The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, on Friday, thanked her colleagues for their consistent support since she took charge of the House, promising not to disappoint them.

Ms Meranda gave the assurance when a delegation from WOMANIFESTO,a rights group, paid her a courtesy visit at the Assembly complex on Friday.

The WOMANIFESTO, a group advocating women’s rights, has over 30 women activists as members.

Ms Meranda became the speaker on Jan. 13, following the impeachment of the immediate past speaker, Mudashiru Obasa by the House over alleged misconduct, among other allegations.

Ms Meranda (APC-Apapa 1) said it was an honour being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the House, promising to discharge her duties diligently.

She said: “I sincerely appreciate my colleagues for their belief in me and their support over the past few weeks. As I have always said, I have promised myself not to disappoint them.

“There is a saying that if you empower a woman, you empower a nation. I believe my colleagues made the right decision in electing me to lead them.

“I want this delegation to help me appreciate them because in this 10th Assembly, we are only four women among 36 men. For them to have entrusted me with this leadership role, I am truly grateful.”

The speaker, a three-term lawmaker, emphasised the significance of women’s empowerment, and urged the group to partner the assembly on women empowerment.

The speaker also thanked the delegation for the show of love and support, saying this was not just about her, but about their gender as a whole.

Ms Meranda urged the delegation to stay in touch, saying that whatever ideas they had to improve the lives of Nigerians—especially women and the girl child—would be welcomed.

Earlier, the WOMANIFESTO’s convener, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, said the group was at the assembly to congratulate her, following her historic emergence as the first female speaker.

Mr Akiyode-Afolabi urged the speaker not to let down the womenfolk and the state.

She said the group was ready to collaborate with the assembly in advancing policies that would benefit Nigerian women and girls.

Also speaking, Ganiyu Sanni, the lawmaker representing Kosofe 1, commended the WOMANIFESTO delegation and urged them to support Ms Meranda’s leadership.

Mr Sanni said the Assembly upholds high standards and those standards would be maintained, especially now that they had “a woman with strong character and vast experience” leading them.

He said Ms Meranda was well-prepared for the task ahead, but she needed support.

(NAN)