Text of First Plenary Address by Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as Speaker

By Jumoke Owoola  Addressing her colleagues at the first sitting since her emergence as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Ho...

By Jumoke Owoola 

Addressing her colleagues at the first sitting since her emergence as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in her to serve as Speaker of the 10th Assembly.  

In her words:  

“I am indeed very grateful for the confidence you have in me, and I pledge to work tirelessly to uphold the virtues of transparency and good governance that the House stands for.  

“Today again, we are reminded of the shared responsibilities that rest on our shoulders as representatives of our good people in Lagos State.  

“We are elected to give voice to their fears, aspirations, and concerns. We are the guardians of this collective trust, and we must work to justify the trust they have placed in us.  

“As we begin this new chapter in the history of our Assembly, I want to assure you that our administration will focus on working together for a better Lagos. We will work harmoniously with other arms of government to ensure the seamless delivery of the dividends of democracy to Lagosians, who are our core focus.  

“Therefore, we will work to ensure that irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or religion, every Lagos resident is proud to say, ‘I am a Lagosian.’  

“The synergy between us and other arms of government is crucial for good governance and democratic development.  

“To achieve this, we must commit to maintaining an open line of communication with the Executive, led by Mr. Governor (Babajide Sanwo-Olu), fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect in our relationship with one another. By doing so, we ensure that our vision aligns with that of the Executive for a better State.  

“We will prioritize leaving the past behind and forging ahead. We will not dwell on past controversies or disagreements. Instead, we will focus on the great and pressing task ahead, which is delivering better services to the people of Lagos.  

“We will strive to create a more inclusive and participatory democracy where every citizen feels valued, respected, and empowered.  

“We have a lot to do to achieve this vision. There is no room for stigmatization among us. We are one, and that unity will be our strength to take meaningful steps forward.  

“Our focus will be on several key areas to strengthen legislative independence. Our top priority is ensuring that our vision remains robust and success-driven.  

“We will promote transparency and accountability in governance, ensuring that our actions are guided by the principles of integrity, fairness, and justice.  

“As we begin this new chapter, let us be reminded that we are not just lawmakers but also leaders. We must lead by example, demonstrating the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability expected of us.  

“As Speaker, I commit to prioritizing the needs of our constituents. Through you, we will ensure that united voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and welfare is protected.  

“Our goal is to create a more inclusive and participatory democracy where citizens are actively engaged in decision-making processes that impact their lives.  

“Be assured that we are all going to work together to achieve our lofty vision for Lagos State.  

“I am committed to listening to ideas, responding to concerns, and working collaboratively with everyone to address the challenges we face. Together, let us work towards a brighter future for Lagos State—a future built on the principles of justice, equality, and opportunities for all.  

“We believe there is much hope for a better society. We will achieve these together.”