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Africell Impact Foundation Certifies 29 on Digital Marketing

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to equip young people with necessary skills on how they can leverage on ways and ideas in digital marketing as a way to improve on their work in the country, Africell Impact Foundation has concluded a two months training course for young people on digital marketing. The training which was held at the Africell Impact Foundation E Learning Center on Wilkinson Road in Freetown was climaxed with a certification ceremony held on Friday 14th July, 2023 at the Africell’s Headquarters on Wilberforce in Freetown.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Head of Section Digital Marketing at Africell Sierra Leone, Kamanda Koroma, said that over the past months they have empowered individuals with essential digital marketing skills and they are proud to say the ceremony marks the climaxed and the certification of participants of the training.

He said that in this modern age social media plays a vital role in the emerging market, adding that through the training course participants have been given a remarkable opportunity to leverage the power of digital platforms and improve their business models and enhance their professional approach to social media.

Kamanda Koroma stated that the aim of the training is geared towards equipping participants with the necessary tools to strive in the dynamic digital world of digital marketing, furthering that they are with the strong conviction that by bridging the digital and physical worlds will ensure that everyone will have  access to opportunities.

“As you embark on your digital journey remember the power you have to inspire an effective change in your life and your communities. Today is not just a celebration of achievement but also reaffirmation of our shared commitment to empowerment and stride for excellence,” he concluded.

On his part, the Chief Corporate Affairs at Africell Sierra Leone, Joe Abass Bangura, said that digital marketing is taking over and giving  opportunity to all to communicate and market their products or services.

He said that the Africell Impact Foundation originally targeted 40 young people of which they ended up having an enlistment of 32 and out of the 32 only 29 went through the training and  are certified.

Joe Abass Bangura said that they are very proud of the performances of the participants during the training as all of 29 participants met the entire requirements to be certified in digital marketing.

He said that the Africell Impact Foundation, which is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Africell, is all about empowering people to contribute to their communities, stating that the Foundation helps to build strong and resilient communities by bringing people together, both digitally and physically and connecting them to opportunities.

He urged participants to continue in the same spirit and diligence they showed during the training in applying and adapting what they have learnt in their lives and communities.

Commenting on behalf of the beneficiaries, Adel Jusu, expressed appreciation to Africell Impact Foundation for the training which she described as not only important but very timely, adding that the importance of digital marketing cannot be overemphasized.

She revealed that the training has equipped her with the necessary skills  in digital marketing, adding that if participants use the tools and apply the methods they have learnt during the training it will help them to leverage on ways and ideas in digital marketing.

Closing the ceremony was the official announcement of the signing of a digital marketing partnership between Africell and the Sierra Leone Promoters Union which was followed by the presentation of Certificates to all the 29 participants of the training.

Mohamed Bangura Challenges APC’s Position of Boycotting Parliamentary Sitting

By Abubakarr Harding

It was indeed a very interesting gathering during the First Sitting in the Well of the Sierra Leone Parliament, on the 13th July, 2023,   as the newly elected Members of Parliament assembled to subscribe to the Oath of Office as it is constitutionally stipulated.

The first parliamentary sitting or assembly was indeed a very interesting sight as it was primarily dominated by a majority of  newly elected SLPP Members of Parliament with the exceptional presence of  the  APC re-elected Member of Parliament for Karene District, Mohamed Bangura, who was conspicuously the only elected Member of Parliament of  the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party that was in attendance. It must be noted that the presence of Members of Parliament to subscribe to the Oath marked the very beginning of the Sixth Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Mohamed Bangura’s attendance of Parliament came as no big surprise to many as earlier in the day  when he was hosted  on the  “Wake Up Salone”  AYV Television programme he categorically and emphatically stated  that he will be in Parliament to take the Oath of office.

However, the action of Hon. Mohamed Bangura has led some to describe him as a party traitor but meanwhile, the Leadership of APC Party is yet to make an official statement on the action of Mohamed Bangura.

Prior to  the newly elected Members of Parliament being called upon  by the Clear of Parliament ,Umar Paran Tarawally, ,to subscribe to the oath of office, he  provided an update on the opening of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone during which he clarified the distinction between the First Sitting and the State Opening of Parliament.

He pointed out that the first sitting was scheduled to commence on July 13, 2023, while the date for the State Opening of Parliament will be announced later further underscoring how  the State Opening is the official start of Parliament, during which the President delivers the State of the Nation Address saying  the event will occur on a separate date.

The Clerk of Parliament  pointed out that ,on the other hand, the first sitting signifies when the Sixth Parliament will dissolve, which will take place between July 13, 2023, and July 13, 2028, marking a complete five-year term.

Tarawally emphasized that the oath is mandatory for all MPs also adding that failure to attend the oath-taking process on the designated date will result in being classified as a Contractual MP rather than a Terminal MP and  thereby losing certain benefits as well as opportunities provided to Terminal MPs.

He stressed that while an MP can take the oath at a later time, missing the initial date will disqualify him or her from being considered a Terminal MP, serving the full five-year tenure.

Paran Tarawally further highlighted that if members of the APC (All People’s Congress) boycott the sitting and refuse to take the oath on July 13, 2023, there will only be 95 terminal MPs maintaining how that would impact the benefits, gratitude and pensions they receive at the end of the five-year mandate.

He concluded by stating that any MP who refuses to take the oath without valid reasons may face financial and legal consequences.

Inter Religious Council of Sierra Leone Stresses Peace and Unity in Post-Election Period

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a statement issued by the Inter Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) on July 12, 2023, the body reaffirmed its commitment to foster peace, unity, and prosperity in Sierra Leone further expressing gratitude for the blessings and protection the nation received, presumably from divine providence.

The statement, signed by the President of the IRCSL, Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, encompassed a brief historical background of the formation of the  organization  during the height of the civil war in 1997, emphasizing its mission to find enduring solutions for the nation.

It must be highlighted that as Sierra Leone faces new challenges in consolidating peace and strengthening national unity, the IRCSL has restated its commitment to that mission.

Worthy of note is that the IRCSL has been actively engaged with Election Management Bodies as well as national and international stakeholders, before, during, and after the June 24 General Elections. It was part of their ongoing efforts to safeguard national peace and unity. According to the Council, apart from a few incidents of politically-related violence and hate speech, the elections were relatively peaceful, free and fair.

However, the IRCSL acknowledged certain grievances and complaints made during the election process related to issues of transparency, accountability, political victimization, and the loss of lives and property, which it said are currently being discussed to find amicable solutions.

In line with that, the IRCSL has initiated engagements with key stakeholders to resolve those outstanding issues and appealed to the public to maintain peace, compassion and lawfulness.

The statement also emphasized that the nation’s commitment to peace, unity and social cohesion is being tested once again and therefore called upon citizens to uphold their spiritual beliefs and traditional values.

At the tail end of the statement, the IRCSL extended thanks for the public’s attention and offered a prayer for national blessings.

A Snap Profile of the Newly Appointed Mines & Mineral Resources Minister-Julius Mattai

It recently pleased His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio to appoint Julius Mattai as the new Minister of Mine and Mineral Resources after his re-election.

The newly appointed Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Mattai is a highly educated and multi-skilled professional with 26 years working experience in both the private and public sectors in various leadership, management and technical roles in the Ukraine, United Kingdom (UK), Sierra Leone and Liberia.

He holds two MSc degrees (both with Distinctions) in Geology & Exploration for Mineral Deposits (1992, Ukraine) and Environmental & Earth Resources Management (2001, United Kingdom). He has profound working knowledge, experience and expertise in Geology and Mineral Exploration; Mining; Environmental and Natural Resources Management; Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing; Management Information Systems (MIS); Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E); Climate Change (Mitigation and Adaptation); Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; and Health Information Systems (HIS).

Julius Mattai also has a wealth of experience in the minerals sector, having previously served the NMA as Geodata and Information Manager & Director General and provided consultancy services to mining companies and other organizations.

Prior, he was the Founder/Managing Director of Integrated Geo-Information and Environmental Management Services (INTEGEMS) (2011-2019), a multi-disciplinary consultancy firm that provides integrated geo-information; remote sensing; research, monitoring & evaluation; and environmental management services and solutions to various mining companies, private businesses and governmental and non-governmental organizations, including the World Bank, UNDP, UNOPS, UNICEF, etc.

He is well versed in mining and related disciplines, including Geology and Mineral Exploration; Mining; Environmental and Natural Resources Management; Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing; Management Information Systems (MIS); Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E); Climate Change (Mitigation and Adaptation); Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; and Health Information Systems (HIS).

In 2014/2015, Mattai served as Head of Information Management and MIS/GIS Specialist with the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Liberia, respectively, where he took responsibility for the implementation of a Strategic Plan for emergency and recovery operations and information management.

From 2008 to 2011, he worked as a Principal Consultant at AEA Technology plc (UK), where he led and managed various multi-disciplinary GIS and environmental management programmes and projects, including the European Union (EU) Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe (INSPIRE), Shared Environmental Information Systems (SEIS), Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), for the EU Commission (Belgium), European Environment Agency (Denmark), EU Joint Research Centre (Italy) and various Central, Regional and Local Governments in the UK.

From 2002 to 2008, he worked as the Environmental Data Manager for the London Mayor at the Greater London Authority (London, UK), where he managed and provided leadership over departmental and enterprise GIS and environmental data and information management systems for the development, implementation and monitoring of the London Mayor’s Air Quality, Noise, Energy, Waste, Transport and Spatial Development Strategies, including the London Congestion Charge and the London Low Emission Zone Schemes. Mattai also worked (1992-2002) as a GIS Data & Information Coordinator and Strategy Officer with the London Boroughs of Camden (UK) and Earling (UK), respectively.

Prior to his career in the UK, Julius worked as a Geologist at the Ingulets Iron Ore Mining & Enrichment Works, Krivoy Rog, Ukraine.  Mattai is very proficient in spoken and written Russian.

Samura Kamara in Court Today as Chancery Building Trial Resumes

By Abubakarr Harding

According to a Judiciary Media Advisory accessed by this medium, the High Court of Sierra Leone will recommence the high-profile case of The State Vs Saidu Nallo, Adikali Foday Suma, Foday Vahfomba Bawoh, Samura Matthew Wilson Kamara, Kandeh Foday Basil Kamara, and Jules Sanders Davis on Friday, 14th July 2023.

It furthered that the proceedings, scheduled for 11:00 am at Court No.1, will be covered live by AYV, SLBC, Star TV, and FTN as part of efforts to ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of the judicial process.

Among the defendants is Dr. Samura Kamara, leader and erstwhile Presidential candidate of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party in the recent June elections. Kamara, alongside his co-defendants, is facing corruption charges related to the alleged misappropriation of public funds.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) accused Samura Kamara of misappropriating funds intended for the renovation of Sierra Leone’s Chancery Building in New York during his tenure as the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister under a previous APC administration. He is also facing accusations of misleading the principal in this high-stake corruption trial.

Leading Digital Blogging Platform “Born to Blog (B2B)” Celebrates Remarkable Three-Year Milestone

One of the most prominent and dependable digital blogging platforms in the country, Born to Blog (B2B), is celebrating a significant milestone as it marks its third anniversary on Tuesday 11th July 2023.

It is noteworthy that throughout its journey, this influential platform has not only provided a voice for young individuals but has also positively impacted the lives of youths and the nation as a whole.

The platform has served as an empowering medium for young people to express their thoughts, share stories and raise awareness on crucial issues. Young bloggers use the platform to discuss various topics such as education, technology, entrepreneurship, and social issues, amplifying their voices and encouraging active participation in shaping the nation’s future.

Importantly, among the notable impacts of the platform is its contribution to employment generation as over the years, the platform has offered numerous job opportunities to young people, enabling them to showcase their writing skills and receive financial compensation.

Through the employment of talented individuals, Born to Blog has not only improved their livelihoods but has also played a role in reducing unemployment rates and promoting economic growth.

The platform has become a nurturing ground for talented writers and content creators in Sierra Leone and by fostering as well as promoting local talents, the platform showcases the creativity, diversity, and unique perspectives of the country’s youth.

It is significant to note that through engaging and thought-provoking content, these young bloggers have captivated national and international audiences, shedding light on Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage and untapped potential.

According to  the CEO and founder of Born to Blog, Sahr Memphis, the goal is not merely to follow trends but to blog about personal passions, maintaining how that is the true essence of empowerment.

He intimated how his focus is not solely on blogging for himself but on helping others, especially young people, with the knowledge he possesses, which has always been his superpower.

Sahr Memphis urged all Sierra Leoneans, including fellow bloggers and blog pages, to focus on promoting and transforming Sierra Leonean content within the blogging context further emphasizing the importance of neutrality and balance when promoting Sierra Leonean content, aiming to bridge longstanding divides and enhance the local content policy without bias.

He concluded  by stating that promoting Sierra Leonean content should not require payment but should be driven by the belief that the content is worth sharing or promoting adding that Bloggers should strive to help content creators gain recognition.

The CEO additionally disclosed how Born to Blog has established partnership deals with over 350 different clients in the last three years, showcasing its popularity, recognition, and established presence.

It must be known that the influence of Born to Blog extends beyond the digital realm as the platform also actively engages in various social causes, leveraging its reach and influence to raise awareness and bring about positive change.

Whether advocating for education reform, environmental conservation, gender equality, or community development, Born to Blog consistently mobilizes the youth and inspires collective action. Bloggers spark meaningful conversations, challenge societal norms, and encourage citizens to work together towards a brighter future.

Undoubtedly, Born to Blog has made significant contributions to nation-building efforts in Sierra Leone. By providing a platform for young voices and promoting constructive dialogue, the blog has fostered unity and patriotism among the youth. The diverse perspectives shared on the platform have helped bridge gaps, promote tolerance, and cultivate a shared vision for progress. Born to Blog has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and the collective power of the youth in driving positive change.

As Born to Blog celebrates its third anniversary, it is crucial to acknowledge the remarkable positive impact it has had on the lives of Sierra Leone’s youth and the nation as a whole. From providing a voice to the voiceless and creating employment opportunities to promoting local talent and driving social change, Born to Blog has played a pivotal role in empowering the youth and shaping a brighter future for Sierra Leone.

Born to Blog is here to stay, and they are eager to implement more innovative blogging ideas to help businesses grow. With an established website and various social media handles, their Facebook page alone has garnered over 400,000 followers and has reached over 30 million people. They have an audience of nearly a million followers across all social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, enabling them to collaborate with reputable businesses and well-known entities such as the Anti Corruption Commission, NaCCED, Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, WOW Studio, GENTO Group , MultiTech Africa SL Ltd, Orange SL, AYV Media Empire , DSTV, Home Suite Hotel, Big Sister Show, Lebanese Union, Salone Medical Center, East End Lions FC, WanWanWan111, Arise IIP, Royal Fitness Gym, BABEL POOL, Cribs International, Sierra HOPE Fertility Clinic, VESTEL, and many others.

NP (SL) Avails Qualitative Petroleum Products, Accessible to Many across the Country

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd)

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP-SL Ltd continues to be at the helm of petroleum marketing in the country in the midst of other petroleum marketing companies merely as a result of the implementation of sound business initiatives.

It must be noted that at this material time , except otherwise, human existence would have been seriously affected if it was not possible for individuals to gain easy access to petroleum products with particular reference to petrol, diesel, kerosene, gas as well as lubricants of varying types.

There is no gainsaying that petroleum products are needed to power vehicles, generators, different sorts of machines, power thermal plants and used for domestic consumption.

Significantly, NP(SL)Ltd has regularly ensured that   qualitative petroleum products are always imported into the country and marketed by dealers owning Filling Stations across all the regions. The company on most occasions ensures the importation of considerably quantity of petroleum products with the objective that they will last for a considerable and reasonable period of time.

For NP (SL) Ltd, shortage of petroleum products must be averted at all cost especially when cognizance is taken of the fact that fuel could be unscrupulously used  as a political commodity that will have the propensity of  making or breaking any Political machinery or Government contingent on their availability or not. When  prices of petroleum products escalate the blame is squarely placed on the shoulders of the Government on the basis of incompetence and the ability to timely make them available will see praises heaped on the same Government on the grounds of pragmatic effectiveness.

However, the critical position of the company in preventing political unrest cannot in anyway be trivialized  and  for NP(SL)Ltd it has commendably maintained a politically neutralist and non-aligned stance to such an extent that it could totally fallacious for anyone to consider that at any given time the company has engaged in any form of subversive activity by creating artificial scarcity.

With regards treatment of its esteemed customers throughout the length and breadth of the country, there is no other petroleum marketing entity that could match the zest and commitment of NP-SL in treating them with respect and dignity always creating the feeling that it is giving value in return for money.

The name NP is synonymous with “1st for Customer Care”. To the Shareholders, Board of Directors and Management all their customers, rich or poor, are equally considered important and therefore should be treated with the utmost respect and attention they deserve.

Management of the company is indeed very mindful of the fact that the very survival of the company hinges on good rapport with their customers which therefore behooves that customers’ concerns, inputs; requests and complaints should be seriously taken into consideration when vital or sensitive decisions are mapped out that always culminates into win-win situations. Optimizing customers’ satisfaction is of utmost importance for the company.

Introducing the use of NP Smart Card and making available NP Gas has been highly commendable on the part of the company. Making use of innovative technology in the form of NP Smart Card, the company has made it possible in availing its customers a convenient way of procuring or purchasing petroleum products without using physical cash for transaction.

By merely having an NP Smart Card, containing varying amounts of money, a particular customer can easily access the quantity of fuel he or she wants at various Filling Stations; it is a cashless way of conducting business transactions.

Indeed, it has been proven that for convenience sake and security, it is quite a safer way of transacting businesses thereby helps some individuals from the intermittent withdrawal of money from banks for the purpose of purchasing petroleum products. Quite commendably, NP Smart Card is now trending and users are highly appreciative of the company’s move in making it available for use.

When we talk of utilizing a device that is quick, clean and less hazardous for cooking purposes then NP Gas immediately comes to mind. NP Gas is designed in different cylinder sizes and it has been confirmed that they have high or quick qualitative performance ability and could be secured at some NP Filling Stations across the country at affordable prices.

As long as owners adhere to directives as to how to optimally utilize NP Gas, they could last for quite a considerable period of time and above all they are so designed in ways that make them safe for use.

Without any gainsaying, NP-SL is undoubtedly one of the largest taxpayers to the Government of Sierra Leone. Its contributions in the form of payments of taxes had helped and continue to bolster the revenue base of Government.

The company is on record of prioritizing employment opportunities for primarily Sierra Leoneans as opposed to foreigners. It is doing so by consciously enhancing and deepening the Local Content Policy. Many have lauded this initiative saying it has helped greatly in making some Sierra Leoneans to be gainfully employed.

It can therefore be vehemently argued that NP(SL) Ltd is an indigenous marketing company that is exceptionally doing extremely well in the area of making available  petroleum products that it professionally markets via various Filling Stations across the country and doing so qualitatively gives utmost satisfaction to its numerous customers throughout the nation.

MARWOPNET Calls for Opposition Female MPs To Be Empowered

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Country Director of the Mano River Women Peace Network (MARWOPNET-SL), Yasmin Jusu-Sheriff, has expressed her concerns over female aspirants who were voted for as Parliamentarians under the main opposition party. According to her, these women have been denied their constitutional rights to represent their people.

She made that statement during her organization’s training on Gender Responsive Post Elections Security and Justice with support from UNDP and other affiliated organizations. The event was held on the 12th July, 2023  at the Civil Service Training College on Tower Hill.

Yasmin continued that, for the first time in the country, women have up to 41 seats in Parliament. However, she stated that, if the main opposition refuses to allow their women to represent the people who voted for them, then they will not be able to achieve the 30% quota in the GEWE Act that they have worked so hard to achieve.

She maintained that the goal of the event is to engage the security and justice sectors geared towards providing protection and access to justice for female aspirants, candidates and voters (both women and girls).

‘’Another goal of this training is to increase women and girls’ capacities to understand and claim their rights, and to improve national security and justice sectors actors’ capacities in order to deliver electoral justice to women and girls,’’ she stated.

The President, Women’s Forum Network, Sally Adams, commended the organization and their partners for supporting them to organize such an event. She affirmed that more women will create a better political space and therefore female Parliamentarians who have won seats must be allowed to represent the women and the people who voted them in.

‘’More women, better politics! If these women are not allowed to go to Parliament, the cries of the women in the country would not be heard. They were voted in to represent their fellow women and those who voted for them,” she asserted.

The UNDP Representative, Kadie Bash Taylor, said there are certain issues affecting women in politics and how they are within their parties or outside their parties. According to her, they need to ask themselves what can be done to address such?

‘’What can we do better to create the enabling environment? It is a critical moment for us to assess the past elections on what we did well, and what we did not do well,’’ she maintained.

Patricia Gevao, the representative of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), noted that they have a crucial role to play in women’s development in the country saying they would work hard to change the public perception of women and to change the gender norms in the country.

According to her, they have witnessed positive strides in promoting women and how they will continue to promote women’s sensitive responses.

Different sessions were held and the event was climaxed by Q and A session.

Orange Foundation Offers Digital School Kits to Primary Schools to Boost Digitalization

By Alpha Good Kamara

Five primary schools in Freetown were recipients and beneficiaries of Digital School Kits from Orange Foundation, a gesture that was extended out of the primary objective of boosting digitalization.

It must be noted that the Digital School Kits is part of Orange Foundation Group initiative geared towards providing or giving support to primary schools across the country.

Costing thousands of dollars, the donated digital school kits were presented to a cross section of primary schools across the country, including the Kelmond Pre Primary School, Bethel Temple Preparatory School, Providence International Elementary School, Dele Preparatory School and Chesterton Academy.

The digital school kit package comprises Tablets, Raspberry Pi’s, Laptops, Bluetooth speakers, Projectors and screens, headset extension cables amongst others with the main essence of  boosting digital and technological learning for primary school pupils.

US Congressmen Honour Dr. Gilpin for Contributions to Economic Development & the Banking Industry

In addition to bagging numerous accolades in the country for his exemplary leadership, good rapport and interactive abilities as well as for injecting  and rolling out of sound, professional and result-oriented initiatives culminating into fruitful outcomes, this time round

United States Congressmen from South Carolina has for the first time in history honoured a Sierra Leonean banker – Dr Walton Ekundayoh Gilpin, Managing Director for Rokel Commercial Bank for his “contribution in economic development and the banking industry.”

Gilpin, who is in the UK to attend the 13th African Business Leadership Summit organized by the African Leadership Magazine, was presented with the award by Senator Rosaly D Henderson-Meryers from South Carolina whilst the Finance Minister from Mauritius, Dr. Renganaden Padayachy,  who is also attending the summit, presented him with the plague.

After receiving the Award, Dr Walton Gilpin said he is extremely pleased to have been honoured by the United States House of Representatives otherwise called the House of Congress for his contributions to economic development and the banking industry in Sierra Leone. He extended thanks to the African Leadership Magazine for a wonderful Business Leaders Summit further maintaining that it is for his hardworking team at RCbank , Sierra Leone and gave God the Glory.

Gilpin, a global finance and economic development expert has worked in several countries in the Caribbean, United States, South Pacific, Africa and Europe.  He is better known in Sierra Leone as the man who changed the story of a bank that was notorious for loss making and on the brink of collapse. His radical but progressive reforms impacted not only the Rokel Commercial Bank but have infused a lot of professionalism among one of Sierra Leone’s most profitable commercial banks.

An advocate of financial inclusion and financial literacy, Gilpin’s reforms have expeditiously brought positive growth indices with consistent profitability in the last five years. For instance in 2020, the bank paid a whopping 17 Billion Leones dividend to its majority shareholder, the Government of Sierra Leone. That was possible after the bank had recorded a pre-tax profit of Le88.7Billion.

At the business summit, Gilpin was among a galaxy of very prominent panelists for a CEOs Round Table plenary session on “Re-Imagining Africa’s Private Sector as Economic Growth Enablers on the Continent” moderated by Peter Burdin, former Head of the BBC.

The summit, among other things, seeks to bring together Africa’s business leaders, policy makers, researchers to address emerging issues and challenges confronting the continent’s socio-economic and environmental sustainability.

In an engagement, Dr Walton Ekundayoh Gilpin said the recognition will continue to bolster his confidence in the economic future of Sierra Leone and said he is delightfully grateful to God and his team at Rokel Commercial Bank for achieving all the important milestones for the bank.

“Ideally, whilst we can count on the progress we have made, it is also time to brace ourselves for more work, more commitment and more innovation as this is critical to anything we do to help contribute to Sierra Leone’s growth trajectory…”

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