AASU Backs Gilpin’s Return as Rokel Bank MD
The All-Africa Students Union (AASU), a leading continental organization representing over 80 million students across Africa, has warmly commended Sierra Leone’s President, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, for reappointing Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin as Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB).
In a press statement issued from its Continental Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, AASU described the reappointment as a decisive endorsement of capable, visionary leadership in Sierra Leone’s public sector. The Union lauded Dr. Gilpin’s stewardship of Rokel Commercial Bank as a model of institutional transformation, financial discipline, and innovation in African public banking.
“Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s reappointment is not only a national acknowledgment of his exceptional performance but a continental validation of his legacy in driving change and excellence,” the statement read.
Since assuming leadership at RCB, Dr. Gilpin has led sweeping reforms that have revitalized the bank, positioning it among Sierra Leone’s top-performing financial institutions. A hallmark of his tenure has been the unprecedented recapitalization of the bank from Le91 billion to a remarkable Le271 billion making RCB the first commercial bank in Sierra Leone to surpass the Central Bank’s recapitalization threshold within a single financial year.
“This milestone, achieved in a challenging economic environment, highlights Dr. Gilpin’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to institutional growth and financial sustainability,” AASU stated.
The Union further praised the strategic expansion of RCB’s branch network and digital infrastructure. Under Dr. Gilpin, the bank has grown to 18 branches and 9 service outlets nationwide, introduced modern banking tools such as ATMs, and rolled out inclusive financial products tailored for underserved and rural communities. AASU noted that these initiatives are closely aligned with Sierra Leone’s national agenda on financial inclusion and grassroots empowerment.
Speaking from Accra, AASU President H.E. Osisiogu Osikenyi E. expressed admiration for both President Bio and Dr. Gilpin:
The reappointment of Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin is a reaffirmation of what visionary leadership can achieve when backed by strong political will. We applaud President Julius Maada Bio for his continued prioritization of competence and continuity in public service.”
He continued,
Dr. Gilpin’s achievements at Rokel Bank stand as a shining example for Africa’s youth proof that homegrown leaders can transform institutions with integrity, innovation, and public-centered values.”
AASU called on other African governments to emulate Sierra Leone’s approach by entrusting critical public institutions to capable professionals with proven track records.
“Institutions like Rokel Bank, under dynamic leadership, are vital in expanding youth access to finance, supporting entrepreneurship, and advancing educational opportunities across the continent,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to youth development and inclusive economic progress, AASU pledged to continue partnering with financial institutions that promote youth entrepreneurship, educational financing, and sustainable development across Africa.
