Mojisola Lasbat Merranda Net Worth

Introduction

Mojisola Lasbat Merranda is a distinguished Nigerian politician and public servant whose career in Politics & Government has earned her widespread recognition across the country. Born in 1980, she has become a prominent voice for progressive governance, women’s empowerment, and grassroots development in Nigeria. Over the past decade, she has served in several key legislative and executive capacities, championing policies that address education, healthcare, and infrastructure deficits in underserved communities. Her most notable achievement came in 2019 when she was elected to the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State. Since then, she has sponsored over a dozen bills, including the landmark Women’s Economic Empowerment Bill, which seeks to provide microcredit and skills training to rural women. As a politician with a deep commitment to transparency and accountability, Merranda has also led anti-corruption campaigns within her party and local government. Her rise from a modest background to a national figure exemplifies the transformative potential of dedicated public service in Nigeria. Today, she is regarded as one of the most impactful young politicians in the country, frequently consulted on policy matters by both state and federal authorities.

Early Life & Education

Mojisola Lasbat Merranda was born on 15 March 1980 in the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. She grew up in a middle-class family; her father, Chief Abdul-Raheem Merranda, was a respected civil servant, while her mother, Alhaja Aminat Merranda, was a trader and community leader. From an early age, Merranda displayed a keen interest in social justice and public speaking, often participating in school debates and community youth forums. She attended St. Anne’s Primary School in Ibadan for her elementary education and later proceeded to Queen’s School, Ibadan, where she excelled in the arts and social sciences. Her formative years were shaped by the economic challenges of the 1990s, which instilled in her a deep understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians.

After completing her secondary education, Merranda gained admission to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 2002. She was an active member of the National Association of Political Science Students and served as the women’s affairs secretary of the student union. Her undergraduate thesis on “Women’s Participation in Local Governance in Nigeria” later became the foundation of her political philosophy. Determined to deepen her expertise, she pursued a Master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Ibadan, graduating with distinction in 2005. During her postgraduate studies, she interned at the Oyo State House of Assembly, where she gained firsthand experience in legislative processes. These years were pivotal in shaping her belief that effective governance must be inclusive, transparent, and rooted in community engagement.

Career & Major Achievements

Early Political Career

After completing her education, Mojisola Lasbat Merranda began her career as a legislative aide to Hon. Kolawole Ogunlade, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly. In this role, she drafted policy briefs, organised town hall meetings, and coordinated constituency outreach programmes. Her work ethic and deep knowledge of local issues quickly caught the attention of party leaders. In 2011, she contested for a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and won by a significant margin. Representing the Ibadan North East constituency, she served two terms (2011–2019) and became known for her relentless advocacy for education and healthcare. She sponsored the Oyo State Free Maternal Health Bill, which was signed into law in 2014, providing free antenatal and delivery services to thousands of women.

National Impact

In 2019, Merranda successfully ran for the House of Representatives, representing the Ibadan North Federal Constituency. As a federal lawmaker, she has been a vocal advocate for fiscal federalism and has pushed for increased funding for primary education. One of her signature achievements is the Constituency Development Fund Bill, which mandates that a percentage of federal allocations be directly channelled to local projects. She also played a key role in the passage of the Not Too Young To Run Act, lowering the age requirement for political office in Nigeria. In 2021, she was appointed as the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, where she has overseen the implementation of several national gender equality programmes. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Nigerian Women Leadership Award (2022) and recognition from the African Union for her contributions to women’s political participation.

Grassroots Engagement

Beyond the legislature, Merranda has established the Merranda Empowerment Foundation, which has trained over 5,000 women and youths in vocational skills such as tailoring, ICT, and agribusiness. She has also facilitated the construction of three primary health centres in rural communities and provided scholarships for 200 underprivileged students. Her commitment to transparency is evident in her annual “Constituency Scorecard” reports, which detail how public funds have been utilised. These initiatives have solidified her reputation as a politician who bridges the gap between policy and practical impact.

Personal Life & Legacy

Mojisola Lasbat Merranda is married to Dr. Adebayo Olawale, a medical practitioner, and they have two children. She is a devout Muslim and often credits her faith for guiding her principles of honesty and service. Despite her busy schedule, she prioritises family time and is known to host community iftar dinners during Ramadan. Her philanthropic work extends beyond politics: she is a patron of the Ibadan Women’s Shelter, a safe house for victims of domestic violence, and regularly donates to orphanages. Merranda is also an avid reader and author of the book “The People’s Mandate: A Guide to Grassroots Governance”, published in 2020.

Her legacy is already taking shape as a trailblazer for women in Nigerian politics. She has mentored dozens of young female politicians, many of whom have gone on to win local council seats. Colleagues describe her as a bridge-builder who consistently reaches across party lines. In 2023, she was named one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Africa by the African Women’s Development Fund. As she continues her political career, Merranda remains focused on her vision of a Nigeria where every citizen has equal access to opportunities and justice. Her life story inspires a new generation of leaders who see public service not as a career but as a calling.

Net Worth & Business

As a public servant, Mojisola Lasbat Merranda has maintained a transparent financial profile. Her net worth is estimated at approximately ₦180 million (about $400,000), primarily derived from her legislative salary, allowances, and investments in real estate. She owns a modest property in Ibadan and a family home in Abuja. In addition to her political income, Merranda co-founded Merranda Farms Ltd, an agribusiness venture that produces cassava and vegetables, employing over 50 local workers. She has also invested in a small publishing company that produces educational materials for secondary schools. True to her principles, she has publicly declared her assets annually through the Code of Conduct Bureau and encourages other politicians to do the same. While not among the wealthiest politicians in Nigeria, her financial holdings reflect her commitment to ethical wealth creation and economic empowerment at the grassroots level. Her business interests are managed by a professional team, allowing her to focus fully on her legislative duties and community development projects.