Emzor Boss Says Local Pharma Manufacturing Is National Duty, Not Business

The Founder and Group Managing Director of Emzor Group, Dr (Mrs) Stella Okoli, has emphasised the crucial role of local pharmaceutical manufacturing in national development, describing it as a national responsibility rather than a mere business venture.

The Emzor boss, who expressed optimism in Nigeria’s capacity to meet its pharmaceutical needs, urged stakeholders across the sector to play their part in realising this goal.

She made the remark at a recent webinar organised by Zolon Healthcare Limited, a subsidiary of the Emzor Group, to commemorate the 2025 World Pharmacists Day.

“We must believe that Nigeria can produce what it needs. Local manufacturing is not just business; it’s a national duty,” she affirmed.

Dr Okoli also spoke passionately about her enduring mission to ensure access to authentic, affordable, and high-quality medicines. She revealed that 70–80 percent of medicines produced by Zolon Healthcare are now locally manufactured, emphasising that this deliberate focus on local production forms part of Emzor’s long-term vision to help Nigeria achieve medicine security and self-reliance.

The hybrid session, which attracted over 500 pharmacists nationwide, offered rare insights into Dr Okoli’s remarkable journey, leadership principles, and lifelong passion for quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Held at the Executive Conference Hall of Emzor’s state-of-the-art manufacturing campus in Sagamu, Ogun State, the event was themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacist.” It served as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and professional reflection.

Speaking with her characteristic warmth and conviction, Dr Okoli described pharmacy as not merely a profession but a lifelong calling rooted in service and compassion.

“Pharmacy is my life’s work,” she said. “Anybody can achieve whatever they set their mind to with hard work, vision, determination, and God’s grace.”

She recounted her early challenges as a young pharmacist, highlighting the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and continuous innovation. According to her, the core values of integrity, empathy, and excellence remain the foundation for building a sustainable pharmaceutical sector capable of meeting Nigeria’s growing healthcare needs.

Throughout the session, participants expressed deep admiration for Dr Okoli’s leadership and her pivotal role in shaping the modern face of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry. Many described the webinar as energising and transformative, particularly for young pharmacists seeking direction and mentorship in their careers.

Moderated by Pharm. Bello Achilike and Pharm. Maureen-Freda Anike, the session provided participants with the opportunity to interact directly with the Emzor boss, who captivated the audience with her humility, depth of experience, and unwavering dedication to advancing pharmacy practice in Nigeria.

In closing, Dr Okoli encouraged pharmacists to remain steadfast and to view every challenge as an opportunity for growth. With a gentle smile, she shared one of her most memorable maxims — one that has defined her career and continues to inspire generations of professionals: “Hard work doesn’t kill, and the reward for hard work is more work,” she said.