5 Things You Need To Know About Mojisola Meranda, Lagos Assembly’s First Female Speaker

Mojisola Lasbat Meranda became the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa over allegations of financial misconduct.
Representing Apapa Constituency 1, Meranda has been in the Assembly since 2015.
Here are five key facts about her life and career:
1. Early Life and Family Background
Mojisola Meranda was born on August 16, 1980, into the Akapo family in Lagos. Her father, Chief Taoreed Akanni Lawal-Akapo, served as the Ojora of Lagos from 1977 to 1993. Her mother, Princess M.A. Lawal-Akapo, is from prominent royal families, including the Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru lineages. Her brother, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, is the Oniru of Iru Land.
2. Education
Meranda attended St. Charles Nursery and Primary School before moving to Randle Primary School in Surulere, where she completed her primary education in 1992. She attended Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School (1992–1996) and Ansar-ud-Deen Secondary School (1996–1998).
In 2013, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Lagos State University. From 2018 to 2020, she furthered her education at the University of Lagos.
3. Career Before Politics
Before joining politics, Meranda worked as a Personal Assistant at the Office of the Surveyor General from 2003 to 2007. She later became a Procurement Manager at Cirrus Nigeria Limited, an oil and gas company, from 2007 to 2008. She also served as Head of Operations at Worthline International Services Limited until 2015.
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4. Political Journey
Meranda started her political career at Apapa Local Government, serving as Senior Special Assistant on Intervention and Inter-Government Affairs from 2008 to 2011. She later became the Supervisor for Health from 2011 to 2014.
She was first elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019 and 2023. Prior to becoming Speaker, she held the position of Deputy Speaker.
5. Community Development Efforts
As a lawmaker, Meranda has supported various initiatives in her constituency, particularly in agriculture, health, and education. Through her foundation, she has provided training and resources to constituents, including empowering youth in farming to boost local food production.
Her appointment as Speaker marks a significant moment in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.