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  • Meranda harps on gains of Renewed Hope Agenda at stakeholders’ meeting

    Meranda harps on gains of Renewed Hope Agenda at stakeholders’ meeting

    Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has restated her commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development.

    Speaking at the 10th Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting held at Rockview Hotel, GRA, Apapa, with the theme “Governance in Action: The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said the initiative reflects the present realities of governance at both national and state levels.

    She noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, complemented by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES agenda, is already delivering tangible benefits across critical sectors, including employment, infrastructure, education, health, and community development.

    On youth empowerment, she disclosed that several residents had secured placements in state agencies such as TESCOM, LASTMA, Neighborhood Watch, and the Lagos State Rail Mass Transit. 

    The DS and Mr Emeka NNadi General Manager, ZENCO Group Ltd with one of the beneficiaries of the tertiary education scholarship

    “This is governance in action creating pathways for our youths to be productive, self-reliant, and contributors to society,” she said.

    Meranda also announced the commencement of road rehabilitation across Apapa communities through the Lagos State Public Works Corporation. Roads billed for reconstruction include Adele Road, Payne Crescent, Ogedegbe Road, Ashanti Close, Sapele Road, Jetty Road, Julius Berger Road in Ijora GRA, among others.

    Read Also: Meranda lauds D’Tigress on 2025 AfroBasket feat

    In the education sector, the Deputy Speaker highlighted her interventions ranging from annual provision of JAMB forms to donation of school materials and furniture for public schools. 

    She also revealed a new scholarship initiative: in partnership with Zenco Group of Companies, five deserving students from the constituency will receive full scholarships for their tertiary education.

    On health and welfare, she recalled interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing support schemes, and the introduction of a health insurance programme for constituents. 

    The five beneficiaries of the tertiary education scholarship

    She also disclosed the success of the Annual Youth Coding Bootcamp, which is now in its third edition, with 200 students graduating from the holiday summer coding programme this year.

    Meranda further listed community borehole projects as part of her constituency-driven initiatives aimed at improving access to safe water.

    The Deputy Speaker also announced fresh welfare packages for residents. According to her, over 500 households will benefit from food palliatives, while more than 100 petty traders will receive financial support of ₦100,000 each to boost their businesses.

    While commending the progress made so far, she stressed that governance is a continuous journey. 

    Petty trader support beneficiary

    “There are still roads to fix, schools to upgrade, jobs to create, and lives to touch. The Renewed Hope Agenda calls for a shared commitment to keep pushing, keep building, and keep delivering,” she said.

    She urged community leaders, youth groups, religious bodies, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate with government in sustaining the pace of development.

    Food items beneficiaries

    “Together, we must build the future we want. I remain committed to walking this journey with you, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart, until Apapa Constituency 1 stands not just as a model for Lagos, but as a beacon of what the Renewed Hope Agenda can achieve across Nigeria,” she said.

  • Meranda calls for stricter policies to end drug abuse

    Meranda calls for stricter policies to end drug abuse

    To combat the rising problem of substance abuse, the Deputy Speaker. Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has called for a review and implementation of the NDLEA Act.

    The Deputy Speaker made the call in Lagos at the Anti-Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) Stakeholders Conference, organised by the MTN Foundation in Falomo.

    Meranda added: “I remain committed to the well-being of our people in Lagos and Nigerians in general. I use this platform to call for a comprehensive review and implementation of the NDLEA Act, which will, ultimately, bring these policies to the state level so all State Houses of Assembly can get involved.”

    She called for stricter measures, particularly at the grassroots, to curb access and protect vulnerable citizens. She reiterated that prevention is cheaper and far more effective than rehabilitation.

    “We must enforce tougher restrictions, especially at the grassroots, as part of the measures to curb access and protect our most vulnerable citizens. We all know that prevention is cheaper and far more effective than rehabilitation. This is why we must continue to invest in education, youth development, and community empowerment to redirect energy away from street vices and substance abuse towards productive and promising futures.”

    READ ALSO; Russia offers to increase scholarships for Nigerian students 

    She called for collaborative efforts and synergy between government agencies in the fight against substance abuse in the country, adding that it will take such collaboration to break the vicious cycle of abuse in society, even as she commended the MTN Foundation Board.

    “This is not just a fight for one agency or one arm of government. It is everyone’s fight! Together, we must break the cycle and build a healthier, drug-free future. I sincerely commend the MTN Foundation Board, management, and staff for their commitment to this cause, and the Board and Management of MTN Nigeria for funding it.

    I also appreciate the collaborative support of the Lagos State Government, the NDLEA, UNODC, CSOs, media, religious leaders, traditional rulers, educators, parents, and youth advocates who continue to lend their voices to the fight against substance abuse.”

  • Meranda calls for stricter policies to end substance abuse

    Meranda calls for stricter policies to end substance abuse

    As part of efforts to combat the rising problem of substance abuse among Nigerians, the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has called for a comprehensive review and implementation of the NDLEA Act.

    The Deputy Speaker made the call on Wednesday in Lagos while speaking at the Anti-Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) Stakeholders Conference, organised by the MTN Foundation at the MTN Golden Plaza, Falomo.

    Meranda restated her commitment to the well-being of Lagosians and indeed Nigerians, adding, “As Deputy Speaker and a legislator, I remain committed to the well-being of our people in Lagos and Nigerians in general. I use this platform to call for a comprehensive review and implementation of the NDLEA Act, which will ultimately bring these policies to the state level so all State Houses of Assembly can get involved.”

    She called for stricter measures, particularly at the grassroots, in order to curb access and protect vulnerable citizens. She reiterated that prevention is cheaper and far more effective than rehabilitation.

    “We must enforce tougher restrictions, especially at the grassroots, as part of the measures to curb access and protect our most vulnerable citizens. We all know that prevention is cheaper and far more effective than rehabilitation. This is why we must continue to invest in education, youth development, and community empowerment to redirect energy away from street vices and substance abuse towards productive and promising futures.”

    Read Also: Meranda calls for commitment, support for boy-child

    She also urged collaborative efforts and synergy between government agencies in the fight against substance abuse in the country, adding that it will take such collaboration to break the vicious cycle of abuse in society, even as she commended the MTN Foundation Board.

    “This is not just a fight for one agency or one arm of government. It is everyone’s fight! Together, we must break the cycle and build a healthier, drug-free future. I sincerely commend the MTN Foundation Board, management, and staff for their unwavering commitment to this cause, and the Board and Management of MTN Nigeria for funding it. I also appreciate the collaborative support of the Lagos State Government, the NDLEA, UNODC, CSOs, media, religious leaders, traditional rulers, educators, parents, and youth advocates who continue to lend their voices to the fight against substance abuse.”

  • Lagos LG election: Meranda calls for unity among APC members

    Lagos LG election: Meranda calls for unity among APC members

    Ahead of the Lagos state local government election slated to hold on Saturday, July 12, 2025, the deputy speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda has called for unity among members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking shortly after a meeting between the governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, party leaders and all the party’s local government chairmanship and councilorship candidates, Meranda described the meeting as more than ceremonial, stating that it was a reaffirmation of the collective resolve of the APC to deepen democratic values and to promote inclusive leadership.

    “This moment was more than ceremonial, it was a powerful reaffirmation of our collective resolve to deepen democratic values, promote inclusive leadership, and uphold transparency in governance at every level,” Meranda stated.

    She urged all members of the APC in the state to join hands and work for the success of the party in the election, maintaining that the party leadership stands for free, fair, and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people and advances the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The deputy speaker stated, “Last week, I had the honour of attending the official presentation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Chairmanship & councilorship flag bearers in Lagos State to key stakeholders of our great party. The event, graciously hosted by Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House, Marina, reaffirmed the strength and unity of the APC family.

    “As we approach the forthcoming Chairmanship elections, our call is clear and unwavering: we stand for a free, fair, and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people and advances the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening democracy from the grassroots, rekindling faith in public service, inspiring participatory governance, and building a Lagos, and indeed a Nigeria, that works for all.”

  • Meranda calls for commitment, support for boy-child

    Meranda calls for commitment, support for boy-child

    In celebration of the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child, the deputy speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has called for support every boy child for them to attain their natural potential.

    In a message to mark this year’s International Day of the Boy Child, Meranda urged the world to take a moment and to rise in support of the boy child.

    Meranda said this year’s theme, ‘Building Self-esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,’ speaks to the heart of the needs of the boy child.

    According to her, society should take some moment to the boy child and encourage them to believe in themselves, adding that society owe it to the boy child to thrive through robust policies.

    The statement reads: “Today, we proudly celebrate the International Day of the Boy Child — a moment to reflect, to recommit, and to rise in support of every boy’s potential.

    Read Also: Meranda commends South West games organisers for excellent event   

    “The theme for this year, ‘Building Self-esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen,” speaks to the heart of what our boys need most — a society that listens to them, believes in them, and encourages them to believe in themselves.

    “As the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I recognize the urgent need to create nurturing environments where boys are taught not just to be strong, but to be thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and confident in who they are. We must be intentional about raising boys who are not afraid to speak their truth, take up space, and shape their world with dignity and purpose.

  • Easter: Meranda urges Christians to live life of humility

    Easter: Meranda urges Christians to live life of humility

    As Christians around the world mark Easter, the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Princess Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, extends heartfelt Good Friday greetings and a message of hope, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

    In her statement,  Meranda called on the Christian faithful to reflect deeply on the meaning of Good Friday—the day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the ultimate act of sacrificial love.

    “Good Friday invites us to pause, reflect, and remember the ultimate sacrifice made by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. His death on the cross is not just a story of pain and suffering—it is the foundation of our salvation, a symbol of perfect love, and a call to all believers to live lives of humility, compassion, and purpose,” she said.

    Read Also: Meranda commends South West games organisers for excellent event   

    The Deputy Speaker emphasized the need for personal introspection and surrender on this holy day, encouraging Christians to lay down every burden that distracts from their spiritual walk.

    “May we find renewed strength in the depth of His love. Let this sacred day remind us to surrender all that does not glorify God in our lives—our fears, bitterness, pride, and every burden that hinders our spiritual growth. And may such things be put to death permanently today, as we anticipate the joy of resurrection and the promise of new life.”

  • BREAKING: Tinubu meets Obasa, Meranda other Lagos Assembly members at Villa

    BREAKING: Tinubu meets Obasa, Meranda other Lagos Assembly members at Villa

    Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have arrived the State House, Abuja, to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    As at the time of filing this report, the legislators, who arrived in two coaster buses had been allowed into the President’s office area to wait for the meeting.

    Both the reinstated Speaker of the Assembly, Hon Mudashiru Obasa, and the ousted one, Hon Mojisola Miranda, were also sighted in the team.

    While Meranda arrived with her colleagues at some minutes past 2pm, Obasa arrived separately at about 2:50pm.

    Read Also: FULL SPEECH: Why I resigned as Lagos Assembly Speaker – Meranda

    The meeting may not be unconnected with the recent leadership crisis in the State House of Assembly.

    It would be recalled that Hon. Obasa was impeached as Speaker by a majority of his colleagues, but he was latter reinstated after the intervention of the political leaders especially the Governor’s Advisory Council, (GAC)

    Despite the Speaker’s reinstatement, it was gathered that the bad blood as a result of his impeachment is yet to be over.

    Details shortly…

  • FULL SPEECH: Why I resigned as Lagos Assembly Speaker – Meranda

    FULL SPEECH: Why I resigned as Lagos Assembly Speaker – Meranda

    I wish to let every one of you know that I have made a personal sacrifice towards resolving the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    I recognise the role my family has played and continues to play in entrenching democracy, good governance, and the betterment of our people. I will never depart from the well-established path of honor, dignity, integrity, and service as personified by my late father.

    Please permit me, dear colleagues, to restate my position as expressed in the newspaper publication, where I stated as follows: It is with heavy responsibility that I wish to resign my position as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly with effect from this day, March 3, 2025. I took this decision carefully and with firm consideration. On one hand, I accepted the position of Speaker on January 13, 2025, and on the other hand, I resigned the position as it is threatening the democracy of this House.

    As good people of Lagos, our mandate is to protect the good people of Lagos State and ensure good governance.

    I feel that I have demonstrated leadership and selfless sacrifice by resigning in order to protect these resources that we have suffered to build. With your unwavering support, I take this step to step down as the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

    I cherish the solidarity that I have enjoyed and that has been given to me by my honorable members. I do not leave out the management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly. I want to thank you for your support and collaboration.

    As short as it is, this is a memorable event. I need you to permit me to resign as the Rt. Honorable Speaker, and I shall continue to serve my good people of Apapa Constituency 1 in particular and the entire Lagos State in general.

    Thank you for finding me worthy to lead this distinguished and honourable Assembly. I am not a quitter; however, I took this bold decision in order to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment.

    Accordingly, I have agreed to yet again make a personal sacrifice by stepping down as the Speaker of this great Assembly.

    Dear distinguished and gallant honourable members of this 10th Assembly, occasionally, we are confronted by overwhelming challenges and conflicts, but as responsible leaders, we must not break down the legislative House that we collectively built in pursuit of justice and fairness.

    For those who have been unfairly referred to for standing on the side of fair play, kindly take note that there will always be an opportunity to right any wrong.

    I appreciate the spectrum of solidarity that I received through phone calls, messages, and visits throughout my short tenure.

    I sincerely thank you for your understanding and support, just as we know that party decisions are supreme.

    At this point, I take a bow as your Speaker, and I step down as your Speaker for this great House.

    God bless you.

  • BREAKING: Lagos lawmakers re-elect Meranda as Deputy Speaker

    BREAKING: Lagos lawmakers re-elect Meranda as Deputy Speaker

    Minutes after she resigned as Speaker, Lagos lawmakers have re-elected Hon Mojisola Meranda as Deputy Speaker. 

    She was picked as Speaker after 36 lawmakers sacked Hon Mudasiru Obasa. 

    Read Also: EFCC confirms raid on Minna hotel, denies bandit involvement 

    But she resigned on Monday during plenary according to her to protect the institution of the Assembly. 

    Details shortly…

  • 36 Lagos lawmakers reaffirm Meranda as speaker

    36 Lagos lawmakers reaffirm Meranda as speaker

    • GAC not involved in Obasa’s removal, says Olusi
    • Court orders ousted Speaker to join all legislators in suit

    Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday  insisted that Mrs Mojisola Meranda remained Speaker of the House  and has not resigned.

     The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Stephen Ogundipe, in a statement dismissed speculations about Meranda’s resignation, stressing that she remains in office with the support of 36 colleagues.

    As controversy rages over the speakership, the chairman of the influential   Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State,Prince Tajudeen Olusi  said the  legislators  did not inform the council of their plan to remove Mr. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker .

     Ogundipe reaffirmed the lawmakers’ support for Meranda and  praised  her dedication to serving the people of Lagos.

     Ogundipe also alerted Nigerians and the global community to an unsanctioned attempt by the former Speaker and three members to convene a plenary session.

     He said  a valid sitting requires formal notice to members, a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace—an essential symbol of legislative authority.

     According to him, none of these conditions were met, as only five out of 40 members were present, rendering the session unconstitutional and without effect.

     He said: “The Lagos State House of Assembly remains steadfast in upholding legislative integrity and maintaining the highest parliamentary standards.

     “As an institution dedicated to the state’s progress, we will continue to act within the law to protect and preserve democratic governance.

     “Furthermore, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who remains committed to serving Lagos residents.

    Read Also: Lagos Assembly Crisis: Meranda breaks silence, says Obasa’s action ‘show of shame’

     “Any speculation suggesting her resignation is entirely unfounded. She remains firmly in office with the confidence and support of 36 colleagues.”

     Ogundipe said the House acknowledges the importance of party unity and aligns with the APC leadership in resolving internal misunderstandings.

     He said the lawmakers remain focused on their legislative duties and committed to the welfare of the people.

     Ogundipe urged all stakeholders to disregard misinformation and trust that the Assembly will continue to uphold democracy and good governance.

    Obasa stormed the House on  Thursday and declared  he had returned as Speaker .

    He claimed that he had not been removed from office.

     Meranda  faulted Obasa’s action ,describing it as a show of shame.

     “Well, this is just the beginning and just like what happened in there, both parties have their representatives, and I think we should allow the legal team do their job,” Meranda said.

    Continuing,she said: “Well, I think he (Obasa) is still a member of the assembly, so he has every right to be at the assembly, but I think the invasion and breaking into my office is really a big one.

    “The sitting with just  four lawmakers is a show of shame because in our job, we’ve numbers that must form quorum. If you’re sitting with only 3 or 4 lawmakers, then you’re only doing theatre.

    “The public will be notified on the next sitting of the house.”

    Court grants application for all LAHA members   to be joined in  Obasa’s suit

    Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja  yesterday granted an application filed by some members of the State House of Assembly house seeking to be joined in the suit by Obasa against his removal from office.

    Obasa,through his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu, claimed  that he was removed from his position on January 13, 2025, by 35 lawmakers while he was out of the country.

    At yesterday’s  proceedings Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) led Bimbo Akeredolu (SAN) , and other lawyers to represent Meranda while Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) led Muiz Banire (SAN)  and other lawyers  to represent 34 lawmakers loyal to Meranda.

    Olu Daramola (SAN) and Dada Awosika  (SAN) represented other members of the house seeking to be joined in the suit.

    However,a  mild drama ensued  when another counsel, Abang Mkpandiok challenged Falana’s representation of the Lagos State House of Assembly

    Mkpandiok said he had been briefed the previous day  by the Assembly and had filed his motion for a change of counsel in the matter this morning.

    He urged the court to take his application first.

    Mr Falana in his objection told the court that he had not been served and remained the counsel on record for the Assembly.

    Mr Oyetibo also said he had not been served with the application.

    The court adjourned till March 7 to hear all pending applications in the matter.