NEM Insurance Champions Wellness and Awareness with Annual Fitness Walk Initiative

NEM Insurance Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to employee wellness, public health awareness, and corporate social responsibility by organizing its annual Fitness and Awareness Walk, an initiative aimed at promoting healthy living and encouraging Nigerians to adopt active lifestyles. The event, which took place over the weekend in Lagos, attracted hundreds of participants, including staff members, fitness enthusiasts, policyholders, and members of the public who joined the company in advocating for physical and mental well-being.

Themed “Walk for Life, Walk for Wellness,” the initiative is part of NEM Insurance’s long-term strategy to integrate health consciousness into corporate culture while fostering stronger community engagement. The company noted that the fitness walk reflects its belief that a healthy workforce and society are essential for economic productivity and national development.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEM Insurance, Mr. Tope Smart, said the fitness walk has become a key part of the company’s sustainability and employee engagement calendar. He explained that the program is not only aimed at promoting physical activity but also at creating awareness on preventive health measures and mental health management in Nigeria’s corporate environment.

Smart said, “We understand that the well-being of our employees and customers is fundamental to our success as an organization. Through this annual fitness walk, we are sending a message that health is wealth. A sound body and mind enhance productivity, creativity, and overall happiness. At NEM, we are proud to lead by example in fostering a culture of wellness.”

The exercise, which began at the company’s head office in Marina, Lagos, covered a distance of about seven kilometers through major routes, including Onikan, Victoria Island, and back to the take-off point. Participants carried banners and placards bearing messages that encouraged healthy lifestyles, regular medical check-ups, and the importance of fitness in combating chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

The event also featured medical check-up booths, fitness sessions, and health talks facilitated by experts in nutrition, physiotherapy, and public health. Participants underwent basic health screenings for blood pressure, sugar levels, and body mass index, allowing them to assess their personal health status and receive guidance from medical professionals.

NEM Insurance’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Bukola Adebayo, highlighted that the company’s wellness initiative is rooted in the belief that preventive healthcare is more effective and affordable than curative treatment. She explained that by raising awareness and encouraging simple, consistent fitness routines, the organization hopes to inspire individuals to take proactive responsibility for their health. “Our goal is to demonstrate that health promotion can be fun, inclusive, and impactful. This is part of how we give back to the community — by sharing knowledge, promoting fitness, and leading initiatives that improve lives,” she said.

The event drew support from corporate partners, fitness organizations, and healthcare service providers who praised NEM Insurance for sustaining the program over the years. Representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Health commended the insurer’s proactive role in complementing government efforts to improve public health outcomes through non-communicable disease prevention and health education.

In his remarks, the Director of Health Promotion at the ministry, Dr. Tunde Akinola, described the initiative as a model for corporate wellness programs in Nigeria. “NEM Insurance’s fitness walk underscores the vital role that the private sector can play in promoting healthier communities. Public-private collaborations like this one amplify our shared responsibility in reducing the growing burden of lifestyle-related illnesses,” he stated.

Industry analysts have observed that more companies are increasingly embracing wellness programs as part of their corporate responsibility framework, reflecting a growing recognition that employee well-being directly influences productivity and retention. NEM Insurance, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most reputable underwriting firms, has consistently used such initiatives to strengthen staff morale and enhance its brand image as a socially responsible organization.

Over the years, NEM Insurance has extended its wellness campaign beyond its workforce, sponsoring health awareness programs, blood donation drives, and safety training for communities across the country. The company’s approach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

This year’s fitness walk also featured interactive sessions on nutrition, stress management, and workplace ergonomics, with participants encouraged to adopt simple lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate rest, and routine medical check-ups. The company emphasized that such habits can prevent serious health complications and improve quality of life.

Speaking further, Smart noted that NEM Insurance’s commitment to wellness is not limited to annual events but is embedded in the company’s operational philosophy. He revealed that the firm maintains a wellness support system that includes access to healthcare professionals, gym facilities, and flexible work arrangements designed to reduce stress and promote work-life balance.

He added that the company will continue to expand the scope of its wellness programs to reach more Nigerians, leveraging digital platforms and community partnerships to drive continuous engagement and education. “We envision a society where corporate institutions take active roles in advancing public health, and NEM is proud to be among the front-runners in that regard,” he said.

Participants at the event expressed enthusiasm about the experience, describing it as both enlightening and invigorating. Many lauded NEM Insurance for creating an atmosphere that blended corporate responsibility with community interaction.

As the event concluded, the company reiterated its intention to sustain the fitness walk annually, reaffirming that wellness remains a key pillar of its sustainability agenda. With growing awareness about the importance of healthy living, NEM Insurance’s consistent investment in wellness initiatives continues to demonstrate how corporate entities can positively influence public health behavior while strengthening their own organizational culture.