10 things to know about new Lagos Speaker, Mojisola Meranda

Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, a Lagos-born politician, has emerged as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa.

A seasoned lawmaker, she represents Apapa Constituency 1 and has served in the Assembly since 2015.

Here are ten to know about new Lagos Speaker, Mojisola Meranda:

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1. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was born on August 16, 1980, into the royal families of Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru, her lineage boasts a strong political heritage. Her late father, Chief T.A. Lawal Akapo, was a legislator and later became the Ojora of Lagos.
2.  She attended Randle Primary School and later Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School. Meranda earned a degree in Public Administration from Lagos State University in 2013 and pursued further studies at the University of Lagos.
3. She worked as a personal assistant in the Lagos State government and held positions in the private sector, including as a procurement manager at Cirrus Nigeria Limited.
4.  She started as a senior special assistant at Apapa Local Government, she later became a supervisory councillor for health. Elected to the House in 2015, she has since been re-elected twice.
5. As a legislator, Meranda emphasized the amendment of outdated laws over merely sponsoring new bills. She has also implemented various constituency projects, including medical outreaches and educational support initiatives.
6.  A vocal advocate for women’s rights, she challenges stereotypes and calls for greater representation of women in politics, emphasizing equal capabilities in leadership roles.
7. She has initiated water projects, equipped schools, supported petty traders and widows, and facilitated training programs for mechanics.
8. She served as the Chief Whip of the ninth assembly and is one of only four women in the current 40-member Lagos Assembly.
9. Meranda is married and enjoys reading and traveling. Her determination and resilience in politics are evident in her journey to leadership roles.
10.  On January 13, 2025, she was unanimously chosen as Speaker, marking a significant milestone in her career and the history of the Lagos State Assembly.NIGERIAN TRIBUNE