Women’s rights advocacy platform, WOMANIFESTO, visited the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, to express their support for her emergence as the first female Speaker in the state’s history.

WOMANIFESTO, a platform of over 300 women’s rights activists, advocates, and organizations, is dedicated to advocating for women’s rights in Nigeria.

During the visit, the Convener of WOMANIFESTO, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, referred to the event as a historic milestone.

“We are here on a solidarity visit because this has never happened before in Lagos. We are happy that, for the first time, a woman has emerged as Speaker of the State Assembly. We pray that God will direct you. You have always added value to the state, and this position gives you even greater opportunities to do so,” she said.

Akiyode-Afolabi also addressed concerns raised in media reports about Meranda’s emergence, stressing that women in leadership positions often face resistance.

“All over the country and the world, it is always a challenge when a woman assumes a position like this. We know Lagos State is not like that, but when we saw reports in the media, we became worried. This is a step in the right direction for Lagos, and we see your emergence not just as a personal achievement but as a victory for the entire men and women of Lagos,” she added.

She also reassured Meranda of the unwavering support from civil society organizations for her leadership.

“We are willing and ready to support the work you are doing. We are just a call away.”

Opeyemi Adamolekun, an advocate for transparency and good governance, also spoke on the significance of Meranda’s election and the legitimacy of the process.

“We have read a lot about the situation, but what we do know is that due process was followed, and it was a very transparent process.

“Regardless of political perspectives, the House must recognize what her emergence means for Lagos, for women in Lagos, and for Nigeria. Politics involves negotiations and compromises, but what is at stake here is bigger than Rt. Hon. Meranda as an individual. The fact is that due process was followed, and she is here. Period!”

She encouraged the Speaker to stay focused on her responsibilities, highlighting that while political cycles are temporary, legacies of leadership endure.

“This is not just about Lagos; it is about Nigeria and what this represents. The current political cycle will be over in two years. Let’s see this through to the end. We will support you and do the necessary work. In 2027, there will be another election.”

The founder of SHE FORUM AFRICA, Inimfon Etuk, also spoke, noting that her visit was not politically driven but based on a shared commitment to supporting women’s leadership.

“When you hear my name, you will know that I am not from Lagos. I don’t vote in Lagos. In other words, there is nothing of personal or political value for me in coming here. I am here to stand in solidarity.

“Our group, as Dr. Abiola has said, is a collective, and the only thing that binds us together is women’s interests. We are completely apolitical. Our focus is on advancing the collective interests of women and girls.”

Etuk emphasized the urgency of gender inclusion in governance, pointing to the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Nigeria’s slow progress.

“We are just five years away from the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target, and Nigeria is still far behind. As Nigerian women, we are deeply concerned. Every time a woman helps to push that needle forward through her resilience and excellence, we take note.

“That is exactly what Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda represents. No matter how high you climb the political ladder, if you are not a woman of excellence, you would not be occupying the seat of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.”

Etuk called on Nigerians to recognize the importance of Meranda’s rise and to appreciate the Lagos Assembly for setting an example.

“This milestone improves Nigeria’s global standing in women’s political representation. The people of Lagos should see this as an achievement based on merit—one to be celebrated and embraced.”

She urged Meranda to champion the collective aspirations of Nigerian women and called for the support of her colleagues in the Assembly.

“You are no longer just representing Apapa; you now represent the collective aspirations of all Nigerian women. When a woman succeeds, everybody benefits.

“We are at your disposal to support the policies you will drive and implement in Lagos State.”