Rokel Commercial Bank MD Gilpin, Two Senior Staff Receive 100 Most Impactful Leaders Awards
Aaron Parker Rokel Commercial Bank Managing Director Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin and two senior members of the bank’s staff have been recognised at the 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders Awards 2026 organised by the West Africa Youth and Children’s Advocacy Network (WAYCAN).
The award ceremony took place on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown, bringing together distinguished personalities from the business community, public service, civil society, media, academia, entrepreneurship and other sectors to celebrate individuals making significant contributions to Sierra Leone’s development.
Alongside Dr. Gilpin, the bank’s Marketing Manager, Michaela Dora Macauley, and Public Relations Officer, Aruna Dumbuya, were honoured for their leadership, dedication and contributions to national development. Rokel Commercial Bank was also specially recognised for its outstanding performance during the ceremony.
Dr. Gilpin, who was invited to serve as Special Guest of Honour, received recognition for his distinguished service, exemplary leadership and contributions to Sierra Leone’s development. His award highlighted his commitment to public service, expanding opportunities and supporting initiatives that promote leadership, inclusion and national progress.
In its citation, WAYCAN commended Dr. Gilpin’s leadership and described his contributions as an inspiration to a generation of leaders working towards a more prosperous, peaceful, inclusive and resilient Sierra Leone.
Macauley and Dumbuyah were recognised for their outstanding leadership, dedication to excellence and contributions to positive social progress and national development. Their citations highlighted their commitment to inspiring others, strengthening communities, creating opportunities and promoting a more inclusive and prosperous society.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Gilpin at the ceremony, Macauley delivered remarks on responsible leadership and financial inclusion, emphasising that leadership goes beyond holding positions of authority.
She said responsible leadership requires individuals to motivate and encourage others while accepting accountability for their actions and decisions, whether the outcomes are positive or negative.
Macauley described Dr. Gilpin as a leader whose approach to guidance, protection and positive impact had helped shape the bank’s performance. She also stressed the importance of extending financial services to all Sierra Leoneans, including those living in remote communities.
According to her, Rokel Commercial Bank is supporting the government’s financial inclusion agenda by expanding access to banking services across the country.
She noted that the bank has established 34 branches nationwide, enabling it to maintain a presence across the districts and improve access to financial services for people from different backgrounds and professions.
Macauley further encouraged individuals who did not receive awards to use the occasion as motivation to demonstrate responsible leadership and mentorship in their respective fields.
She congratulated the award recipients and urged them to continue making meaningful contributions to their communities and the country.
The 2026 ceremony marked the first annual edition of the 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders Awards, an initiative established by WAYCAN to celebrate leadership, service and achievements that contribute to national development.
The recognition of Dr. Gilpin, Macauley and Dumbuyah, alongside the special acknowledgement of Rokel Commercial Bank, highlights the institution’s leadership and the contributions of its senior personnel to the country’s financial and broader development landscape.
