Pharm. Okelu graduated with distinction in Pharmacy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and holds a Master of Pharmacy degree from the same institution. He is an alumnus of Lagos Business School Advanced Management Program (AMP) and Strategic Marketing Management Program. He has attended several executive programs bordering on Marketing, Strategy and Management in prestigious institutions such as the London Business School and University of London. Pharm. Okelu is a Member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Member, National Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), Member, International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), Member, Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA), Member, Strategic & Competitive Intelligence Professionals, USA and Member of the Lagos Business School Alumni Association (LBSAA).

Pharm. Okelu began his professional career as a Medical Sales Representative at Rhone Poulenc Rorer/May & Baker Plc before going on to become a Market Development Executive and later Market Development Manager in the same organization. He served as Product Manager – Cardiovascular in Aventis /May & Baker Plc.

Pharm. Okelu went from Head, Demand Creation (Pharma) at May & Baker Nigeria Plc. in 2006 to Assistant General Manager/Head, Corporate Planning & Development in 2008, before becoming General Manager/Head, Pharma Sales & Marketing in 2009. He went on to rise to Executive Director, Foods Division, a position he occupied from 2011 to March 2018 before taking on the role of Executive Director, Corporate Planning & Strategy later in 2018. He became Executive Director, Pharma Sales & Marketing in 2021, a role he held until 2023 when he left May & Baker Plc. to join Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc.

Pharm. Okelu is reputed to be a highly motivated result-oriented professional with over 29 years of multi-sector and leadership experience spanning Academia, Community Pharmacy, Sales, Marketing, Corporate/Business Strategy and Operations (Production, Quality and Logistics), mostly at senior levels. He has garnered valuable experience in the pharmaceutical sector, working in different roles, regions and therapeutic segments. He also has a deep knowledge of strategy development, business planning and execution.

He is a seasoned professional with demonstrated competence and valuable leadership skills.