Rokel MD Promotes Investment at Blake Electronics Opening
Freetown. Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurial landscape witnessed a boost on Monday as Blake Electronics and Computer Shop officially opened its doors at 140 Circular Road, Freetown. The launch, attended by community members, business leaders, lawyers, and friends of the proprietor, was graced by the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, who delivered a strong message on patriotism, entrepreneurship, and the need for Sierra Leoneans to transform challenges into opportunities.
Blake Electronics, an initiative of Pa Brima and Ariatu SL Ltd., will serve as a one-stop hub for televisions, headphones, JBL speakers, laptops, accessories, mobile devices, and computer repair services. The company also runs the Kadijah Lodge at Calaba Town in Freetown and Ariatu Pure Water and Beverages in Makeni, making the new shop another milestone in its growing portfolio.
Gilpin’s Call for Action Through Investment
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Gilpin commended proprietor Mr. Pa Brima Kargbo for what he described as “a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to national growth.” He urged Sierra Leoneans to rise above the culture of lamentation and take practical steps that drive development.
“We are tired of being at the bottom of the scale, even in Sub-Saharan Africa. When you get tired of being tired, you take action. And this is demonstrable action,” Dr. Gilpin declared to thunderous applause.
He emphasized that the ease of doing business remains critical to attracting both local and foreign investment, pointing to areas such as business registration, taxation, connectivity, and security as key to building investor confidence.
“We love to see businesses like this grow and expand. We love to see them demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and service delivery,” he said, challenging Blake Electronics to set benchmarks that rival those in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Abu Kalokoh, one of the speakers, described the opening as more than just a business venture. According to him, it represents a bold step in bridging Sierra Leone’s digital gap while creating jobs for young people.
“This is a humble beginning and a bold step towards breaking the digital gap and providing access to modern technology in our country, while at the same time creating jobs in our little way,” Kalokoh noted.
He stressed that the shop is committed to delivering affordable, reliable, and high-quality products to individuals, students, professionals, and businesses. He also revealed that the company intends to open a corporate account with Rokel Commercial Bank to strengthen ties with the financial institution that has consistently supported local entrepreneurs.
Diaspora Investment as a Catalyst
Lawyer Brima Koroma, a close friend of the proprietor for over 35 years, underscored the importance of diaspora investment in rebuilding Sierra Leone.
“The fact that he lives abroad and still has so much faith in Sierra Leone to establish this business is a very good example one worthy of emulation,” Lawyer Koroma said. He urged other Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to invest back home, stressing: “Sierra Leone is all we have. The level of respect, security, and freedom you have here, you won’t find in any other country.”
Voices of Encouragement
Other dignitaries also added their voices in support. Dr. Alex Bangura described the venture as “a laudable undertaking” that demonstrates the power of collaboration among Sierra Leoneans.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Lawyer James Tamba Kamara lauded the proprietor’s patriotism, comparing his act to John F. Kennedy’s timeless call to service: “Do not ask what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
“Mr. Kargbo has answered that call,” Lawyer Kamara said, before adding a lighthearted remark that drew laughter from the audience: “If you go to my home, don’t be surprised to see a litany of JBL sets, because Blake has been part of enriching my enjoyment of electronics.”
Optimism for the Future
The well-attended ceremony closed with a strong sense of optimism that Blake Electronics will not only provide Sierra Leoneans with high-quality electronics and technical services but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for other entrepreneurs, particularly those in the diaspora.
For many, the launch represents more than just the opening of a shop it is a call to action for Sierra Leoneans to invest, innovate, and contribute towards building a resilient economy.
