AASU Commends President Bio’s Reappointment of Dr. Walton Gilpin, Hailing Rokel Bank’s Transformative Leadership
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The All-Africa Students Union (AASU), representing over 80 million students across the continent, has enthusiastically welcomed the reappointment of Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin as the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) by His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
The continental student body lauded the decision as a testament to visionary leadership and a commitment to excellence in public sector governance.
In a press release issued today, the AASU described Dr. Gilpin’s reappointment as “not only a national endorsement of Dr. Gilpin’s distinguished leadership but also a continental validation of his legacy of institutional transformation, financial discipline, and innovation in public banking.”
Under Dr. Gilpin’s leadership, Rokel Commercial Bank has achieved significant milestones, most notably a remarkable recapitalization effort.
The bank’s operating capital surged from Le91 billion to an impressive Le271 billion, making it the first commercial bank in Sierra Leone to exceed the Central Bank’s recapitalization benchmark within a single year..
The AASU highlighted this achievement, stating it “underscores his visionary approach to financial governance and commitment to excellence.”
Beyond financial growth, Dr. Gilpin has overseen a strategic expansion of the bank’s footprint, increasing its reach to 18 branches and 9 service outlets across Sierra Leone.
His tenure has also been marked by the deployment of modern banking infrastructure, including ATMs, and the development of inclusive financial products designed to bring banking services closer to underserved communities.
The AASU noted that “These efforts are fully aligned with the Sierra Leonean government’s strategy on financial inclusion and economic empowerment.”
H.E. Osisiogu Osikenyi E., President of the All-Africa Students Union, praised both President Bio and Dr. Gilpin from the Union’s Continental Secretariat in Accra.
He stated, “The reappointment of Dr. Walton Gilpin is a reaffirmation of what visionary leadership, when properly supported by political will, can achieve in Africa. We applaud President Julius Maada Bio for prioritising competence and continuity.”
President Osikenyi added, “Dr. Gilpin’s work at Rokel Bank exemplifies the kind of homegrown success stories young Africans need to see—leaders who are not only reforming systems but also creating institutions that serve the public interest with integrity and innovation.”
The AASU firmly believes that institutions like Rokel Commercial Bank, under transformative leadership, are crucial for fostering youth access to finance, entrepreneurial growth, and educational empowerment across Africa.
The Union urged other African governments to “emulate Sierra Leone’s leadership in entrusting public institutions to capable professionals with a track record of delivery and vision.”
The All-Africa Students Union concluded its statement by affirming its readiness to collaborate with financial institutions that champion economic inclusion, educational financing, youth entrepreneurship, and sustainable development across the continent.
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