Hon Dr M. I. Okpara visited Jamaica with promises of employment in his homeland. The premier's visit was a celebratory one as he wanted to congratulate Jamaica for achieving independence.

Published Thursday, October 4, 1962

PREMIER OKPARA:

 Nigeria has space for skilled Jamaicans

There is abundant room for Jamaicans who want to live and work in Eastern Nigeria, especially those with skills, the premier of that country, the Hon Dr M. I. Okpara said on arrival at Palisadoes Airport last evening. He said that Nigeria has an unemployment problem, but skilled Jamaicans would be very welcome.

Accompanied by Mrs Okpara and other members of his party, the premier was met at the airport by the Hon Donald Sangster, Jamaica's Minister of Finance; Mr H. L. Lindo, permanent secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs; the governor general's ADC, Lieut Richard Carr; Mr R. A. Foreman, commissioner for lands; Attorney General,  the Hon. Victor Grant; Mr Donald Mills of the Central Planning Unit; Mr H. D. Carberry, clerk of the Legislature; and Mr Easton Soutar, deputy clerk to the Legislature.

Dr Okpara said he was fulfilling a promise to the Jamaican Mission to Africa to visit Jamaica and also to congratulate Jamaica on achieving independence.

His country planned to spend £675 million sterling on development over the next six years, the premier said. The balance of payments was adverse at the moment, but with so many natural resources, they were not unduly concerned. They had had to spend a great deal of money importing capital goods for their industrialisation programme.

Nigeria would become a republic as soon as possible, Dr Okpara added. The major political parties had agreed, and they were currently working out details. It was hoped that the country would be a republic by the end of next year.

The recent trouble in Western Nigeria had been overemphasised, the premier said. There had been no bloodshed, and the little trouble was between the political parties. All had now accepted the court's ruling, and all was now quiet.

Dr Okpara said he hoped to see something of Jamaica's general development and to visit the university and other places of interest while here. He leaves with his party on October 8.

With the premier and wife were the Hon. G. E. Okeke, minister of economic planning; Mr J. O. Udehi, CMG, chief cecretary to the premier; Mr F. S. Ateli, private secretary to the premier, and Mrs Ateli; Mr V. U. Amagba, confidential secretary and Mrs Amagba; Mr O. Okoro, public relations officer, and Mrs Okoro; Mr S. O. Oti, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Enugu, and Mrs Oti.

The party received a vociferous welcome at the airport, with the beating of drums, waving of banners, and several people wearing African-type robes. The crowd cheered the premier as his car drove away.

There were representatives from various organisations present to welcome the premier and his party. These included Mr W. M. Blackwood of the National Church of Nigeria in Jamaica; Dr M. B. Douglas and Mr Z. Munro Scarlett of the Council for Afro-West Indian Affairs; the Rev. F. B. Cockburn of the Methodist Church in Jamaica; and members of the Rastafarian movement, including Mr Mortimer Planno, Mr Douglas Mack, and Mr Philmore Alveranga.

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