Rokel Commercial Bank, one of Sierra Leone’s leading financial institutions, celebrated its 26th anniversary by giving back to the community, donating essential food items and condiments to vulnerable and less privileged individuals in Freetown.
The outreach activities took place at two key locations: the PWD area and the Easter Police Barracks, targeting areas known for high concentrations of homeless and disadvantaged people.
The Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, emphasized the social responsibility aspect of the initiative. “To realize the true impact of the bank, we also considered our Corporate Social Responsibility. There are people around us who are less advantaged, and according to how we operate, we need to come out and give them a bit of donations to show them we care. This demonstrates that we are a bank for the people,” Dr. Gilpin stated.
He explained the rationale behind the selection of the “buying business district” for the donations. The district, he noted, is home to vulnerable groups, including the disabled and homeless, who do not typically benefit from the bank’s financial services.
“While we provide cash loans to small businesses through financial intermediation, the less privileged and disabled rarely interact with banks. It is crucial that they feel included in the process,” he added.
Dr. Gilpin further highlighted that the anniversary celebrations are not confined to Freetown alone but are being observed across all Rokel branches nationwide.
He assured that the bank aims to continue growing, employing more people, giving more loans, and contributing to national GDP growth, thereby strengthening the financial sector in Sierra Leone and beyond.
The Marketing Manager, Michaela Dora Macauley, reflected on the bank’s achievements over the years, particularly in digital marketing. “Rokel Commercial Bank has achieved a lot, especially in digital marketing, which has now reached an international standard.
The bank will continue to market its products and services in ways that are accessible and acceptable to customers,” she said. Having served the bank for over 21 years, Macauley also expressed personal motivation and pride in being part of a progressive institution that celebrates different segments of society each year.
Aruna Dumbuya, Head of Public Relations at Rokel Commercial Bank, noted that this year’s anniversary celebration deviated from tradition by focusing on direct community support. “Previously, we celebrated more than 157 staff for long service awards. This year, we extended the celebration to include the vulnerable and less privileged, distributing rice, sugar, salt, tomato, and other essentials. This act signals hope and shows that life continues despite poverty,” he said. Dumbuya also credited the bank’s success to responsible leadership and the commitment of all staff members.
The bank now boasts 20 local branches, with recent additions in Cline Town and Waterloo, reflecting its goal of promoting financial inclusion across the country.
The anniversary coincided with a junior internship program hosted by Rokel, allowing members of the Kids Parliament to participate in the outreach.
During the internship, the young participants had the opportunity to rotate across various departments, gaining practical insights into banking operations. Miss Jackson, one of the interns, shared her experience: “I was assigned to the marketing department and learned how to deal with clients while maintaining strong customer relationships. It was a unique experience compared to my interactions with other banks.”
Another participant highlighted the strength and professionalism they developed while working under pressure at Rokel Commercial Bank. They praised the bank’s digital banking system as “unique” and emphasized how the internship encouraged exploration and learning about financial services.
Dr. Gilpin, acting as moderator, guided discussions and encouraged the children to understand the importance of financial inclusion, responsible banking, and innovation in digital services. He concluded by emphasizing the bank’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of social or economic status, feel supported by the financial system.
Rokel Commercial Bank’s 26th anniversary celebrations, therefore, combined both corporate reflection and social responsibility, demonstrating the institution’s dedication to inclusive growth, community engagement, and the professional development of the next generation.
