Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), one of Sierra Leone’s leading financial institutions, has once again emerged in the spotlight, receiving a series of prestigious awards in recognition of its outstanding performance, integrity, and contributions to national development.
On Wednesday, 30th July 2025, the bank was honored with three awards from various institutions, including a Certificate of Merit from the National Union of Civil Society Organizations (NUCSO), which hailed RCB as the Best Bank in Sierra Leone for 2024–2025. The certificate commended the bank for its “outstanding integrity and dedicated performance.”
In addition to the institutional recognition, RCB’s Managing Director, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, was also individually honored by NUCSO as the Best Managing Director & CEO in the Sierra Leone Banking Sector for 2024–2025, lauding his transformative leadership.
In an official statement, NUCSO expressed deep admiration for the bank’s consistent efforts in raising the standards of service delivery and corporate ethics in Sierra Leone’s banking sector.
“Rokel Commercial Bank has exemplified integrity and professionalism, becoming a model institution within the country’s financial landscape. Under the leadership of Dr. Gilpin, the bank has set a benchmark for excellence and continues to lead by example. These awards are not only a celebration of success, but also a recognition of national impact,” the Union stated.
RCB also received a Certificate of Recognition from ICBAI Sierra Leone Spelling Bee, for its significant contribution to the success of the 8th Annual Valentine’s Spelling Bee 2025 under the theme “No Child Left Behind.” The organization expressed deep gratitude for the bank’s continued partnership, highlighting RCB’s sponsorship of a 2019 trip to Uganda for 60 participants, and the 2022 sponsorship of Isa Yeama Lucy Lawrson, who emerged as the Global Ambassador at the Intercontinental Spelling Bee competition in Dubai. In 2024, Yeama again won the Best Speller in Africa.
Speaking at the event, Yeama expressed admiration for Dr. Gilpin’s leadership, congratulating him on his reappointment and recognizing RCB’s pivotal role in nurturing young talents. “Your leadership continues to bring vision and stability to the financial sector. I thank Rokel Bank for their unwavering support to ICBAI and other national development initiatives,” she said.
The ICBAI, also known as the Initiative in Capacity Building Association International, is a reputable charitable organization involved in human rights advocacy, ICT development, and capacity building for women and youth since 2006.
Ladies FEST, a women-focused entertainment organization owned by renowned female music icon, Star Zee and Doz-Kabaal Multimedia Company, also presented a certificate of appreciation to Rokel Commercial Bank for its “unwavering support that led to the success” of the inaugural edition of the Star Zee Ladies Fest 2025.
In his response, Dr. Gilpin expressed heartfelt appreciation for the awards, emphasizing that receiving multiple accolades from independent and credible organizations affirms RCB’s reputation as a pace-setter in the banking sector.
“When we began this journey in 2017, we never imagined this level of determination and recognition,” said Gilpin. “Today, Rokel stands as a change agent and a difference-maker. We have pushed others to innovate and grow, and we’ve consistently remained the leader of the pack.”
Dr. Gilpin reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to excellence and lauded the recognition as a testament to the positive change that is possible when Sierra Leoneans uplift one another. “These awards show that excellence exists in Sierra Leone and that we can support and celebrate each other,” he added.
He also thanked the ICBAI for its work with children and noted that empowering the next generation is essential to the country’s future. “When you empower children, you are building the nation’s future leaders. If they are not properly groomed, the nation is doomed,” Gilpin noted.
The event also saw special recognition given to the bank’s Public Relations Department, with the PRO, Aruna Dumbuya, commended for his exceptional role in leading the PR team in projecting the bank’s vision and brand.
The awards highlight Rokel Commercial Bank’s growing influence not only in the banking sector, but also as a driver of social change and national progress. The bank’s consistent engagement with youth-focused, educational, and women-led initiatives underscores its broader commitment to Sierra Leone’s development.
As Dr. Gilpin concluded, “We are not just a bank. We are a symbol of innovation, empowerment, and excellence. And we will continue to press ahead.”