The Chief Executive Officer of Rokel Commercial Bank (SL) Ltd, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, is set to deliver a special lecture to Banking and Finance students at the Institute of Administration and Management (IPAM) today, Friday 17 July 2026, focusing on digital banking, customer relationship management (CRM) and financial inclusion.
Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, recently named African Banker of the Year 2026, will deliver a lecture on the theme, “Digital Trust and Financial Inclusion: Building a Modern Banking Ecosystem for International Investors through CRM.” He will also present a case study titled, “How Customers Can Change a Bank’s Dynamics: A Case Study of RCBank,” examining the critical role of customer relationships in transforming the performance, growth and competitiveness of financial institutions.
During the session, the Rokel Bank Chief Executive Officer is expected to discuss how customer engagement influences banking operations and strategic decision-making, the growing importance of customer relationship management and how digital trust can enhance financial inclusion while attracting international investment. The lecture is expected to provide students with practical knowledge of modern banking practices and the rapidly evolving digital financial landscape.
Speaking ahead of the event, Banking and Finance Course Lecturer, Alhaji Dauda Musa Bangura, said the initiative demonstrates IPAM’s commitment, under the leadership of Professor Lakkoh, to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice by exposing students to experienced professionals and real-world business leadership.
Alhaji Dauda Musa Bangura explained that Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin was intentionally invited because of the remarkable transformation of Rokel Commercial Bank in recent years. He noted that the bank’s impressive growth, profitability and operational turnaround have become a major point of discussion among students, many of whom are eager to understand how the institution evolved from overcoming significant challenges to becoming one of Sierra Leone’s leading commercial banks.
Students have expressed excitement ahead of the lecture, describing it as a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of the country’s most accomplished banking executives.
Morning Shift Class Representative, Sallu Kanu, commended the course lecturer for facilitating what he described as an invaluable learning experience. He said students are eager to engage with Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, gain practical insights into banking leadership and better understand the strategies behind Rokel Bank’s success.
Another student, Mabinty Suma, said she looks forward to learning firsthand from a banking leader whose achievements have earned both national and international recognition. She noted that Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin’s contributions to the banking sector have played an important role in strengthening Sierra Leone’s financial industry and will serve as an inspiration to aspiring finance professionals.
Other Banking and Finance students at IPAM have also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a rare opportunity to interact with one of Sierra Leone’s most respected financial leaders. They expressed confidence that the lecture will deepen their understanding of banking leadership, digital innovation, customer-focused strategies and the future of the country’s financial sector.
