CIBN promotes healthy living among bank professionals
July 23, 2026 12:02 am
By Jide Ajia
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch, has reiterated the importance of work-life balance as it organised its annual fitness walk to encourage healthy living among banking professionals and other workers
The event, themed ‘Banking on Health, Investing in Wellness’, attracted hundreds of participants who walked from the United Bank for Africa headquarters at Marina to the National Stadium, Surulere
The exercise, which commenced at about 8:00 a.m. and ended around 9:30 a.m., was flagged off by the President and Chairman of Council of the CIBN, Dr Dele Alabi
Among other dignitaries present were the Global Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Akin Morakinyo; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NPF Microfinance Bank, Habeeb Yusuf, executive directors, and senior officials of the bank
The Chairman of the CIBN Lagos State Branch, Akinwunmi Lawal, and the Branch Controller, CIBN Lagos State Branch, Kunle Adefuwa, were also in attendance
Staff of several financial institutions, including Zenith Bank and AG Mortgage Bank, as well as representatives of the Lagos Business School, also participated in the exercise
Speaking after the walk at the National Stadium, Lawal said the initiative was designed to remind workers that maintaining good health was as important as pursuing career success
He noted that banking professionals were often exposed to physically and mentally demanding schedules, making it necessary to deliberately create time for exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits
“Our members are very busy professionals who are constantly engaged both physically and mentally. It is therefore important to balance hard work with healthy living. We are not only interested in productivity but also in ensuring our members enjoy sound health because health is wealth,” he said
According to him, the programme has become an annual event aimed at promoting a balanced lifestyle among members of the institute
Lawal expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the exercise, noting that participants adhered strictly to safety guidelines throughout the walk, and that the participants also engaged in aerobics after arriving at the venue, describing the session as beneficial to both physical fitness and mental well-being
He urged Nigerian workers to cultivate regular exercise habits, advising them to devote between 10 and 15 minutes daily to stretching and light physical activities before leaving for work
“People should work hard for their income, but they should also eat well and exercise regularly. It does not have to be strenuous. A few minutes of exercise every day can make a significant difference to overall health,” he said
Also speaking during a wellness session held after the fitness walk, the Chief Executive Officer of Kengees Natural Lifestyle, Gladys James, stressed the importance of proper hydration and healthy eating habits
She encouraged participants to adopt water therapy by drinking sufficient water immediately after waking up, preferably warm water with lemon or lime where suitable, adding that adequate hydration could help reduce the risk of several health complications
James also advised participants to embrace healthier diets by increasing their intake of raw fruits and vegetables while reducing unhealthy eating habits
She further urged men to pay closer attention to their prostate health through proper nutrition and encouraged women to be conscious of breast health by carrying out regular self-examinations and other preventive measures
She maintained that preventive healthcare remained more effective and less costly than treating illnesses after they develop
Jide Ajia
Jide, a seasoned journalist with over 12-year experience, reports business-related stories
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