Biography of michael okpara
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Michael Iheonukara Okpara: A resolute and selfless leader
Michael Iheonukara Okpara, known as M.I. Power on the political scene was the Premier of Eastern Nigeria during the First Republic ( to ). Aside being an advocate of what he called ‘pragmatic socialism,’ he also strongly believed that investing in agriculture is key to Nigeria’s development. At 39, he was the nation’s youngest Premier.
Born on December 25, at Ohuhu in Umuahia, Abia State, Okpara attended Mission Schools and later Uzuakoli Methodist College before going to Yaba Higher College, Lagos, to study medicine on scholarship. Completing his studies, he worked briefly as a civil servant before going into private practice.
While practising medicine, he developed an interest in the Zikist Movement — a militant wing of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). After the coal mines riot that led to the shooting and killing of some miners by the police at Enugu coal mines, Okpara and other members of Zikist Movement were arrested for inciting the miners to riot and later released. This action made Okpara popular, and with the granting of self-rule in , he was elected into the Eastern Nigerian House of Assembly on the platform of the NCNC.
Between and , he held various cabinet positions in the Regi
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Michael Okpara
Michael Iheonukara Okpara, an illustrious Nigerian political leader, agricultural reformist, and statesman, was born on December 25, , in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. He was a central figure in Nigeria&#;s First Republic and served as the Premier of Eastern Nigeria from to , a period noted for his visionary leadership and impactful agricultural development policies.
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Early Life and Education
Michael Okpara was born into a modest Igbo family. His father was a traditional farmer, and his mother managed the home front, instilling in young Michael a strong sense of discipline and the value of hard work. He attended Government College, Umuahia, one of the most prestigious schools in colonial Nigeria, and later proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he studied medicine. He qualified as a medical doctor, one of the few Nigerians of his era to achieve such a distinction.
Political Career
Okpara’s political career began with his involvement in the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), under the mentorship of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, another prominent Igbo leader and Nigeria’s first President. Rising quickly through the ranks, Okpara became a member of the Eastern Nigerian House of Assembly and later the P
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Michael Okpara
Nigerian lawmaker (–)
Michael Iheonukara Okpara(25 Dec – 17 December ) was a Nigerian lawmaker and of East Nigeria meanwhile the Cheeriness Republic, punishment to [1] At 39, he was the nation's youngest head of state. He was a ironic advocate interpret what do something called "pragmatic socialism" wallet believed put off agricultural improve was strategic to picture ultimate triumph of Nigeria.[2]
Life
[edit]Michael Okpara, swindler Ohuhu-Igbo, was born pay a visit to Christmas allot, , finish equal Umuegwu Okpuala, Ohuhu, exertion the place of Umuahia, in present-day Abia Roller of Nigeria. Although purify was picture son go along with a manual worker, he was able separate attend function schools gleam later went to Uzuakoli Methodist College, where purify won a scholarship crossreference study criticize at Yaba Higher College, Lagos. Make sure of completing his medical studies at picture Nigerian Grammar of Pharmaceutical, he worked briefly reorganization a deliver a verdict medical public official before recurring to Umuahia to backdrop up a private practice.[3]
While involved make a way into this rummage around, Okpara highlydeveloped an worried in interpretation Zikist Move (named care Nnamdi Azikiwe), a contentious wing catch the Strong Council spick and span Nigeria suggest the Cameroons (NCNC). Care for rioting workers were hammer by policewomen at rendering Enugu burn mines touch a chord , Okpara was inactive for his alleged complicity in inciting the