Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Nigeria’s leading private indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing group, has honoured Nigerian female international soccer star and record sixth time CAF African Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, by hosting her to a grand homecoming reception in celebration of her rare feat.
Emzor also supported the Barcelona striker with the sponsorship of the 8th Annual Asisat Oshoala Football Competition for Girls, a pet project initiated and owned by Asisat to offer a veritable platform for young girls with interest in football to hone their skills and showcase their talent.
The preliminaries of the football tournament were staged on December 24, 2023 while the finals were held on December 25.
Speaking during the welcome reception held on Christmas day in Lagos, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Emzor represented by the Executive Director, Uzoma Ezeoke described Asisat as a motivation and a good role model for young people to emulate.
She also commended her for making Nigeria proud with her numerous awards chief of which is her record sixth time CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award.
She said Emzor celebrates Asisat for her remarkable achievements and for being a good example of the resilient, can-do spirit that propels Nigerians to success anywhere they find themselves, affirming that the company was proud of its association with the iconic international football star.
“On behalf of all of us at Emzor Pharmaceutical, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on achieving the rare feat as the record sixth time CAF African Women’s Player of the Year,” she said.
“Your exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and outstanding sportsmanship has not only brought glory to yourself but has also elevated our nation’s standing in the African continent and the international stage.
Continuing, Mrs. Ezeoke stated: “Your remarkable performance exemplifies the values of excellence and perseverance that we hold dear. Your commitment to your craft and the positive impact you have made on the global sport ecosystem as a whole is a true inspiration for aspiring footballers especially our girls.
“This homecoming reception serves as a recognition of your unparalleled contributions to the world of football. We are immensely proud to have you represent our country, and we look forward to witnessing your continued success in the future.
“Without any doubt, your achievements have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the history of our organisation and the global football community.”
Ezeoke stated further that Asisat’s feat as a record holder of six times’ winner of CAF African Women’s Player of the Year was a booster for young girls who are passionate about football even as she restated Emzor’s unwavering commitment to sports development in Nigeria.
Highlighting Emzor’s support for football in Nigeria, she stated that as a wellness company, Emzor has been a major supporter of the national teams, the Super Eagles since 2014 and the Super Falcons since 2016.
It also supports individual players who own initiatives and platforms through which they give back to society with Oshoala one good example.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Kunle Faloye, Emzor’s Marketing Manager, said the occasion was a special one to honour Oshoala for her accomplishments as a good face of the brand.
“Today is a special day as we gather to celebrate our esteemed national ambassador and also our brand ambassador. Asisat Oshoala’s passion, dedication and commitment to excellence are aligned with our brand values, and they make her endearing and exceptional to the Emzor family,” he said.
“This homecoming reception is therefore our own little way of appreciating her for doing Nigeria proud. Thank you all for being here to share this momentous occasion with us.
Oshoala in her response thanked Emzor for the honour donned on her and said the support she received from Nigerians and the company was part of the incentive for her success.
“I thank Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited and everyone of you for this incredible welcome. It’s an honour to be back home, surrounded by the support of my family, constituency, the football community, friends, associates and well-wishers,” she said.
“This award, CAF African Women’s Player of the Year for the record sixth year is not just mine, it belongs to each one of you who believed in me. Let’s continue making history together. Thank you!”
The high point of the homecoming reception included the presentation of a customised jersey emblazoned with Six CAF African Women’s Player of the Year to the football icon.
Among the dignitaries that graced the event were representatives of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Asisat Oshoala Foundation, Asisat Oshoala Academy for Girls, sports celebrities, media representatives and well-wishers.
Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited is a private indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing group founded in 1984 by Dr. Stella C. Okoli, OON.
From a humble beginning as a retail chemist’s shop in January 1977 and rising to become one of Nigeria’s most respected, indigenous multi-billion naira pharmaceutical companies today, Emzor’s pipeline of over 140 high-quality pharmaceutical products and medical consumables.
They include analgesics, vitamins, haematinics, anti-malarials, anti-tussives, antibiotics, anti-helmintics, anti-histamine, antacid and cardio-protective drugs.
