By Amin Kef Sesay
On the 10th April, 2021 at the Bintumani Conference Center in Aberdeen, Freetown during the wedding ceremony of the Deputy Managing Director of the Rokel Commercial Bank, Emmanuel Sahr Borbor, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone was in full attendance as he proudly walked the beautiful bride down the aisle to give her hand in marriage to a very eager and anxious looking Bridegroom.
The ceremony was very colourful with all the pomp and pageantry one would expect from the carefully planned occasion. It was a beautiful ceremony and graced by elites from around the country.
It was during the reception ceremony that the President was called upon to make a statement to address the Bride and Groom. Being a man of few words, he wasted no time in admonishing the couple and wishing them a happy married life together.
At this juncture, the President decided to break away from tradition and turn his focus on the Managing Director, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin of the Rokel Commercial Bank.
His Excellency commended Dr. Gilpin for turning the fortunes of the Bank around from what had become a failing institution to now a profit making bank in such a short space of time. He acknowledged that the Bank was on the brink of collapse until it was rescued a few years ago by the current MD, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin.
He went on to address him personally referring to him by his first name with his gaze firmly fixed on him, as he thanked him and spoke of how very appreciative he was of the work he had done and continues to do unabatedly. He emphasized on his robustness in helping fulfil his dream and promise to the Nation “for mek Salone beteh”.
He ended by stating how proud he was for the Teamwork the two men had exhibited and expressed hope that they would continue to work together to take the Bank to even greater heights.
He also stated that other institutions would follow in their footsteps to make this country great again. Few people ever hear these incredibly genuine words, “I appreciate you”. Therefore coming from the first gentleman of the country at such an august event was indeed a testament to the hard work, zest, passion and commitment shown by Dr. Gilpin since he assumed office, which his able and supportive Deputy MD draws inspiration from.
“We wish him success, God’s guidance and direction and implore him to continue to press on and not be distracted by naysayers as your work speaks for itself,” a cross section of the employees of the bank wished the MD good luck and extended heartiest congratulations to the newly wed as well as joining His Excellency, the President, in wishing them a very happy married life together.
