/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Cybersecurity Symposium Sets New Standards


In a world increasingly reliant on digital technology, securing cyberspace has become paramount. Against this backdrop, Rokel Bank, a leading financial institution in Sierra Leone, organized the inaugural Cybersecurity Symposium on February 22nd, 2023, at the Freetown City Council auditorium.

This groundbreaking event brought together diverse stakeholders, including banking sector professionals, media representatives, students, customers, and government officials, to foster a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity and its implications.



The symposium was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Ekundayo Walton, the recently crowned African Banker of the Year and Managing Director of Rokel Bank. In his opening remarks, Dr. Walton emphasized the bank’s unwavering commitment to excellence, which had propelled it to compete successfully with international banks and ultimately led to his recognition as the African Banker of the Year.

The distinguished guest, Mr. Buffy Bailor, Chairman of Rokel Bank’s Board of Directors, delivered an insightful introduction and opening remarks, setting the stage for the symposium’s thought-provoking discussions. The event featured a series of panel discussions that delved into various aspects of cybersecurity. Experts engaged in lively debates on topics ranging from integrating cybersecurity into educational curricula and building cybersecurity capacity to the evolving cybersecurity landscape in financial services.

Furthermore, the symposium explored the role of cybersecurity as a catalyst for innovation and inclusion, emphasizing its potential to drive economic growth and societal progress. A comprehensive overview of the cybersecurity landscape in Sierra Leone was also presented, highlighting current challenges and potential solutions.

The Cybersecurity Symposium organized by Rokel Bank stands as a testament to the bank’s proactive approach to addressing emerging risks and its commitment to promoting a secure digital world. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the symposium has set new standards for cybersecurity awareness and preparedness in the country. It is a significant step towards building a more resilient and secure cyberspace, enabling individuals, businesses, and nations to thrive in the digital age.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Bank of Sierra Leone Affirms ‘NLe’ as Abbreviation For New Leones


The Bank Governor of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens has announced “NLe” as the official abbreviation for the country’s re-dominated currency. 

This announcement comes after months of debate following the 2022 re-denomination of the Leone. While the currency itself continues to bear the abbreviation “Le.”, questions arose about how to represent the new, higher-value version. Both “NLe” and “Le” gained traction, leading to uncertainty.

Speaking at the government’s press conference on Tuesday, Stevens declared “NLe” as the official abbreviation for local use, while acknowledging “SLE” as the international code for transactions outside the country.



Dr. Stevens clarified that the government intends to retain “Le” on the notes for historical purposes, emphasizing its cultural significance. However, to avoid confusion in international transactions, “SLE” will serve as the official code for international bodies and markets.

The introduction of “NLe” specifically for local use aims to distinguish the new currency from its predecessor and prevent ambiguity within the domestic financial system.

 “The correct abbreviation for the new currency is NLe, The international code is SLe, to be used for only international transactions.”

“The abbreviation ‘Le.’ still stands on our money’. Government is seeking an amendment of the Bank Act to retain the ‘Le’ for historical purposes and approve the ‘NLe’ for the new currency.” the Bank Governor said.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Sierra Leone Brewery Debunks Misleading Social Media Post on Job Vacancies


Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) has issued a public statement on February 16th, 2024, to counter recent misinformation spreading across social media platforms. The statement refutes claims of job vacancies coupled with free accommodation, emphasizing that the circulating post is entirely false and holds no affiliation with SLBL.

The misleading post, which has gained traction on various social media platforms, falsely promotes job openings at SLBL, promising free accommodation. SLBL categorically denies any association with such claims, asserting that current job vacancies do not include complimentary accommodation packages as indicated in the viral post.

SLBL asserts that authentic job vacancies and related announcements are exclusively disseminated through the company’s official channels and platforms, such as the official SLBL website and verified Facebook page. Any recruitment process initiated outside of these official channels is deemed fraudulent and should be approached with skepticism.



Transparency and integrity are fundamental to SLBL’s operations, particularly in its recruitment practices. The company is committed to upholding these principles and ensuring that all prospective employees have access to accurate and reliable information regarding job opportunities. SLBL emphasizes the importance of individuals exercising caution and discernment when seeking employment with the company, urging them to rely solely on information provided through official channels.

In response to the deceptive social media post, SLBL calls upon the cooperation of the general public in combating misinformation. The company encourages individuals to promptly report any suspicious or misleading information pertaining to job vacancies at SLBL. By working together to identify and address false claims, SLBL aims to safeguard the interests of both job seekers and the integrity of its recruitment processes.

This proactive response underscores SLBL’s commitment to maintaining transparency, authenticity, and trustworthiness in all aspects of its operations. By swiftly addressing misinformation and clarifying the facts, SLBL reaffirms its dedication to fostering a fair and equitable recruitment environment for all prospective employees.

As the public remains vigilant against deceptive practices, SLBL stands firm in its commitment to providing genuine employment opportunities while safeguarding individuals from fraudulent schemes. With the continued support and cooperation of the community, SLBL remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the brewing industry.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

GTBank Sierra Leone Celebrates Staff on Valentine’s Day With ‘Boku Boku’ Love


On February 14th, 2024, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Sierra Leone painted its Offices orange with a vibrant celebration of Valentine’s Day, themed “Boku Boku Love.” The festivities climaxed with a grand finale at the Head Office in Freetown, marking a day filled with camaraderie, appreciation, and joy among staff members.

The anticipation for the event began a week prior, as employees were encouraged to add a touch of orange to their attire, symbolizing the “Orange love” they share for one another. But the celebration didn’t stop there; GTBank Sierra Leone went above and beyond to make this Valentine’s Day truly special for its staff.

Leading up to February 14th, branches were organized into batches, with each batch participating in a unique Valentine’s Day activity. Staff members from each branch had the opportunity to randomly select a colleague’s name, who would then become their designated Valentine for the occasion. This initiative fostered a sense of connection and camaraderie among coworkers, as they became “Valentine couples” for the duration of the celebration.



Throughout the week, these Valentine couples were encouraged to indulge in acts of kindness and appreciation, whether it be treating each other to lunch or exchanging flowers as tokens of affection. Additionally, each branch came together to select their “best couple,” who would represent them in the bank wide “best couple” competition.

The highlight of the celebration was the exchange of Valentine’s gifts during a grand finale and town hall meeting at the Bank’s Head Office. Staff members exchanged heartfelt tokens of appreciation, spreading love and positivity throughout the organization.

In addition to the Valentine’s Day festivities, GTBank Sierra Leone also took the opportunity to recognize the dedication and commitment of its long-serving staff members. Certificates for Long Service Awards were presented, honoring individuals for their years of service and contribution to the bank’s success.

Sharing his thoughts during the occasion, the Bank CEO/Managing Director, Mr. Ade Adebiyi touted the Bank for its commitment to employee empowerment. He noted that GTBank continues to empower employees by building a conducive environment for fun, creativity and innovation. “As we continue to serve our customers with the best financial service in Sierra Leone, it is necessary to recognize our staff who have excelled in our various pillars of focus. That is why we encourage each staff to give off their best by being an employer of choice” he said.

Speaking to Sierraloaded, Clifford Turay, a staff of the bank expressed gratitude and appreciation for the management’s efforts in organizing such a memorable celebration. He shared his happiness and expressed desire for this tradition of love and appreciation to continue for years to come.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

RCBank Collaborates with UK’s Applied Intelligence to Host National Cybersecurity and Financial Inclusion Symposium


EST Applied Intelligence, a Cybersecurity firm based in the UK, is collaborating with one of Sierra Leone’s leading banks, Rokel Commercial Bank, to organize a one-day symposium on Cybersecurity and Financial Inclusion at the Freetown City Council Auditorium on the 22nd of February, 2024.

EST Applied Intelligence is a specialist enterprise security consultancy firm that comprises a team of forward-thinking experts with deep domain knowledge in Cybersecurity. They are working in partnership with clients in both public and private sector organizations to help navigate their security challenges across complex business and technology landscapes.

The strategic pillar of EST Applied Intelligence is geared towards structuring and evaluating the organization’s strategy to ensure it is forward-thinking and will meet the dynamic and challenging business demands. Aligning enterprise security to business priorities, the firm aims to develop and set up a robust and bespoke enterprise security capability through innovative skills matrix alignment and optimization.



The symposium, the first ever to be spearheaded by a local financial institution in the country, will bring together political leaders, industry leaders, experts, and innovators both locally and internationally to principally discuss the country’s capacity and preparedness to confront and neutralize potential cyber attacks on our financial system.

As the bank repositions itself for international competitiveness, it recently announced five top priorities it will be rolling out to actualize its vision for 2024.

This development came after the bank’s CEO, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, was recognized as African Banker of the Year 2023 by the UK-based Reputation Poll International.

Sources say there is palpable excitement within the financial sector as the Symposium is expected to engineer a blueprint for a robust Cybersecurity environment for Sierra Leone’s financial system.

The Symposium will also discuss ways Cybersecurity enhances financial inclusion and will outline the manifesto of the African Banker of the Year.

Dr. Gilpin indicated that these are exciting times for the financial sector and human capacity development in Sierra Leone.

RCBank – The Bank of Choice & Integrity!!



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Rokel Commercial Bank Outlines Vision For 2024


Following his recognition as African Banker of the Year in December last year by the UK based Reputation Poll International, the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank has on Friday, 9th February 2024 called a press conference to reveal a five point manifesto that spells out an ambitious 2024 vision for the bank.

The RCbank manifesto, according to Dr Gilpln would be anchored on the digitalization programme which has been the hallmark of the bank’s repositioning and rapid transformation over the years.

The five key priority areas brilliantly by the Managing Director include a Cashless Ecosystem, Banking Process Automation, Cybersecurity Ressilience, Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence. The Managing Director however maintained that, rolling out such an ambitious project require a lot of expertise. To this end, he reassured pressmen that the bank would be providing capacity building programmes for its current crop of personnel as he urged young Sierra Leoneans to pursue professional disciplines that are available in today’s market.



Gilpin also believe that a robust and resilient financial system will help change negative perceptions about Sierra Leone, adding that the Rokel Commercial Bank is rightfully earning its position as a local bank with a global reach. The bank, he said has developed products that can allow customers access financial services from any part of the globe.

He also informed the media that the bank will be hosting a seminar on cybersecurity later this month and this will include experts from the UK who will help enrich the knowledge base of Sierra Leoneans on the subject. “Cybersecurity has become a global concern and it is important that we put more premium on it to protect our financial system” he averred.

Dr Walton Gilpin concluded by assuring journalists that the bank remains committed to its corporate social responsibility programmes in education, sports, the environment and other areas of philanthropy.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Trader’s Council of Sierra Leone Welcomes Deputy Minister of Trade And Industry as Member


The Trader’s Council of Sierra Leone has extended its membership to the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Fatmata Kargbo as an active member.

In a statement released by the Trade Council, it highlighted the proactive initiatives undertaken by the Ministry under the leadership of Minister Alpha Sesay, who has been instrumental in supporting traders and various sectors for national development and sustainable growth. It is on this premise that the Council extended membership to the Deputy Minister, aiming to collaborate closely in monitoring and providing advice where necessary.

Expressing her gratitude for the gesture, Deputy Minister Kargbo lauded the Council’s recognition of the Ministry’s efforts in line with President Bio’s agenda of effective governance and citizen-centered policies. She emphasized the President’s commitment to action, evident in efforts to uplift the nation.



Highlighting the importance of unity and collective support for the President’s vision, Kargbo underscored the Ministry’s dedication to realizing sustainable development goals and fostering inclusive growth.

She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in decision-making processes, emphasizing regular consultations with traders and an inclusive approach to policy implementation.

Assuring the traders of the Ministry’s alignment with the President’s transformative agenda, Kargbo emphasized ongoing efforts in human capital development and women’s empowerment, particularly in collaboration with First Lady Fatima Bio.

Regarding policy initiatives, Kargbo disclosed ongoing discussions on the review of wholesale and retail policies aimed at optimizing support for traders and enhancing the sales of goods and services nationwide.

She also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Trader’s Council executive regarding the Sewa Ground Market and the Ministry’s plans to construct high-quality markets in additional locations to better serve traders.

The Deputy Minister concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to collaborative efforts with the Trader’s Council in realizing President Bio’s vision for a prosperous Sierra Leone.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

NP-SL Limited Commissions First Fuel Station in Bunumbu


Sierra Leone’s fuel distribution company, NP (SL) Limited, commissioned a new NP Fuel Station on Saturday, February 7th, 2024, in Bunumbu.

The goal of opening this station in Bunumbu is to provide high-quality petroleum products to remote areas in Sierra Leone

The commissioning is geared towards expanding NP’s brand and market volume throughout the remotest partner of Sierra Leone. The Company is focused on boosting partnerships with reputable individuals to enhance the supply of quality petroleum products to the general public. Key among the Np- SL staff present during the unveiling are Kobi-walker, CEO of Np-SL Ltd, Sales Manager, Ing Vandy Bockarie, Ing Alhaji Williams, amongst others.



A statement from NP’s Chief Executive Officer Kobi Walker during the unveiling, expressed thanks and appreciation to the people of Bundumbu for witnessing the historic achievement.

He reminded the people of Bundumbu that the town use to be a thriving economic zone but due to the Sierra Leone rebel some of these gains were reversed and business become bad.

He emphasized that Company is in Bundumbu to ease the burden of people going to Kenema to buy petrol and diesel adding that they want to make sure all the other facilities complementing the sales of fuel are available so that the community can go back to its past glory



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Rokel Commercial Bank Takes to the Streets in Digital Awareness Parade


In a vibrant display of technological prowess, Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), Sierra Leone’s premier banking institution, orchestrated a lively floating parade on Saturday, February 10, 2024.

The parade, stretching from the up-gun turn table to the bank’s headquarters on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown, aimed to sensitize the public about the bank’s digital products and their myriad benefits to customers.

The well-attended event saw a convergence of senior and junior bank staff, accompanied by a multitude of media personnel, navigating the streets of Freetown to disseminate information on RCB’s digital offerings. The parade was adorned with the sounds of Sierra Leonean music and the lively bubu dance, providing entertainment for both staff and onlookers while effectively conveying the bank’s message.



In a Brief statement Dr. Walton Gilpin, Managing Director of RCB, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “This is the beginning of more things to come. The float is also a way of celebrating the banking sector and educating customers and the public about banking in a new and unique way.” Gilpin emphasized that the massive float parade served as a comprehensive awareness initiative for everyone to acquaint themselves with the bank.

Dr.Gilpin highlighted the bank’s commitment to digitalization, showcasing initiatives such as ATM cardless transactions, issuance of Visa Prepaid Cards, and the integration of services like SIMKorpor and EKorpor. These advancements, he noted, streamline tasks, enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and expedite processing times.

Expressing gratitude to the dedicated staff, Gilpin assured that RCB would extend its sensitization efforts nationwide, ensuring every Sierra Leonean gains a comprehensive understanding of digital banking, cybersecurity, and the benefits of going cashless.

Director of Credit Risk Management, Mrs. Milicent Cole, added that the mass marketing campaign aimed to provide insight into the bank’s digital systems and products. She affirmed that RCB’s outreach wouldn’t be confined to Freetown, as the bank plans to traverse the provinces, ensuring customers across the nation are well-informed.

Mrs. Cole hinted at future interactive activities, including Fun Days and sporting events for staff at RCB’s beach house in Goderich. Additionally, she revealed the bank’s commitment to promoting agriculture and other critical human capital development initiatives.

As Rokel Commercial Bank takes strides in digitization, their dynamic approach to public awareness underscores their dedication to embracing the digital era and ensuring every citizen is equipped with the knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of modern banking.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Government of Sierra Leone Revokes Temporary Tax Incentives Granted to Sierra Rutile


The Sierra Leone government has revoked a generous tax break for mining company Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL), citing the company’s improved financial performance as a breach of good faith.

In a letter addressed to SRL and made available to Sierraloaded, Finance Minister Shęku A.F. Bangura announced the government’s decision to revert to the original 2001 agreement’s fiscal regime, effective July 1st, 2023. This move cancels the temporary tax base reset incentives granted in August 2021 to help SRL recover from financial difficulties.

The minister justified the action by highlighting SRL’s “increasingly growing reported revenues and Net Profit After Tax of over $75 million in each of the last two years.” He argued that this success, driven by increased production and rutile prices, contradicted the justification for the tax break and deprived the government of much-needed tax revenue.



Bangura emphasized that the initial tax incentives were offered “in good faith” to ensure SRL’s survival after it threatened to suspend operations in 2021. However, he expressed disappointment that SRL failed to inform the government about its improved financial situation.

“This is completely unfair to the Government and people of Sierra Leone,” Bangura stated, pointing out the missed opportunity to use the withheld tax revenue for development programs.

The letter instructs the National Revenue Authority to collaborate with SRL to determine the revised tax obligations under the original agreement. It concludes by urging SRL to “show responsible business practice” and accept the decision.



Source link