Michael Okpara
This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (September 2022) |
Michael Iheonukara Okpara | |
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Position abolished | |
Personal details | |
Born | 25 December 1920 Medical Doctor , Politician |
Michael Iheonukara Okpara
Life
Michael Okpara, an
While involved in his practice, he developed an interest in the Zikist Movement (named after Nnamdi Azikiwe), a militant wing of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). After rioting workers were shot by police at the Enugu coal mines in 1949, Okpara was arrested for his alleged complicity in inciting the riot, though he was soon released. After the granting of internal self-rule in 1952, he was elected into the Eastern Nigerian House of Assembly on the NCNC platform. Between 1952 and 1959 he held various Cabinet positions in Eastern Nigeria, ranging from Minister of Health to Minister of Agriculture and Production.
In 1953, when NCNC legislators revolted against the party leadership, he remained loyal and joined forces with Azikiwe. In November 1960, when Azikiwe left active politics to become Nigeria's first African
After independence
Okpara was the leader of the NCNC and Premier of Eastern Nigeria during the First Republic from 1959 to 1966. Although he was one of the politicians detained soon after the military coup of January, 1966, he survived the army revolt, in which the other two premiers were killed.
A strong advocate of what he termed "pragmatic socialism", he believed that Nigeria's salvation depended on a revolution in agriculture. To this end, he acquired and managed a large farm in his hometown, called Umuegwu Okpuala Mixed Farms, which inspired many Eastern Nigerian leaders to follow suit. He also championed the educational and infrastructural development of Eastern Nigeria.
He never owned a house of his own while he was in government. When the Nigerian Civil War ended, he went into exile in Ireland. Before his return from exile in 1979, his close associates and beneficiaries took up a collection to build him a house in his village, Umuegwu. Okpara died on 17 December 1984.
Legacy
He is a member of the Royal Academy of Physicians of Great Britain. Michael Okpara Way, in
References
- ^ "The Guardian's Recognition of Excellence for Women in Public Service in focus as WIMBIZ endorses event". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2021-03-03. Retrieved 2022-03-06.
- ^ "Michael Iheonukara Okpara: A resolute and selfless leader". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2020-01-19. Retrieved 2020-05-28.
- ^ says, Ezekiel Okeke (2017-07-12). "Accord concondiale: The continuous search for Nigeria's elusive unity and indivisibility (7)". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2020-05-28.
- Portrait of a Leader by H. K. Offonry. New Africa Publishers (1983)
- Power & Governance: The Legacy of Dr.Michael Okpara by the Michael Okpara Foundation (1997) ISBN 978-027-264-X