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Rokel Commercial Bank, in partnership with EST Applied Intelligence UK, successfully hosted the Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit University Edition Series 1 under the theme, “Empowering Future Leaders: Securing Sierra Leone’s Digital Tomorrow.”
The event brought together students from the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) and Comprehensive International College (CIC) at the Freetown City Council Mayor’s Auditorium.
The programme attracted distinguished guests, including the Deputy Minister of Tourism, senior officials of Rokel Commercial Bank, representatives of EST Applied Intelligence UK, academics, cybersecurity professionals, and students from various institutions across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, described the Cyber Circuit initiative as a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s future and a significant opportunity for young people to contribute to national development. He emphasized that cybersecurity is critical to economic growth, national security, and the protection of future generations.
Dr. Gilpin explained that the Cyber Circuit University Edition was designed to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills required to navigate and secure an increasingly digital world. He noted that students trained in cybersecurity would play a crucial role in protecting the nation from cyber threats and safeguarding its digital infrastructure and sovereignty.
“This initiative brings together great minds from academia and key sectors such as defence, health, and finance to help protect Sierra Leoneans and secure our financial systems and national borders from cyberattacks,” Dr. Gilpin stated. He encouraged students to embrace cybersecurity education and position themselves as guardians of the nation’s digital future.
In her remarks, the Deputy Minister of Tourism commended Dr. Gilpin, Rokel Commercial Bank, and EST Applied Intelligence UK for spearheading the initiative. She urged students to remain committed to their studies and acquire skills that would enable them to create opportunities for themselves and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Deputy Minister further stressed the importance of cybersecurity resilience, describing it as a matter that extends beyond technology.
“Cybersecurity resilience is not simply a technical challenge; it is a governance challenge and, ultimately, a trust challenge. When citizens do not believe that their data, transactions, and civic records are protected, it creates challenges that go beyond security concerns,” she said.
A major highlight of the event was an interactive panel discussion featuring leading cybersecurity experts. The panel included Alhaji Arun, Head of Information Technology at Rokel Commercial Bank; Mr. Daniel, Lecturer in the Information Technology Department at IPAM; Dr. Emmanuel, Chief Executive Officer of Comprehensive International College; and Mohamed Lebbie, Head of Information Technology at the Parliament of Sierra Leone.
The panelists shared practical insights on emerging cyber threats, digital safety, career opportunities in cybersecurity, and the growing role of technology in national development. Students actively participated in the session, raising questions on a wide range of cybersecurity issues and receiving expert guidance from the panel.
The Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit University Edition Series 1 concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to promote cybersecurity awareness and equip the next generation of digital leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to help secure Sierra Leone’s digital future.
