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Access Bank Sierra Leone Appoints New Chairman And Non-Executive Directors


Access Bank Sierra Leone Limited has announced the appointment of Maurice Nathaniel Cole and four other non-executive directors.

The appointment was made through a press statement made available to Nairametrics by Access Holdings Plc, which states the new executives to its Board of Directors will further strengthen its leadership team and advance the implementation of its growth and transformation strategy.

It added that the appointments also reflect the Bank’s commitment to fostering growth and development while maintaining the highest standards of governance and stewardship.



Joining the Board as Non-Executive Directors are Maurice Nathaniel Cole, Nsikak N. Usoro, Michala Mackay, Ibrahim Khalil Lamin, and Kolawole Augustine Ajimoko.

The group noted that the appointees boast a wealth of expertise from diverse sectors, including banking, telecommunications, corporate governance, compliance, and finance.

Their combined experience and vision will contribute to shaping the future trajectory of Access Bank (SL) Ltd.

Cole will serve as Chairman, following the exit of Alice Marie Onomake and will bring his experience to the fore as Access Bank (SL) Ltd works to consolidate its market position and deliver value for all its stakeholders.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new executives to Access Bank (SL) Ltd,” said Ganiyu Sanni, Country Managing Director, Access Bank Sierra Leone Ltd. “Their leadership and vision will be invaluable as we navigate through challenges and pursue sustained success. We extend our gratitude to outgoing Chairman, Alice Marie Onomake, and Non-Executive Director, Aminata B. Dumbuya, for their dedicated service and contributions to the Bank”.

He noted that Access Bank (SL) Ltd remains committed to excellence, transparency, and accountability as it embarks on this exciting new chapter.

According to him, the Bank looks forward to leveraging the collective expertise of its leadership team to drive innovation, foster growth, and create lasting impact for its customers and communities.

Nairametrics reported recently shareholders of Access Holdings Plc, at the 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday in Lagos, endorsed the group’s plan to establish a capital raising programme of up to $1.5 billion as well as the subset initiative to raise to N365 billion through a rights issue.

The proceeds of the rights issue would be used to support ongoing working capital needs, including organic growth funding for its banking and other non-banking subsidiaries.

The shareholders also ratified the appointments of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Olusegun Ogbonnewo, and Ojinika Olaghere as non-executive directors.

The appointment of Aig-Imoukhuede as the chairman of Access Holdings was cheered by the shareholders, who pointed to his history of success with the institution, having transformed it into Nigeria’s biggest lender by market value alongside the late Herbert Wigwe.

Aigboje’s leadership was instrumental in driving the institution’s growth during the 2004 recapitalisation of the banking industry led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of its former Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, shareholders said.



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Rokel Commercial Bank Extends Support to University of Makeni After Hostel Fire


Responding to the devastating fire that ravaged the Female Hostel at the University of Makeni on the evening of April 15, 2024, Rokel Commercial Bank’s Management, led by Dr. Gilpin, has taken swift action to support the affected victims.

Under the guidance of Mr. Abubakarr Bah, Manager of the RCBank Makeni Branch, a team from Rokel Commercial Bank visited the university campus to offer assistance. The bank’s efforts included providing counseling services and immediate relief items such as foodstuff and cleaning supplies.

According to reports received by Rokel Commercial Bank’s PR Unit, the fire caused significant damage to properties within the hostel. However, there have been no reported casualties, offering a glimmer of relief amidst the tragedy.



The proactive response from Rokel Commercial Bank underscores its commitment to the community and its values of support and solidarity during challenging times.

As the affected individuals begin to rebuild their lives, the bank’s support serves as a beacon of hope and assistance in their recovery efforts.



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Rokel Commercial Bank Extends Support to University of Makeni After Hostel Fire


Responding to the devastating fire that ravaged the Female Hostel at the University of Makeni on the evening of April 15, 2024, Rokel Commercial Bank’s Management, led by Dr. Gilpin, has taken swift action to support the affected victims.

Under the guidance of Mr. Abubakarr Bah, Manager of the RCBank Makeni Branch, a team from Rokel Commercial Bank visited the university campus to offer assistance. The bank’s efforts included providing counseling services and immediate relief items such as foodstuff and cleaning supplies.

According to reports received by Rokel Commercial Bank’s PR Unit, the fire caused significant damage to properties within the hostel. However, there have been no reported casualties, offering a glimmer of relief amidst the tragedy.



The proactive response from Rokel Commercial Bank underscores its commitment to the community and its values of support and solidarity during challenging times.

As the affected individuals begin to rebuild their lives, the bank’s support serves as a beacon of hope and assistance in their recovery efforts.





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Bank of Sierra Leone Launches Innovative Agricultural Credit Scheme


Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, has introduced an innovative Agricultural Credit Scheme. This program aims to extend vital financial assistance to credible entrepreneurs within the agricultural sector, facilitating their efforts to expand production and bolster economic progress.

Through the Agricultural Credit Scheme, eligible entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to secure loans of up to $100,000, a substantial sum capable of fostering significant growth and innovation within the agricultural domain. One distinguishing feature of this scheme is its remarkably low-interest rate of 10%, contrasting sharply with the historically burdensome rates that have hindered agribusiness growth in the region, often surpassing 30%.

The decision to launch this proactive initiative underscores the Bank of Sierra Leone’s dedication to nurturing an enabling environment for agricultural advancement and economic diversification. By providing accessible credit to entrepreneurs with viable agricultural enterprises, the scheme aims to tackle persistent financing barriers that have stifled the sector’s potential.



Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, in elucidating the rationale behind the Agricultural Credit Scheme, emphasized agriculture’s pivotal role in propelling socio-economic advancement and alleviating poverty in Sierra Leone. He highlighted the necessity for innovative financial tools tailored to the unique requirements of agribusinesses, acknowledging their capacity to foster employment, enhance food security, and invigorate rural development.

The unveiling of the Agricultural Credit Scheme has been met with enthusiasm from diverse stakeholders, including farmers, agribusiness proprietors, and policymakers. Many perceive this initiative as a transformative endeavor capable of unlocking Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector’s untapped potential, positioning it as a primary catalyst for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

As the scheme is implemented, focus will shift towards evaluating its execution and influence, with stakeholders eagerly anticipating the transformative impacts it is poised to deliver across Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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Bank of Sierra Leone Approves Mohamed Alhajie Samoura as Managing Director/CEO of UBA Sierra Leone


United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone Limited is pleased to announce the approval of Mohamed Alhajie Samoura by the Central Bank of Sierra Leone as the substantive Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of UBA Sierra Leone.

The “No Objection” approval was received from the Bank of Sierra Leone on 30th January 2024 following the approval of his nomination by UBA Group Office and the UBA Sierra Leone Board of Directors in December 2023. Having served as the Acting MD/CEO since February last year, Mohamed is the first Sierra Leonean to attain such position in the bank since the bank started it operations in Sierra Leone in 2008.

Mr. Samoura is the 6th MD/CEO of UBA Sierra Leone after his predecessor, Usman Isiaka who is now serving the bank as Deputy MD/CEO of UBA New York.



Since he assumed the seat, Mr Samoura has continued to build on the legacies of his predecessors, he continues to double the figures in revenue, profitability, deposits, account opening and risk assets. He is very passionate about the UBA Brand and has been an exceptional promoter of Sierra Leonean businesses.

Until his appointment as the substantive Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer of UBA Sierra Leone, he was the Executive Director, Business Development in the bank, and Acting MD/CEO UBA Sierra Leone. Mohamed is a seasoned banker with close to two decades of working experience in Sierra Leone banking industry.

Mohamed has several accolades and most recently was named amongst the 100 Most Outstanding Executives in Sierra Leone by the Sierra Ovation Awards. During this short period and under his leadership, UBA Sierra Leone team won the 2023 prestigious Bank of the Year awards from the Banker’s Financial Times UK. Africa Branding Agency celebrating Banking Excellence in Sierra Leone/recognition of UBA Sierra Leone as Top 10 Financial Institutions & Mr. Samoura Top 5 Financial Leaders in Sierra Leone. African Ovation Awards for recognition of outstanding customer service, contribution, and commitment to social and economic development of Sierra Leone. A total of 10 Executive Management staff were awarded 2023 Sierra Leone Leadership Award honouring the Top 100 Emerging Leaders in Sierra Leone 2023. The Salone Times Newspaper one of the leading news agencies in Sierra Leone named him amongst the 10 Most Influential Sierra Leoneans in 2023. The bank also won Climate Positive Bank of the Year awards at the 7thEnvironmental Care Awards organised by Shout Climate Change Africa partnering with Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency and Freetown City Council and many more accolades on records.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Political Science and a master’s degree in business administration and marketing.

Mr Samoura has a wealth of experience and understanding of the country’s corporate and institutional banking landscape.

The appointment of Mr. Samoura as Managing Director is in line with the UBA Group’s strategic focus on domesticating the bank’s governance, products and services to meet the local requirements of the host economy in all its 20 presence countries in Africa and further supporting human capital development across the continent as we expose the local staff to international standards and global best practices.

Operating in twenty African countries and in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, United Bank for Africa provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with over 30,000 employees group wide and serving over 37 million customers globally. UBA Sierra Leone currently has over 400,000 customers with the strong vision to be the undisputed leading and dominant financial services institution in the banking sector in Sierra Leone.



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Bank of Sierra Leone Warns of Illegal Super Advertis Investment Scheme


The Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) issued a strong warning today against an online entity called “SUPER ADVERTIS” that is illegally soliciting investments through mobile money platforms.

The BSL emphasized that it has not licensed SUPER ADVERTIS for any financial activity, and engaging with them for investments poses a real risk to the public’s finances.

According to the BSL’s public notice, SUPER ADVERTIS appears to be enticing individuals to invest in a secretive financial scheme using mobile money platforms, which involves accepting deposits from the public. However, the BSL clarifies that “SUPER ADVERTIS” operates without the necessary license, making their operations illegal and potentially fraudulent.



The BSL urged the public to exercise extreme caution and refrain from any financial transactions with SUPER ADVERTIS. To ensure their safety, the BSL advised everyone to verify the presence of a valid BSL-issued license displayed in the premises of any financial institution before engaging in any transaction.

The BSL’s warning extends to all similar unlicensed businesses operating in Sierra Leone. The notice stresses that such illegal schemes pose a significant threat to the stability and safety of the nation’s financial system.

This timely intervention by the BSL highlights the growing concern over unregulated financial activities, particularly those targeting mobile money users. As mobile money transactions become increasingly popular, ensuring user protection and preventing fraudulent schemes remains a crucial challenge for financial authorities across Africa.

The BSL’s public notice serves as a wake-up call for Sierra Leoneans, urging them to prioritize caution and due diligence when considering any investment opportunity, especially if it involves mobile money or operates outside the official financial system.



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Rokel Commercial Bank Staff Clinch Multiple Wins in Single Awards Ceremony


In this year’s Diaspora FOCUS dinner and award night hosted at the prestigious Bintimani Hotel on the 19th December 2023, the leaders of the organization recognized institutions, other sectors and key personalities who are working tirelessly with unwavering commitment and are contributing positively to the development and growth of Sierra Leone as a nation.

The DiasporaFOCUS award is a National Annual Award conducted at the end of every year through a rigorous and transparent process to applaud and encourage individuals, institutions and other sectors to do more in their areas of specialization. The decision to be nominated as an awardee is certified by the committee of ethics and standardization of the organization to enhance equity and reduce familiarity threat.

On the 12th edition of the DiasporaFOCUS National Development Awards Night, the Managing Director & CEO Dr. Walton E. Gilpin and three staff garnered five awards including the Bank of the Year award 2023.



The eligible awardees were:
1. Dr. Ekundayo W. Gilpin – Managing Director of the Year
2. Mrs. Mariama Jajua – Exceptional Award for Community Development
3. Mr. Lithin Nasani – I.T GURU of the Year
4. Mr. Aruna Dumbuya – Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Year

The Bank of the year award emanated not only from the ethics and standardization committee but also from the decisive reached of the legitimate vote casted from the general public.

The prestigious honor awarded by DiasporaFOCUS is a reflection of the Bank’s outstanding reputation and its consistent efforts in providing outstanding banking services to its customers. With a strong focus on customer centricity and innovation, Rokel Commercial Bank has emerged as a trusted name in the financial space.

As one of Sierra Leone’s top financial institutions, Rokel Commercial Bank has played a essential role in driving economic growth and development in the country.

This accolade serves as a testament to Rokel Commercial Bank’s untiring commitment to excellence and its significant contributions to the financial sector.
Dr. Gilpin and awarded staff dedicated their awards to the bank and applaud staff of the RCBank for their various contributions and support that led them to be nominated by DiasporaFOCUS in the 12th Edition of the 2023 dinner and awards ceremony.

In Dr. Gilpin’s short statement of appreciation, he referenced the vision of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Rtd. Brig. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Board, Management and Staff of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) and thanked Dr. Emmanuel J.M Stafford and the leadership Team of DiasporaFOCUS for their continued quest to distinguish hard working Sierra Leoneans and other National working in the country.
RCBank – The Bank of Choice!!!



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