Many Nigerians have argued that the late Dr Michael Okpara’s agricultural ideas should be sustained and revived across the country.
While these debates continue, others insist that Nigeria must move beyond overdependence on crude oil and deliberately develop other sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and the entertainment industry to achieve sustainable growth.
This write-up, however, is not about choosing which sector Nigeria should prioritise. Rather, it focuses on the need for the Nigerian government to take cognisance of the agricultural policies of the late Dr Michael Okpara and consider how they can be sustained and adapted to present realities.
Dr Michael Okpara, born on 15 December 1920 in Enugu-Ezike, was a foremost leader in Nigeria’s independence movement and served as the Premier of the defunct Eastern Region. His contributions cut across several sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Notably, Dr Okpara’s agricultural ideas remain highly relevant today. During his administration, he placed strong emphasis on local food production as a pathway to food security and economic stability. This vision formed a major promise of his government to the people of the Eastern Region.
He vigorously pursued this goal by encouraging the cultivation of staple crops such as rice, yam, and cassava, thereby strengthening food availability and reducing dependence on food imports.
Beyond crop cultivation, Dr Okpara ensured that farmers received the support they needed to thrive. He promoted cooperative farming, provided access to resources, and created an enabling environment for local farmers to flourish.
In terms of agricultural modernisation, Dr Okpara was far ahead of his time. He introduced modern farming techniques, promoted mechanisation, encouraged the use of improved seedlings, and established agricultural institutions to support farmers and boost productivity. He also prioritised infrastructural development by improving road networks and storage facilities to help farmers access markets more efficiently.
These efforts significantly enhanced productivity and food security.
Policy analysts and development experts have often noted that Nigeria stands to benefit greatly from revisiting these strategies, particularly those focused on supporting smallholder farmers, promoting local food production, and encouraging agricultural innovation.
It is also important to note that Dr Okpara’s contributions extended beyond agriculture.
In education, he placed strong emphasis on quality learning by establishing schools and promoting literacy. In the health sector, he improved healthcare delivery through the construction of hospitals and health centres across the Eastern Region.
Furthermore, he invested heavily in infrastructure, developing roads, water supply systems, and electricity projects that improved living standards and supported economic growth.
Politically, Dr Okpara demonstrated exemplary leadership. As Premier, he played a key role in shaping regional governance and contributing to Nigeria’s journey towards independence.
Indeed, the South-East and Nigeria as a whole can still draw inspiration from Dr Michael Okpara’s leadership, vision, and policy approach to reposition the nation and enable it to realise its full potential.
Sustaining Michael Okpara’s Agricultural Vision for Nigeria’s Future
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