Michael Okpara
Michael Iheonukara Okpara | |
|---|---|
| Premier of Eastern Nigeria | |
| In office 1 October 1959 – 15 January 1966 | |
| Preceded by | Nnamdi Azikiwe |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 December 1920 Umuahia, Southern Region, British Nigeria |
| Died | 17 December 1984 (aged 63) |
| Political party | National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons |
| Spouse | Adanma Enyidiya Okpara |
| Children | Nnawuihe Okpara, Uzodinma Okpara, Chinyere Okpara, Enyinna Okpara, Ugonwa Okpara, Ijeoma Okpara |
| Profession | Medical Doctor, Politician |
Michael Iheonukara Okpara // ⓘ(25 December 1920 – 17 December 1984) was a Nigerian politician and Premier of Eastern Nigeria during the First Republic, from 1959 to 1966. At 39, he was the nation's youngest premier. He was a strong advocate of what he called "pragmatic socialism" and believed that agricultural reform was crucial to the ultimate success of Nigeria.