- Advertisement -
Who is Stella Okoli?
One of the famous Nigerian pharmacists is Stella Okoli, who is the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company.
Okoli recently celebrated her birthday in Lagos, where the iconic crooner Onyeka Onwenu performed last.
Early Life and Education.
Advertisement
Born in 1944 in Kano State, Okoli began her formal education at All Saints Primary School in Onitsha and later moved on to Ogidi Girls Secondary School in Ogidi, where she completed her secondary school education in 1964.
She graduated from the University of Bradford with a degree in Pharmacy in 1969 and earned an M.Sc. in Biopharmaceuticals from Chelsea College, University of London, in 1971.
Personal Life
Stella Okoli married Christopher Nnaemeka Okoli, a lawyer, in 1970. They had three children: Emeka, Uzoma, and Chike Okoli. Tragically, she lost her son Chike in 2005. Following his death, she founded the Chike Okoli Foundation in 2006 to combat poverty and diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases. She also established the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies.
Career
Before founding Emzor Pharmaceutical, Okoli worked in several pharmaceutical firms, including Middlesex Hospital in London, Boots the Chemists Limited, and Pharma-Deko.
In January 1977, she started Emzor Pharmaceutical, initially named “Emzor Chemists Limited,” as a small pharmacy retail shop in Somolu, Lagos. Since its incorporation in 1984, Emzor Pharmaceutical has grown to become one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical companies, with over 50 products.
Professional Involvement
Stella Okoli is actively involved in several professional bodies. She is a current member of the Economic Summit of Nigeria and the Health Matters Advisory Board of Nigeria. She serves as the Vice President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture. Additionally, she has chaired the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
Onyeka Onwenu’s Final Performance
On July 30, 2024, Nigerian veteran singer, songwriter, activist, and actress Onyeka Onwenu collapsed and died after her performance at Stella Okoli’s birthday celebration. See VIDEO: Onyeka Onwenu’s Final Performance Before She Collapsed and Died at Stella Okoli’s Birthday Surfaces Online
