The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has stepped in to provide a critical lifeline for the surviving Lagos quadruplets following the tragic demise of their mother and one of the infants. In a moving show of support, the state government has granted free health insurance and essential care packages to the grieving family to ensure their long-term well-being.
The intervention came after Mrs. Charity Anani, a 28-year-old teacher originally from Cross River State, tragically passed away alongside one of her newborns after giving birth on February 27, 2026, at a private medical facility in Lagos.
A Crucial Safety Net for a Grieving Family
During a compassionate condolence visit to the family’s residence in the Ikotun area of Lagos, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, presented various essential gift items and financial aid through the Excellence Child Health Scheme (EKOSHA).
Dr. Zamba announced that the surviving infants, their father, and the grandparents stepping in as primary caregivers have all been enrolled into ILERA EKO, the state’s social health insurance scheme, completely free of charge. This coverage guarantees the babies seamless access to immunizations, routine checkups, and specialized medical supervision.
“Considering the economic situation in the country, there is a need for Nigerians to rally round the father of the Quadruplets, an Okada rider, to take proper care of the babies,” Dr. Zamba stated, appealing to well-meaning citizens to support the family. “With the free Health Insurance, the babies would be able to access care any time at their preferred hospital, take all their immunisations, and the Agency would also have the opportunity to monitor their care as well as their well-being.”
The Preventable Cost of Out-of-Pocket Healthcare
The tragedy highlights a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of health emergencies and the dangers of high out-of-pocket medical expenses. The late Mrs. Anani had delivered the babies at a private hospital not affiliated with the state’s affordable health scheme.
Reflecting on the painful loss, the father of the babies, Mr. Paul Anani, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for the timely intervention, while urging other residents to prioritize health insurance before emergencies strike.
“The gifts presented to the babies are timely as they would go a long way in reducing the huge expenses and burden on the family,” Mr. Anani said. “There is the possibility that my wife and one of the Quadruplets would have been alive, had it been that the family registered and enrolled under ILERA EKO.”
The infants’ grandparents, Mr. Sunday Anani and Mrs. Rachael Anani, also expressed deep appreciation, noting they never expected such magnanimity from the Lagos State Government given that they are non-indigenes residing in the state.
LASHMA Urges Mass Enrollment on ILERA EKO
Dr. Zamba used the opportunity to reiterate the affordability of the state’s healthcare plans, noting that an individual plan costs just ₦15,000 per annum, while family packages range between ₦55,000 and ₦80,000 annually.
The ILERA EKO plan provides comprehensive coverage, including the treatment of common childhood illnesses, chronic disease management, surgeries, emergency services, and pharmaceutical care, aiming to eliminate catastrophic medical debts for Lagos families.
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