By Amin Kef Sesay
In a momentous Pan-African honor, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank in Sierra Leone, has been named Global Ambassador for Elevate Africa, a prominent African initiative. This prestigious title was bestowed by His Royal Majesty, the 21st Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, from Delta State, Nigeria.
Elevate Africa, founded by King Atuwatse III and a collective of Pan-African visionaries, is committed to reshaping Africa’s global image. The initiative aims to highlight the continent’s rich cultural history and indigenous solutions while promoting a positive self-identity among young Africans. Elevate Africa’s mission is to inspire a new generation of African leaders and thinkers, ensuring that Africa’s heritage and potential are recognized and celebrated worldwide.
Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin is currently in Nigeria participating in a high-level, two-day event focused on Africa’s self-perception and how the world views the continent. He shared the stage with two other distinguished speakers: Lord Mayor Fabrice Rulinda of Entebbe, Uganda and Tim Hanstad, an award-winning social entrepreneur and Vice Chairman of the Chandler Foundation’s Board of Directors in the United States.
During the live-streamed panel discussion, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin emphasized Africa’s untapped potential, noting the continent’s unique advantage in the global community. “Africa holds a special place in the world, yet we haven’t harnessed that to claim our rightful position among the community of nations,” he remarked. Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin called for deliberate efforts to end discrimination against Africans, stressing the importance of Africans controlling their own narrative.
“We need to lead by telling our own stories the way we want Africa to be seen,” he said, to resounding applause from the audience. “We should make ourselves felt as Africans. Respect must be earned and it starts with believing in ourselves.”
Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin concluded his speech by critiquing the Western media’s biased portrayal of Africa, which often focuses on negative stories such as conflict, poverty and disease, while neglecting the many positive developments happening across the continent.
The appointment of Dr. Walton Gilpin as Global Ambassador for Elevate Africa is seen as a recognition of his commitment to promoting Africa’s growth and leadership on the global stage. His new role will involve helping to reshape perceptions of Africa and inspiring the continent’s next generation of leaders.
