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The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has challenged young Nigerians to redefine leadership by prioritising competence, character and purpose, insisting that politics should never be viewed as a profession.
Speaking at the HOA 2.0 Mentorship Session, Meranda urged participants to prepare themselves for leadership long before seeking public office, arguing that lasting impact comes from solving problems rather than chasing titles.
Her keynote address centred on the theme of purposeful leadership, mentorship and preparing a new generation capable of transforming their communities.
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“Leadership Is More Than a Position”
Meranda told the audience that genuine leadership extends far beyond occupying an office.
“Leadership is not merely about occupying a position. A position gives you authority, purpose gives you direction, character gives you credibility, and service gives you leadership,” she said.
She encouraged young people to shift their focus from asking what position they want to occupy to identifying the problems they are willing to solve.
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According to her, transformational leaders are remembered not because of the offices they held but because of the positive change they created.
Why Politics Should Not Be Treated as a Career
One of the strongest moments of her speech came when she addressed a student who expressed an ambition to become a politician.
Meranda responded with a message she hopes young people will remember. “Being a politician is not a profession. That is the truth. It is not a profession.”
Instead, she urged aspiring public servants to acquire relevant education, skills and experience that would prepare them to contribute meaningfully whenever opportunities arise.
She warned that leadership requires preparation, not merely ambition.
“Opportunity may open a door, but preparation determines whether an individual is ready to walk through it.”
The Power of Mentorship
The Deputy Speaker described mentorship as a deliberate process of transferring knowledge, values and opportunities from one generation to another.
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She noted that effective mentors do more than offer advice—they challenge young people to think critically, make better decisions and discover their own leadership potential.
Reflecting on the panel discussions, Meranda highlighted the mentoring efforts of House of Representatives member Babajimi Benson, describing them as an example of leadership that intentionally develops future leaders.
She posed a challenge to established leaders. “Have you mentored people that can take over from you? Have you shown people the way to go about leadership?”
According to her, leaders should focus on building successors rather than attempting to carry every responsibility alone.
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Meranda also urged participants to position themselves to influence decision-making.
“I tell people that if you are not on that table as a decision maker, you might likely appear on that table as one of the menu items,” she said.
She explained that competence and continuous learning are essential for anyone hoping to participate effectively in governance and public service.
Technology Will Shape Tomorrow’s Leaders
Beyond politics and mentorship, Meranda stressed that young people must embrace technology and artificial intelligence as essential tools for future leadership.
She praised the Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA smart school initiative, describing digital literacy as critical to building smarter communities and preparing young people for the changing world of work.
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According to her, social media and emerging technologies have transformed communication, influence and economic opportunities, making it essential for young people to develop technological skills early.
Build a Legacy, Not Just a Position
As she concluded her address, Meranda urged participants to protect their integrity, continue learning and resist sacrificing their values for short-term gains.
“Build your competence. Protect your integrity. Read widely, learn continuously. And wherever you find yourself, look for a problem you can solve.”
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She compared leadership to a relay race, arguing that true success lies in preparing others to continue the journey.
“If your leadership ends with you, you built a position. If your leadership produces people who can lead beyond you, you have built a legacy.
She challenged members of HOA 2.0 to lead with purpose, serve with humility, embrace curiosity and show courage, reminding them that the future is already being shaped by the choices they make today.
