By Amin Kef-Ranger

The All-Africa Students Union (AASU), the continental body representing over 80 million students across Africa, has issued a strong statement of commendation for His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio following his reappointment of Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin as Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB).

In a Press Release from its Continental Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, the Union hailed the move as a bold reaffirmation of competence, continuity and visionary leadership within Sierra Leone’s public sector. AASU described Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s reappointment as “not only a national endorsement of his remarkable performance but also a continental validation of his legacy in institutional transformation, financial discipline and innovation in public banking.”

Since assuming leadership at Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin has overseen sweeping changes that have revitalized the institution, placing it among Sierra Leone’s top-performing banks. One of the most notable achievements under his stewardship is the unprecedented recapitalization of the bank. According to the AASU, the bank’s operating capital rose from Le91 billion to an impressive Le271 billion, making RCB the first commercial bank in Sierra Leone to exceed the Central Bank’s recapitalization benchmark within a single financial year.

“This milestone, achieved in a challenging economic climate, underscores Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s visionary approach to financial governance and his unwavering commitment to excellence,” the Union noted.

The statement further highlighted the strategic expansion of the bank’s physical and digital footprint, citing the increase in branches to 18 and service outlets to 9 across the country. AASU commended Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s leadership in deploying modern banking infrastructure, including ATMs and inclusive financial products tailored to underserved and rural communities.

“These efforts strongly align with the Sierra Leonean Government’s agenda on financial inclusion and economic empowerment,” the release added.

From Accra, AASU President H.E. Osisiogu Osikenyi E. expressed profound admiration for both President Bio and Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin. “The reappointment of Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin is a reaffirmation of what visionary leadership, when properly supported by political will, can achieve in Africa,” he said. “We applaud President Julius Maada Bio for prioritizing competence and institutional continuity.”

He continued: “Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin’s work at Rokel Bank exemplifies the kind of homegrown success stories young Africans need to witness; leaders who reform systems and build institutions that serve the public interest with integrity and innovation.”

The Union emphasized the importance of replicating such transformative leadership across the continent, calling on other African Governments to emulate Sierra Leone’s example by entrusting key public institutions to competent professionals with proven track records.

“AASU believes that institutions like Rokel Commercial Bank, under dynamic leadership, are instrumental in enhancing youth access to finance, supporting entrepreneurial ventures and promoting educational empowerment across Africa,” the statement concluded.

Reaffirming its commitment to youth development and socio-economic progress, the Union pledged continued collaboration with financial institutions that champion economic inclusion, youth entrepreneurship, educational financing and sustainable development initiatives continent-wide. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/aasu-applauds-president-bios-reappointment-of-dr-gilpin-as-rokel-bank-md/