Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin and two other staff members of Rokel Commercial Bank have received prestigious awards at the 2nd West African Bankers Awards Night, organised by the West African Bankers Association (WABA). The awards ceremony celebrated excellence, recognised outstanding leadership and honoured individuals contributing to the advancement of sustainable finance across the West African region. The event was held under the theme: “Empowering Women in Banking for Inclusive and Sustainable Finance in West Africa.”
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Banking for West Africa for 2025 to Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, in recognition of his distinguished leadership, professional excellence and remarkable contributions to the banking sector. The prestigious recognition celebrates Dr. Gilpin’s impact on the banking industry, his commitment to financial development and his contributions to strengthening the financial services sector across West Africa.
Two other Rokel Commercial Bank staff members also received recognition at the ceremony for their respective contributions to the banking profession and the institution. Mr. Umaru Yanka was honoured as Outstanding Supporter of the WABA Secretariat, in recognition of his support and contributions to the work of the West African Bankers Association.
Ibrahim Sorie Kamara received the Rokel Commercial Bank Sierra Leone Ltd. Employee of the Year 2025 award for his outstanding dedication, professional excellence, commitment to service and valuable contributions to the success and growth of the banking industry in Sierra Leone. His recognition celebrates his exemplary performance, professionalism and commitment to delivering quality banking services.
The awards night provided a platform to celebrate the contributions of women in banking and promote inclusive financial systems capable of supporting sustainable economic growth across the region. The West African Bankers Association continues to play an important role in promoting professional excellence, regional cooperation and leadership within the banking and financial services industry.
The recognition of Dr. Gilpin, Yanka and Kamara highlights Rokel Commercial Bank’s representation at the regional awards ceremony and the contributions of its personnel to the development of the banking sector. This achievement demonstrates the bank's commitment to excellence and its role in shaping the future of banking in Sierra Leone and West Africa.
The West African Bankers Awards Night is an annual event that brings together banking professionals and stakeholders from across the region to celebrate excellence and promote collaboration. The event provides a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing and recognition of outstanding achievements in the banking industry.
Key points
- Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Banking for West Africa for 2025.
- Two Rokel Commercial Bank staff members, Mr. Umaru Yanka and Ibrahim Sorie Kamara, also received recognition at the ceremony.
- The awards ceremony was organised by the West African Bankers Association (WABA) under the theme: “Empowering Women in Banking for Inclusive and Sustainable Finance in West Africa.”
