By Odey Ojeka
OGOJA (CONVERSEER) – Hon. (Mrs) Mary Illah Otoro has been sworn in as the new Vice Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, following her nomination by the Council Chairman, Chief Hon. Christopher Agbeh.
The ceremony, Converseer reports, took place on Wednesday, at the Council’s Chambers, marking a new chapter in the Council’s leadership.
Otoro, who previously represented Ogoja Urban Ward 2, was confirmed by the Ogoja Legislative Council, in line with the Cross River State Local Government Law 2007 (as amended).
In his address, Agbeh urged Otoro to remain true to her oath, uphold the Constitution, and serve the people with dedication and integrity.
Otoro pledged to discharge her duties with loyalty and respect for the Constitution, assuring the council and the people of Ogoja of her commitment to her new role.
She succeeds Mr Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, who was impeached by the council over allegations of gross misconduct.
Yakubu’s impeachment was confirmed by the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Hon. Mary Otoro’s Impactful Service In Ogoja Urban Ward 2
One of Hon. Otoro’s earliest achievements was her successful motion for the restoration of power in sections of Abakpa that had been in total darkness for over three years. Her motion, fully supported by the Legislative Council, facilitated the rehabilitation of vandalised transformers serving Abakpa Bridge, Santa Maria Clinic, and Basin Road (UNICROSS axis). This intervention restored hope to residents and rejuvenated small businesses affected by the prolonged blackout — a testament to her resolve to deliver solutions, not excuses.
Water, they say, is life, and for the people of Ogboja Community, life took a refreshing turn with the installation of a functional borehole facilitated through the proactive leadership of the Ogoja LGA Chairman, Hon. Chris Agbeh. The project was commissioned by the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi, alongside Hon. Thomas Aruku, Member representing Ogoja State Constituency.
The Ogboja Health Centre also benefits directly from this borehole, improving clean water access, sanitation, and healthcare delivery for residents.
Hon. Otoro began her leadership journey with a post-election thanksgiving at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ogboja-Ogoja. She donated sacred vessels worth hundreds of thousands of naira in appreciation to God for His faithfulness throughout her 35-year career and victorious election journey.
At the same event, she launched her community empowerment efforts by sponsoring twelve children back to school, with an additional beneficiary sponsored by Hon. Sunny Achang, bringing the total to thirteen students.
Her message was clear: true empowerment begins with giving every child the opportunity to learn.
Recognising agriculture as the heartbeat of the local economy, Hon. Otoro purchased and distributed farm chemicals to Some farmers in her ward to boost productivity. She also extended support to sick and vulnerable persons through financial and material assistance.
Her Legislative Achievements
SPONSOR
• A Bill to Regulate Motor Parks in Ogoja LGA, promoting orderliness and improved revenue generation.
CO-SPONSOR
• A Bill to Establish an Emergency Response Centre for strengthened health and disaster management.
• A Bill for the Construction of Ogoja Legislative Council Residential Quarters to enhance lawmakers’ welfare and accountability.
• A Bill to Prohibit the Vandalisation, Destruction, or Misuse of Government and Public Properties.
As part of her ongoing commitment to human capital development, Hon. Otoro Mary Illah in November 2025, paid official visit to three primary schools within her ward and distributed exercise books to pupils in:
1. Government Primary School, Ogboja-Ogoja
2. St. Theresa Primary School, Abakpa-Ogoja
3. St. Mary’s Primary School, Ndok.
This visit marks a new phase of her educational intervention plan, aligning with her vision of raising well-equipped, confident, and future-ready children in Ogoja Urban Ward 2.
