By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In recognition of his outstanding contributions and strides in promoting the print media as well as for his unwavering commitment towards enhancing the profile of the media landscape in the country, the Guild of Newspaper Editors of Sierra Leone (GoE-SL), on Wednesday 2nd August, 2023 presented a prestigious Award of Excellence for Supporting the Print Media in Sierra Leone to the Managing Director of the Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin.
In attendance, during the brief event held at the Managing Director’s Office on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown was a cross section of Managing Editors of various Newspapers in the country.
Before presenting the award on behalf of the Managing Editors , the Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors, Donald Theo-Harding, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin for his exceptional support to the print media in the country.
He added that they have closely observed and admired his unwavering commitment to fostering a strong relationship between the Rokel Commercial Bank and the print media which he said has not only helped in elevating the status of the bank but has also contributed significantly to raise public awareness and education on issues related to how Rokel Commercial Bank conducts its operations.
“Your continuous support to the print media in the form of dishing out advertisements, providing sponsorship and collaborative initiatives has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in facilitating the growth and development of the media. Your visionary leadership, strategic decision-making and sincere dedication have paved the way for positive engagements between the Rokel Commercial Bank and various print media outlets,” he commended.
The Chairman underscored that in recognition of his outstanding contributions they are delighted to present to him a prestigious Award of Excellence for Supporting the Print Media which is a testament of acknowledging his proactive efforts in promoting the print media in Sierra Leone.
He stated that the Managing Director’s contributions have not only strengthened the bond between Rokel Commercial Bank and the print media but have also empowered journalists to deliver unbiased and informative contents for public consumption.
Giving a brief background of the Guild of Newspaper Editors Sierra Leone (GoE-SL) he informed all that the Guild was created in October 2010 to offer an opportunity for a peer review mechanism for mainly newspaper editors so as to principally foster a coalition that would be forthright, honest and patriotic.
He stated that the Guild has overseen three Presidential and General Elections since its inception and is now a strong pillar of democracy and governance in Serra Leone adding how it had played cardinal and crucial roles in consolidating the existing peace that the country is currently enjoying.
Receiving the award, the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, expressed appreciation to the Guild of Newspaper Editors Sierra Leone for recognizing his contributions towards promoting the print media.
He said the award presented to him will serve as a motivation for him to continue to do more in empowering the media and encouraged them to keep doing the good work they have been doing as media practitioners in enhancing objectivity and neutrality.
Giving the vote of thanks, the Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper, who happens to be a member of the Guild, Amin Kef Sesay, also used the opportunity to applaud the Managing Director and the Rokel Commercial for their invaluable contributions towards the development of the media.
He concluded by extending appreciation to all, who in diverse ways, who have supported media growth in the country.
“Finally, we appreciate the unwavering support of all those who have been there for us. Together, let’s continue to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in the world,” Amin Kef Sesay expressed gratitude.
