MICHAEL AKINOLA
The Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda has been named the official Patron of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Lagos State Chapter.
The 44-year-old versatile lawmaker was honoured at the youth organisation’s landmark symposium event held Saturday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Speaking at the impactful Youth and Governance Symposium themed “Youth In Governance: Building a Foundation for Sustainable Development,” Hon. Meranda expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the privilege of being named a Patron of the great council while commending the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, and the Commissioner, as well as the leadership and team of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (both at the national and state levels), for putting together such a stellar initiative.
“I was truly inspiring to witness the passion, intelligence, and determination of our young people. The quality of conversations, depth of knowledge, and shared commitment to better governance filled me with renewed hope and confidence in Nigeria’s future. I do not take this honour for granted as I remain committed to ensuring policies are designed to create an enabling environment where every youth can thrive, lead, and contribute meaningfully —just as our dear father and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to champion,” Meranda stated.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende described the symposium as a vital platform to engage with emerging leaders, fostering meaningful dialogue on leadership, governance, and sustainable development.
“It was an enriching experience sharing ideas, ideals, pathways, and personal experiences with a dynamic group of young minds eager to shape the future. As a state and nation, there is much to be done in grooming visionary leaders who will not only blaze trails but also build inclusive, accountable systems. Advocacy, mentorship, and holding critical conversations that can influence policy formulation are crucial parts of this process, and from this Symposium, we have decided to decentralize this initiative, replicating it at each of the 57 LGs and LCDAs in Lagos State,” Ogunlende said.
The symposium also had in attendance hundreds of vibrant Nigerian youths led by Ambassador Sukubo Saraigbe Sukubo, the President, National Youth Council of Nigeria; Adigun Ibrahim, Chairman NYCN Lagos Chapter; Moremi Ojudu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-West); Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development; some other Members of the Lagos Assembly, and other distinguished personalities.
