By Amin Kef Sesay
The Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), the leading financial services provider in the country on the 2nd December 2021 presented over twenty billion Leones as dividend to the Government at State House in Freetown, after what is somehow considered as another successful business year, despite the huge financial constraint caused to the economy by COVID-19.
Speaking at the presentation of the cheque to His Excellency, President Bio, SLCB Acting Managing Director, Bockarie Kalokoh, stated that the bank has performed tremendously well over the years. He disclosed that they own assets worth Le2.6 Trillion, with a market share of 20 per cent, despite a stiff competitive climate.
SLCB Board Chairman, Dr J. D. Rogers, gave a rundown of the key indicators why SLCB remains at the top with the largest customer base and highest deposits.
In response, President Bio said that he was very delighted to receive such pleasant news from SLCB. “This is news all Sierra Leoneans should be proud of,” he said.
President Bio reflected that some years ago, SLCB was on the verge of sinking but through the stringent corrective measures taken by his Government, the Bank has not only survived but thrived.
President Bio impressed the Management that they can only succeed when they come together. He urged Board and Management to step up.
He thanked the Board and l Management for the dividend, noting that, “This shows that we Sierra Leoneans are performers.” He heaped praises on the NASSIT Director-General and all stakeholders for competently managing the affairs of SLCB.
The Team was led by the Minister of Finance, Dennis K. Vandi and Financial Secretary, Sahr Jusu. SLCB, a bank that is a hundred per cent own by the Government and the people of Sierra Leone, has started paying dividends to the Government in the past two years now.
Such is considered as a clear manifestation that the bank is still in good shape under the distinguished leadership of the Acting Managing Director, Bockarie Kalokoh, and his team consisting of the Board of Directors, Management and staff. A team that is very determined to do all their best to maintain the top spot in the banking industry.
SLCB has the largest customer base and its operations are spread out across the country, leveraging on its assets for profitability.
The Bank remains an undisputed leader in the industry with innovation, customer-centric products as well as a bank with the highest branches across the country.
They brought banking services to the doorstep of its customers with the introduction of ‘Mi Yone Teller’ and ‘Mi Yone Kiosk’ products.
