Coalition of Women’s Groups have reaffirmed their unflinching support for Rt. Hon. Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, calling on stakeholders to safeguard and uphold women’s representation in leadership.
At a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, February 6, 2025, two prominent women’s groups—Women for Good Governance in Lagos State and the Coalition of Professional Women in Politics (COPWIP)—commended Meranda’s historic achievement and urged all stakeholders to stand firmly behind her leadership.
The event, held at The Class Signature in Opebi, Ikeja, commenced with a strong declaration of support for Meranda’s leadership, with participants rallying around the hashtag #StandWithMeranda to amplify their message.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Fatee Mohammed, convener of Women for Good Governance, hailed Meranda’s emergence as a landmark victory for women in politics and a reflection of the evolving democratic landscape in Lagos State.
“For decades, women have played pivotal roles in governance, often behind the scenes. Today, we celebrate a woman who has broken barriers, defied stereotypes, and risen to the pinnacle of legislative leadership in our state,” Mohammed said.
She emphasized Meranda’s commitment to progressive policies, social welfare, and the empowerment of women and youth, stating that her leadership would drive dynamic and people-focused legislation in the Lagos Assembly.
“Leadership thrives on collective effort, and we must all play our part to ensure a successful tenure for our Speaker. This is not just a celebration; it is a call to action for more female participation in governance,” she added.
In the same vein, Dr. Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi, President of COPWIP, stressed the significance of Meranda’s leadership, warning that any attempt to remove her would be a serious setback for women’s political representation.
“Mojisola Meranda has made history, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in leadership. Her removal would not only be a personal loss but also a setback for the progress we have made in political inclusion,” Owolabi stated.
She called for collective action to protect women’s leadership, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure Meranda’s tenure remains uninterrupted.
“Women’s leadership must not be undermined. We must stand together to affirm that women deserve to be seen, heard, and respected in leadership,” she concluded.
