Michael Iheonukara Okpara

Michael Iheonukara Okpara 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. He was a member of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and a close associate of Nnamdi Azikiwe. He was arrested for his alleged involvement in the Enugu coal mine riots of 1949, but was later released. He held various cabinet positions in Eastern Nigeria, ranging from Minister of Health to Minister of Agriculture and Production. He became the Premier of Eastern Nigeria after Azikiwe became the Governor-General of Nigeria in 1959. He was known for his progressive policies and programs, such as the establishment of farm settlements, industrial estates, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation. He also supported the secession of Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War, but later reconciled with the federal government after the war. He died of cancer in 1984, a few days before his 64th birthday. He is widely regarded as one of the best leaders Nigeria ever had.