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| Abiola Adelana, Head Tourism and Creative Art Business at Sterling Bank |
When you talk about women who are setting new standards in Nigeria’s tourism space, one name that keeps ringing loud is Abiola Adelana. Bold, brilliant, and beautiful, Abiola is not just another professional; she is the Sterling Bank Amazon redefining the way we look at tourism and its huge potential for Nigeria’s economy.
Born on 15th July, Abiola has grown into one of the most passionate voices pushing tourism beyond talk and into action. As the Tourism and Creative Art Business Head at Sterling Bank, she has carved out a powerful niche for herself by fusing finance with culture and creativity. Under her leadership, Sterling Bank became the first financial institution in Nigeria to recognize and actively promote the potential of domestic tourism—an achievement that has placed her firmly on the global map of influencers in the sector.
And just recently, her impressive work earned her yet another feather to her cap: her appointment as a Board Member of the Eko Tourism Foundation. This new role will see Abiola contribute even more strategically to positioning Lagos—and indeed Nigeria—as Africa’s undisputed tourism hub.
Abiola is a trained economist from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State with an MBA in Finance, and she polished her skills further at Harvard Business School through its Executive Programme on Sustainable Business. With over 15 years of solid experience in risk management, strategy, and retail banking, she brings rare expertise and vision to Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Her journey is decorated with numerous accolades. She was named one of the 100 Culturati Most Influential Personalities in 2021, honored as Best Promoter of Tourism in Nigeria by ATQ Africa, and recognized on International Women’s Day for her outstanding performance in Banking and Finance. She also holds the title of Adire Osun Brand Ambassador, courtesy of the Governor of Osun State.
But beyond awards, Abiola’s passion shines in her commitments. She sits on the Advisory Board of Solution17 for Climate Action and Tourism Investment Africa, is a Board of Trustees Member of the Olowe of Ise Art Foundation, and co-founded Aegis Global Advisory and Pashione, both platforms dedicated to driving African creativity and innovation.
For Abiola, the mission is clear: to see Nigeria become the prime tourism destination in Africa. With her Sterling Bank platform and her new seat on the Eko Tourism Foundation Board, she is well on her way to making that vision a reality.
Indeed, Abiola Adelana is not just talking tourism—she is living it, shaping it, and showing the world that Nigeria has what it takes to shine.
