Biography
Stella Okoli, born Stella Chinyelu Okoli on 30 July 1944, in Kano State, is a prominent Nigerian pharmacist, entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is the founder and managing director of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company in Nigeria. Okoli has made significant contributions to the healthcare sector in Nigeria and internationally.
In addition to her success in business, Stella Okoli is also actively involved in various roles as a member of Nigeria Economic Summitthe Nigerian Advisory Council on Healthand Vice President Association of Nigerian ManufacturersShe is also a dedicated philanthropist, having founded Chike Okoli Foundation in 2006 in memory of her late son.
Stella Okoli’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including International Women’s Entrepreneurship Challenge Awardthe Ernst & Young Lifetime Achievement Awardand Institute of Directors Lifetime Achievement Award.
CEO of Emzor
Stella Okoli |
|
|---|---|
 Stella Okoli: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos |
|
| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Real name: | Stella Chinyelu Okoli |
| Stage name: | Stella Okoli |
| Born: | July 30, 1944 (age 80) |
| Place of birth: | Kano State, Nigeria |
| State of origin: | Anambra State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | All Saints Primary School, Ogidi Girls’ High School, Federal School of Science in Lagos, University of Bradford, Chelsea College, University of London |
| Height: | Do not have |
| Parents: | Felix Ebelechukwu, Margaret Modebelu |
| Siblings: | Do not have |
| Couple: | Nnaemeka Christopher Ozoomba Okoli (m. ?-2014) |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | Emeka Okoli, Uzoma Okoli, Chike Okoli |
| Job: | Pharmacist • Entrepreneur |
| Net worth: | 800 million dollars (USD) |
Early life and education
Stella Chinyelu Okoli was born on July 30, 1944 in the vibrant city of Kano, located in northern Nigeria. She comes from the respected Nnewi clan in Anambra State, descended from her parents, Felix Ebelechukwu and Margaret Modebelu.
Stella’s educational journey began at All Saints Primary School in Onitsha in 1954. She completed her secondary education at Ogidi Girls’ High School in Ogidi, Anambra State in 1964. She continued to pursue knowledge and attended Federal School of Science in Lagos from 1964 to 1966.
Stella Chinyelu Okoli’s academic ambitions took her to the UK where she obtained a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree from University of Bradford in 1969. She continued her studies at Chelsea College, University of Londonreceived his Master of Science (MSc) in Biopharmaceuticals in 1971.
Ethnically, Stella is Igbo, an indigenous ethnic group prominent in southeastern Nigeria. While specific details about her religious beliefs and the number of siblings are not readily available, her background and education highlight her dedication to personal and professional growth.
Career
Stella Chinyelu Okoli, a name synonymous with the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry, has had a career as colourful and varied as the pills she produces. Born in Kano State, northern Nigeria, in 1944, Stella’s journey began in the bustling city of Onitsha, where she attended school. All Saints Primary School. From there, she moved on to Ogidi Girls’ High School and then come Federal University of Science in Lagos, demonstrating her active learning.
After finishing her studies, Stella didn’t stop at becoming a pharmacist; she became a world traveler, studying at University of BradfordUK, and then in University of LondonChelsea College. She then worked as a clinical/departmental pharmacist at Middlesex Hospital in London, proving she could handle the pressures of healthcare like a professional.
Returning to Nigeria, Stella Chinyelu Okoli worked at Massey Children’s Hospital in Lagos before joining Park Davies Nigeria Limited (now Pharma-Deko Plc). However, she needed to be more satisfied with working for someone else; she had an entrepreneurial spirit. In 1977, she founded Emzor Pharmaceutical Company LimitedStarting from a small pharmacy retail store, Emzor expanded its operations and has a presence in Liberia and Sierra Leone, making Stella the queen of pharmaceuticals.
Stella’s contributions are not limited to the pharmaceutical industry. She has held various positions, including membership on the Nigeria Economic Summit and the Nigerian Health Advisory Board. She has also served as Vice President of the Nigerian Manufacturers Association and the Association of Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.
In 2006, Stella Chinyelu Okoli founded Chike Okoli Foundation in memory of her late son, to promote healthy lifestyles and entrepreneurial skills among Nigerian youth. The Foundation was established Chike Okoli Center for Business Research In Nnamdi Azikiwe UniversityAwka, reflects Stella’s commitment to charity and youth development.
Personal life
Stella Chinyelu Okoli was married to the late lawyer Nnaemeka Christopher Ozuomba Okoli, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 71. Despite a strained relationship from 2000 due to some ‘irreconcilable differences’, she looked after him when his health declined in 2004 after he was diagnosed with lung cancer and had to travel to the UK regularly for chemotherapy. What a strong woman!
Stella and Nnaemeka have three children together: Emeka Okoli, Uzoma Okoli and (Former) Chike Okoli. Unfortunately, Chike Okoli passed away in 2005, leaving Stella to start Chike Okoli Foundation in 2006 in his memory. The foundation aims to fight poverty and disease by raising awareness of cardiovascular diseases.
Regarding Stella’s height, this is not a widely discussed topic in the public domain. However, her achievements and contributions to the health sector in Nigeria are certainly immense!
Net worth
Stella Chinyelu Okoli, founder and CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical Company Limitedhas amassed a substantial net worth of $800 million through his business ventures.
A significant portion of her wealth comes from her successful pharmaceutical company. EmzorWhat started as a small pharmaceutical retail store has grown into a major player in the industry, manufacturing over 140 products and expanding operations across Nigeria and beyond.
In addition to her business ventures, Stella also contributes to the healthcare industry and her charitable efforts through Chike Okoli Foundation may also have contributed to her wealth and fame.
