Business

NAFDAC DG PAYS A WORKING VISIT TO EMZOR CAMPUS

Published

4 years ago

December 18, 2021

Sahara Weekly

NAFDAC DG PAYS A WORKING VISIT TO EMZOR CAMPUS

About Emzor

Sahara Weekly Reports Emzor is a privately owned indigenous pharmaceutical company founded in 1984 by Dr. Stella Okoli. The Company has grown into a legacy pharmaceutical company with 4 modern factories that manufacture over 140 world-class pharmaceutical products, such as analgesics (the widely used Emzor Paracetamol), vitamins, haematinics, anti-malarial, anti-tussive, antibiotics, antihelminthic, anti-histamine, antacid, and cardio-protective drugs.

NAFDAC DG PAYS A WORKING VISIT TO EMZOR CAMPUS

Emzor has a network of over 120 distributors covering public and private institutions across West Africa. Emzor is the largest indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturer in the country with over 120 products, all NAFDAC approved.

THE FACTORY VISIT

The NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye in company of Dr. Monica Eimunjeze (Director, Drug Registration And Regulatory Affairs (DRRA); Mrs Ijeoma Nwankwo, U. (Director, Drug Evaluation & Research (DER) and Dr. Gbenga Fajemirokun (SA-DG NAFDAC) visited the Ultra-Modern Pharma Factory known as Emzor Campus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) compliant factory is sited on more than 60 Hectares of land at the Shagamu Interchange of the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and is the largest pharmaceutical facility in West Africa.

The factory is also (cGMP) compliant and has already manufactured and supplied millions of doses of medication ranging from antimalarials, paediatric care, vitamins and antiretrovirals to various international organizations through partnerships for public health intervention.

DURING THE VISIT

MRS. Uzoma Ezeoke the EDG. Emzor briefed the NAFDAC team on the Emzor Emzor group’s progress from inception to date. She said that the company has grown from the days of drug sales & marketing to manufacturing for the local and African market to exportation to UK and Netherlands in Europe and the United States of America.

This is in line with the Emzor group’s goal to be the number one name in pharmaceuticals on the African continent.

After the NAFDAC teams tour of the Factory; the team addressed their host, the Emzor group.

The NAFDAC DG, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye says “I taught pharmaceutical manufacturing in the United States for 19 years and I usually would take my students to pharmaceutical companies as an extension of the class because I believe in experiential. Part of the training is the facility tour.

This facility that we have seen today can stand beside any facility in the US. To see what Emzor is doing gladdens my heart and makes us know that we can do it”.

She commended the Emzor work force on their dedication and commitment to the vision of Dr. Stella Okoli for the pharmaceuticals industry in Nigeria as well as upholding the standards set by NAFDAC under the management’s new structure and standards in the last three years to regulate the pharmaceutical industry in line with global best practices regulatory bodies.

She particularly praised the Emzor groups consumer targeted production and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) compliance. She said that Emzor is indeed a trail blazer of the industry and has indeed archived its vision of being the number one pharmaceuticals manufacturing company on the continent.

She concluded by affirming that Emzor has proven that anything is possible in Nigeria that whatever industry you operate in, if you build it to global standard the world will come to us.

Dr. Monica Eimunjeze (Director, Drug Registration and Regulatory Affairs (DRRA) also praised Emzor facility’s quality control and compliance with the NAFDAC regulations. She said that she had postponed her visit times before but is glad to have finally made it to the factory; that the world class facility is indeed a pride to the pharmaceutical industry and Nigeria.

She also praised the Emzor youth workforce that the future of the industry is assured with the training this young generation is being exposed at Emzor. That she’s particularly proud of the workforce especially the fact that the Emzor workforce is usually well represented like no other at NAFDAC organized trainings. She said that she expects an increase in the Emzor group international manufacturing partnerships.

Mrs. Ijeoma Nwankwo, U. (Director, Drug Evaluation & Research (DER) applauded the young workforce; the Vaccines and new Emzor API manufacturing Technology Transfer and licensing agreement with India’s Mangalam Drugs & Organic Limited to locally manufacture and distribute Active Pharmaceutical ingredients (4 API’s) for the treatment and prevention of malaria.

This leads to the development of a world class API manufacturing facility in compliance with international standards and the first of its kind in Sub- Saharan Africa.

Dr. Gbenga Fajemirokun (Special Assistant to the DG NAFDAC) also praised Dr. Stella Okoli for the young workforce and said seeing some of his old students working on such world class premises was a pride.

Dr. Stella Okoli thanked the NAFDAC team for taking the time out of their busy schedule to honor the Emzor family’s invitation to tour the WHO compliant facility. She reiterated that the Emzor group is committed to raising standards in the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria and Africa.

Business

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

7 hours ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status**

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

Thank you.

Business

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

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About Laffmattazz

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.