In a signed statement by the group, the delegation led by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi congratulated the Speaker on her historic emergence as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, acknowledging this as a significant milestone for women’s participation in governance.
According to the statement, Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi also commended the members of the House of Assembly for adhering to the constitutional process in the election of the new Speaker. She emphasized the importance of strengthening collaborations with both state and non-state actors to contribute to building a Lagos where women and girls can thrive.
Also speaking, Yemi Adamolekun, Executive Director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, and Ini Etuk, Executive Director of She Forum Africa, described Womanifesto’s solidarity as apolitical, solely representing the interests of Nigerian women and girls. They urged all stakeholders to support the Speaker in line with the ongoing calls from women across Nigeria for gender equity and representation. Adamolekun urged the members of the House to prioritize working for the benefit of Lagos in the two years remaining before the next election cycle.
The delegation offered Womanifesto’s technical support to the Speaker to ensure a successful tenure in Lagos.
The delegation was received by the Speaker, as well as prominent members of the House, including the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Sani Ganiu Okanlawon, and Hon. Ajayi Oladele. Speaking on behalf of the House members, Hon. Okanlawon reiterated the vote of confidence in Rt. Hon. Meranda and emphasized the need to support the Speaker for a successful tenure.
In her response, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, expressed gratitude to Womanifesto for their solidarity and to the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for the confidence they had placed in her. She highlighted the underrepresentation of women in the legislature, with only four female and 36 male lawmakers in the House. She assured that she would work for the benefit of Lagos and uphold the highest standards of excellence as a representative of Nigerian women.
