairman, noting that the health insurance coverage would help many elderly residents manage their health better.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Saidat Bakare, who received both food and cash support, commended Ladega for the initiative and called for the revival of the weekly environmental sanitation exercise to promote a cleaner Ikorodu.
The medical outreach marks another step in the council’s efforts to provide social support and healthcare access to its most vulnerable residents.