csrreporters 
Sterling Bank Plc has reinforced its commitment to wellness driven development, experiential tourism and inclusive economic growth through its active participation in The Art of Wellbeing Experience, a landmark wellness and lifestyle event held at ISIMI Lagos.
The event convened leaders from government, the private sector, creative industries and the wellness ecosystem to explore how wellbeing can serve as a catalyst for sustainable tourism, job creation and long term economic value. The gathering underscored the growing intersection between health, creativity, nature-based tourism and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s emerging lifestyle economy.
Sterling Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Suleiman, described wellbeing as more than a social concern, positioning it instead as a strategic economic enabler.
According to him, investing in physical and mental health directly improves productivity, lowers healthcare costs and strengthens value chains across tourism, hospitality and the creative industries.
“When wellbeing is prioritised, economies thrive. Healthy people build stronger businesses, vibrant communities and sustainable industries,” Suleiman noted.
The experience attracted senior Lagos State government officials, including Emmanuel Benson Okwuokenyen, Deputy Director of Research and Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism. Their presence highlighted the state government’s interest in promoting experiential tourism and creative-led development as part of Lagos’ economic diversification agenda.
Designed as a full day immersive experience, the programme featured wellness pods, mindfulness and fitness sessions, creative art installations, and a curated farm-to-table culinary experience, all set within ISIMI Lagos’ eco-conscious, nature based environment. Organisers said the event showcased Lagos’ growing potential as a destination for experiential, wellness and lifestyle tourism while emphasizing the importance of collaboration between policymakers, investors and creative communities.
Speaking on Sterling Bank’s sector focus, Abiola Adelana, Head of Tourism and Creative Arts Business at the bank, said wellness and creative industries represent powerful drivers of sustainable value and improved quality of life.
“These sectors create jobs, promote cultural expression and support healthier communities. Our role is to provide the financial and strategic support that allows them to scale responsibly,” she said.
Sterling Bank noted that its participation in initiatives such as The Art of Wellbeing aligns with its broader corporate social responsibility and sustainability strategy, which prioritises inclusive growth, community wellbeing and the development of industries that enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
By supporting platforms that merge wellness, tourism, creativity and environmental consciousness, the bank continues to position Nigeria as a rising hub for lifestyle, wellness and experiential tourism, while advancing economic models that deliver both social impact and long-term prosperity.