IYEWO, a community-based health initiative founded by Dr. Jalilah Folake Kofo-Idowu, has taken its second phase of operations to Oyingbo Market in Ebute Metta, Lagos, aiming to close the gap in access to affordable healthcare for informal workers.
Muslim News gathered that the first phase of the scheme was launched in Adebimpe Market, Mile 12, with the latest outreach held at Freeman by Willoughby Street, Oyingbo.
The programme is supported by the Sustainable and inclusive Digital Financial Services Unit (SIDFS) of the Lagos Business School and supported by market leaders and other key stakeholders.
Under the initiative, traders are encouraged to subscribe to a monthly payment of N4,000, which gives them access to weekly visits with community health extension workers, basic health insurance, and referrals to government-backed medical programmes.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, Dr. Kofo-Idowu, who also serves as the Executive Director of Amal Outreach, said the goal of Iyewo is to bring care closer and shorten the time to seeking and getting healthcare, and alleviate the financial burden of healthcare on the informal sector.
“Most of our market women and men are daily earners, and they are small earners. So, when there is need for a lump sum, they don’t have access to it,” she said.
“So, what Iyewo does is provide a self-financing mechanism in the form of ajo (thrift) for health, where they keep the money in a health savings wallet and that money is directed towards their healthcare expenses.”
She added that the N4,000 monthly subscription comes with insurance coverage and provides services such as hypertension and diabetes screenings, tailored specifically for the needs of informal sector workers.
“Iyewo is a technology-enabled community-based primary care provider targeting the informal sector. We want to meet people where they are and the aim is to reach as many market women all over Lagos State and beyond. We will be launching in different markets for the next few months,” she said.
The Oyingbo market launch was well-attended by traders, market leaders including the Iyaloja and Yeye Oja, and the Councillor-elect for Ward F, Lagos Mainland, Mr. Yusuf Lukman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He pledged support by covering 50% of subscription fees for some traders.
In a chat with Muslim News, Mr. Lukman described the programme as “Laudable and wonderful,” stressing his commitment to supporting community health initiatives.
“Health is wealth. If you have money without health, you cannot enjoy your money,” he said.
“Even if I were not contesting, I would still support this programme. I am always for initiatives that will benefit our people.”
Market trader Mr. Aderibigbe Jose praised the initiative and expressed gratitude to Iyewo Clinic. “We appreciate Iyewo Clinic for bringing this initiative to our market. We thank all the workers for the good way they have addressed us,” he said, highlighting the affordability of the scheme.
The project, timely and essential: Partners
Speaking at the launch in Mile 12, a representative of Lagos Business School, Olayinka Dada, stated that the project had been in development for over a year, noting that they conducted extensive research to understand and address the specific health challenges of market traders.
The Jagunmolu of Mile 12, Chief Sowande Adesina, who represented the Kabiyesi of Maidan, Oba Adelana Ogunjobi, described the project as timely and essential for the community.
“This intervention came at the right time. Iyewo reached out to us ahead of the launch to understand the local challenges. That’s what makes it different,” he said.
Also speaking, the Iyaloja of Orisumbare Market, Yeye Dupe Ojo, commended the initiative for focusing on underserved populations, urging the traders to maximise the opportunity.
“The most remarkable feature of this programme is its grassroots impact. Many of our people cannot afford hospital visits. It is easier, accessible and conducive so we approve it and we love it,” she said.
She urged the traders to maximise the opportunity and prioritise their health.
One of the attendees revealed that she only discovered she had high blood pressure after participating in the free on-site screening during the event.
Meanwhile, the interface with markets continues with the third phase scheduled to hold later in July 2025, at Oke Arin market, Lagos Island area of Lagos State.
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