Stella Okoli
Stella Okoli’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her resilience, foresight, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With a solid foundation laid through her invaluable experience in pharmaceutical firms such as Middlesex Hospital in London, Boots the Chemists Limited, and Pharma-Deko, she embarked on a path that would redefine Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape.
In January 1977, Stella Okoli took the bold step of founding Emzor Pharmaceutical, initially named “Emzor Chemists Limited,” starting with a modest pharmacy retail shop in Somolu, Lagos State. Through her visionary leadership and dedication to quality, Emzor Pharmaceutical rapidly expanded, evolving into a powerhouse in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. Since its formal incorporation in 1984, the company has flourished, boasting a diverse portfolio of over 50 products that have become household names across the nation.
Beyond her remarkable business acumen, Stella Okoli actively contributes to Nigeria’s economic and health sectors. She holds positions of influence on esteemed platforms such as the Economic Summit of Nigeria and the Health Matters Advisory Board of Nigeria. Additionally, her leadership roles in prominent associations like the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture demonstrate her pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s industrial and commercial landscape.
As a trailblazer in the pharmaceutical industry, Stella Okoli has chaired pivotal groups like the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Her legacy of entrepreneurship, leadership, and dedication to societal impact continues to inspire generations of Nigerians, cementing her status as a true icon in the country’s business landscape.