1st March, 2021 (SALONE TIMES)
FREETOWN –
One of the leading commercial banks in Sierra Leone, Rokel Commercial Bank (SL) Limited has on Friday February 26, 2021 opened its Juba branch in the far west of Freetown.
The new branch of the bank will serve the people of Juba Community and its immediate environs with quality banking services.
During the official opening, speaking on behalf of customers, Michaela Mackay had this to say: “I am a very young but old customer. I opened my first account with the bank in 2001. I want to say I have always been satisfied with the services I received from Rokel Commercial Bank. There is a very friendly environment anytime I go to the bank.”
She recognized the successes the bank had made over the years in improving the service delivery and added that the fact that they are embracing technology is a good thing because it should be a must.
Deputy Managing Director of the Bank, Emmanuel Borboh, revealed that in the last twelve months, the Juba branch is the fifth branch they are opening across the country, citing the Wilkinson Road branch which was opened three month ago.
“We are in Juba today because we know the prospect this location serves. Peninsula is the fastest growing community in Freetown and we have strategically chosen Juba so that we can pitch our position to even go far beyond the peninsula,” he said.
Mr. Borboh recalled the difficult times the bank had few years ago but noted that they have reemerged in style, posture, profitability and digitalization.
“This is a very critical year because we are changing our core banking and also want to occupy the digital space. We want to pitch ourselves this year as the most digital commercial bank in the country. We believe so much in digitalization,” the Deputy Managing Director stated.
On his part, Managing Director, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin said: “It is with great joy that we are here this morning to demonstrate to Sierra Leoneans and the world beyond that we can continue to grow as a bank. It is with determination an excellence that we come together to put up a particular branch here that will not only serve the immediate environs but the country as a whole.”
He registered the bank’s determination to be sure that they can have the last laugh as according to him, few years ago; the bank was seen as a laughingstock and one that was going to be dissolved the next day.
“Today we are seeing a reemergence of a strong, dynamic bank and one that can show the world that Sierra Leoneans have what it takes to put a footprint to live a legacy behind. We are growing with lots of praise and accolades,” he said.
Dr. Gilpin assured that the bank will surely go beyond expectations as they are sure of growing not only in service and excellence but also in profit and as a credible institution.
Deputy Governor- Financial Stability, Bank of Sierra Leone, Sheikh Alhaji Yayah Sesay, stated that the opening of the Juba demonstrate Rokel Commercial Bank’s commitment to complement the central bank’s efforts in promoting financial inclusion and inclusive economic growth.
“It is expected that the branch will provide an added opportunity for the people of this community and its environs to benefit from banking services,” he said.
On behalf of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Mr. Sesay congratulated the board, management and staff of RCB for taking banking services to the doorsteps of the people of Juba and its environs.
