Michael Iheonukara Okpara, fondly remembered as M.I. Okpara, was born on Christmas Day in 1920 at Umuegwu Okpuala, Ohuhu,

Michael Iheonukara Okpara, fondly remembered as M.I. Okpara, was born on Christmas Day in 1920 at Umuegwu Okpuala, Ohuhu,

Michael Iheonukara Okpara, fondly remembered as M.I. Okpara, was born on Christmas Day in 1920 at Umuegwu Okpuala, Ohuhu, near Umuahia in today’s Abia State. Though he was the son of a humble laborer, Okpara’s determination and brilliance took him far beyond the limitations of his background.

He attended local mission schools and later studied at the Methodist College, Uzuakoli, where his academic excellence earned him a scholarship to study medicine at Yaba Higher College in Lagos. After completing his medical training at the Nigerian School of Medicine, Okpara briefly worked as a government medical officer before returning home to set up a private medical practice in Umuahia.

It was during this period that his interest in public affairs began to grow. Influenced by the nationalist fervor of the time and inspired by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Okpara became active in the Zikist Movement—a radical wing of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). Following the tragic Enugu coal miners’ strike of 1949, Okpara was arrested for allegedly inciting workers, though he was soon released. This experience deepened his political resolve.

When Nigeria gained internal self-rule in 1952, Okpara contested and won a seat in the Eastern Nigerian House of Assembly under the NCNC platform. Over the next few years, he served his region diligently, holding several ministerial positions, including Minister of Health and Minister of Agriculture and Production. His loyalty to Azikiwe remained steadfast even during party crises, and when Azikiwe left politics in 1960 to become Nigeria’s first Governor-General, Okpara rose to lead the NCNC.

At just 39 years old, he became Premier of Eastern Nigeria—the youngest premier in the nation’s history. As premier from 1959 to 1966, Okpara championed what he called “pragmatic socialism”, a philosophy grounded in self-reliance, industrialization, and above all, agricultural transformation. He believed that the future of Nigeria depended on its ability to feed itself and grow its economy from the land.

To lead by example, he established the Umuegwu Okpuala Mixed Farms, which became a model for modern agriculture and inspired similar ventures across Eastern Nigeria. His administration prioritized rural development, education, and infrastructure, laying the foundations for what was once considered the most economically vibrant region in the country.

Despite his powerful position, Dr. Okpara was known for his humility and integrity. Remarkably, he never owned a personal house during his years in government. After the military coup of January 1966, Okpara was detained but survived the political turmoil that claimed the lives of other regional leaders. When the Nigerian Civil War broke out, he fled into exile in Ireland, returning only in 1979. His friends and supporters later built him a modest house in his hometown as a token of gratitude for his service.

Dr. Michael Okpara passed away on 17 December 1984, just days before his 64th birthday. Yet, his legacy continues to live on. He was honored with the title of GCON (Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger) in 1964, one of Nigeria’s highest national awards.

Today, his name is immortalized in several landmarks: Michael Okpara Way in Abuja, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike, Okpara Square in Enugu, and Michael Okpara College of Agriculture (now the Imo State Polytechnic). Statues of him stand tall in both Enugu and Umuahia, reminding generations of a man who governed with vision, integrity, and a deep love for his people.

Dr. Okpara was also a member of the Royal Academy of Physicians of Great Britain, a testament to his professional excellence. More than a politician, he was a man of ideas, an advocate for education, agriculture, and human dignity. His life remains a shining example of leadership rooted in service and simplicity.