Wale Jagun
No fewer than 200 staff and members of the general public benefited from a comprehensive health screening programme as the Executive Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, on Monday, April 20, 2026, officially launched a free medical outreach programme tagged “Benson Medicare Initiative.”
The initiative is a groundbreaking healthcare scheme designed to provide free monthly medical services to both pensionable and non-pensionable staff, as well as residents of the community. It reflects the administration’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare and enhancing the overall wellbeing of people within Imota LCDA.
The atmosphere at the council secretariat during the launch was marked by strong professional collaboration, as apex nurses and staff from the Imota Primary Health Centre turned out in large numbers to support the programme. Clad in their professional attire, the healthcare team engaged with staff and residents, reinforcing the vital connection between clinical services and community-based administration. Their presence highlighted a shared dedication to strengthening healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
Addressing participants at the event, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele described the medical mission as a strategic investment in human capital. He emphasised that a healthy population remains fundamental to effective governance and sustainable development.
“Healthcare is very important to us, and this programme is designed to ensure our people have access to quality medical support. This is a continuation of the outreach we recently held for political office holders and senior staff. A healthy workforce and community translates to better service delivery and growth,” he stated.
The Chairman noted that the initiative is inclusive, extending beyond council staff to residents who form the backbone of the local economy. He urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the programme, stressing that prevention is both better and more affordable than cure.
He also assured that arrangements would be made to reach individuals who were unable to attend the maiden edition.
The free medical services offered during the outreach include blood pressure and blood sugar checks, eye screening, general medical consultations, health counseling, and the distribution of essential medications.
In addition, Hon. Benson Ayodele announced that the council would sponsor a 12-month subscription to Ìlera Èkó, Lagos State’s social health insurance scheme, for selected non-pensionable staff present at the event. He further disclosed plans to expand the outreach by May 2026 to accommodate up to 1,000 residents.
The initiative aligns with the council’s “Hi-SEE” Transformation Agenda — focusing on Health, Infrastructure, Security, Education, and Empowerment.
Earlier in the programme, an Ìlera Èkó outlet officer in Imota LCDA, Mr. Goodnews Sunday, educated participants on the benefits, registration process, and payment structure of the scheme. He explained that the programme, managed by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), is aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for residents across both formal and informal sectors.
According to him, the scheme offers affordable premiums ranging from approximately ₦8,500 to ₦15,000 annually, depending on the selected plan. Benefits include outpatient and inpatient care, consultations, maternal and child health services, basic surgeries, management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as limited dental and eye care services.
Also speaking, the Health Educator at Imota Primary Health Centre, Mrs. Olubukola Johnson, commended the Chairman for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. She raised concerns about the growing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, often referred to as “silent killers”— which frequently present no early symptoms but can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
She encouraged participants to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular medical check-ups, balanced diets, exercise, weight management, and stress reduction.
The Medical Officer of Health for Imota LCDA, Dr. Wasiu Owoyele, also praised the Chairman’s proactive leadership. He highlighted the health risks associated with workplace stress and urged staff to prioritise routine screenings and preventive care.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman and Supervisor for Health, Hon. (Princess) Abisoye Omowunmi Jimoh, described the initiative as a significant step in combating undiagnosed health conditions. She noted that the programme promotes proactive health-seeking behaviour and strengthens healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
“This mission represents a powerful effort in the fight against hypertension, diabetes, and other ailments which often go undiagnosed until severe complications arise,” she said.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the initiative. Mrs. Adeola described the programme as impactful and lifesaving, noting that the free services were highly beneficial.
“This programme is completely free, and I am very grateful. I pray the chairman continues to do more for the people,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Ibrahim, shared that the outreach came at a crucial time when he was unable to afford medical care. He noted that the programme enabled him to undergo comprehensive tests and gain better insight into his health condition.
