Stella Okoli, born on July 30, 1944, in Kano State, Nigeria, is a popular pharmacist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
She is the founder and CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company in Nigeria.
Okoli has made significant contributions to the healthcare sector in both Nigeria and internationally.
In addition to her business success, Stella Okoli has held various roles, including being a member of the Economic Summit of Nigeria, the Health Matters Advisory Board of Nigeria, and Vice President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
She is also dedicated to philanthropy and established the Chike Okoli Foundation in 2006 in memory of her late son.
Stella Okoli’s work has been recognized with several awards, such as the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge Award, the Ernst & Young Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Institute of Directors Lifetime Achievement Award.
REAL FACTS ABOUT STELLA CHINYELU
FULL NAME: Stella Chinyelu Okoli
BETTER KNOWN AS: Stella Okoli
DATE OF BIRTH: 30 July 1944
PLACE OF BIRTH: Kano State, Nigeria
STATE OF ORIGIN: Anambra State
NATIONALITY: Nigerian
MARITAL STATUS: Married
OCCUPATION: Pharmacist • Businesswoman
FAMILY
Stella Chinyelu Okoli was born in the lively city of Kano in northern Nigeria on July 30, 1944.
She comes from the respected Nnewi clan in Anambra State and can trace her ancestry back to her parents, Felix Ebelechukwu and Margaret Modebelu.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Stella’s educational journey began at All Saints Primary School in Onitsha in 1954.
She completed her secondary education at Ogidi Girls Secondary School in Ogidi, Anambra State in 1964.
She continued her pursuit of knowledge by attending the Federal Science School in Lagos from 1964 to 1966.
Stella Chinyelu Okoli’s academic aspirations led her to the United Kingdom, where she obtained a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) from the University of Bradford in 1969.
She furthered her studies at Chelsea College, University of London, and earned a Master of Science (MSc) in Bio-Pharmaceuticals in 1971.
Stella belongs to the Igbo ethnic group, which is a significant ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria.
Although we don’t have specific information about her religious beliefs or the number of siblings she has, her background and education demonstrate her strong commitment to personal and professional growth.
CAREER
Stella Chinyelu Okoli, a famous personality in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry, has had a diverse and successful career.
Born in Kano State, Northern Nigeria, in 1944, Stella began her journey in the busy city of Onitsha, where she attended All Saints Primary School.
She then went on to Ogidi Girls Secondary School and later to Federal Science School in Lagos, demonstrating her passion for education.
After completing her schooling, Stella didn’t settle for just becoming a pharmacist; she became a world traveler, studying at the University of Bradford in the UK and later at the University of London, Chelsea College.
She gained experience as a ward/clinical pharmacist at Middlesex Hospital in London, proving her ability to handle the demands of healthcare.
Upon returning to Nigeria, Stella worked at Massey Children Hospital in Lagos before joining Park Davies Nigeria Ltd, which is now known as Pharma-Deko Plc.
However, she had a strong desire to be her own boss and in 1977, she founded Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited.
What started as a small pharmacy retail shop has now expanded to have a presence in Liberia and Sierra Leone, establishing Stella as a prominent personality in the pharmaceutical industry.
Stella has made significant contributions outside of the pharmaceutical industry.
She has held various positions, including being a member of the Economic Summit and Health Matters Advisory Board in Nigeria.
Additionally, she has served as the Vice President of the Manufacturers Association and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture.
In 2006, Stella Chinyelu Okoli created the Chike Okoli Foundation in memory of her late son.
The foundation’s goal is to promote healthy lifestyles and entrepreneurial skills among young Nigerians.
As part of this mission, the foundation has established the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
This demonstrates Stella’s dedication to philanthropy and the development of young people.
PERSONAL LIFE
Stella Chinyelu Okoli was married to the late Barrister Nnaemeka Christopher Ozuomba Okoli, who died in 2014 at the age of 71.
Despite having a strained relationship since 2000 due to unresolved issues, she still took care of him when his health declined in 2004 after being diagnosed with lung cancer and needing regular chemotherapy in the UK. This shows her strength as a woman.
