The West African Bankers Association (WABA) at the end of its 78th Executive Council Meeting and 42nd General Assembly, unanimously elected the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, as Vice President II of the association.

The RCBank Managing Director Becoming the 2nd Vice President of WABA, underscores that Sierra Leone will now Play Pivotal Role in the Sub-Regional Bankers Association. With his leadership skills and strong background in the Banking sector, he will be able to provide strategic guidance that will transformed and propelled WABA to achieve its Objectives .

Dr. Gilpin believes that one of the functions of bankers is not to sit in air conditions Offices, with coat and tie but the enabling environnement to help the smaller businesses grow with the economy.

In his address, Dr Gilpin pointed out that the theme of this year’s gathering, “Navigating the Future of Banking: ESG, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation,” is both timely and pertinent.

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He further underscores that as they navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic global financial landscape, the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, sustainability, and digital transformation cannot be overstated.

He acknowledges that the challenges they face are numerous, ranging from the need to integrate sustainable practices into our business models, to harnessing the power of digital technology to drive innovation and efficiency. He beleives these are not just opportunities for growth, but imperatives for survival in an era where the pace of change is relentless. We must embrace these challenges with a forward-looking mindset, ensuring that our institutions remain resilient, adaptive, and responsive to the needs of our customers and the wider community

The twin event, held in Sierra Leone at the Freetown International Conference Centre, Aberdeen, was hosted by the WABA Secretariat in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks.

Senegal’s withdrawal from the prestigious Sub-regional group created a vacancy in the leadership structure of the organization, and this effectively meant that that country could no longer serve in the Executive Committee. Given the very crucial role of the 2nd Vice President in the effective running of the association, the group elected Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, a consummate Sierra Leonean banker, who also doubles as President of the Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks.

Gilpin was nominated by WABA’s Vice President I, Dele Alabi from Nigeria, and two Former WABA Secretary Generals – Alie Ceesay from the Gambia and Hanson Abosi from Nigeria. Their nomination was endorsed by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Akin Morakinyo from the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

The two-day event featured presentations on Cross Border Settlement Systems, International Financial Reporting Standards, Risk Management Technology adoption, annual financial reports, audit reports and subscriptions.

As a subregional body, WABA seeks to become the most impactful bankers’ association on the continent by 2030. To this end, it has been pivotal in supporting ECOWAS and other Subregional entities in several projects, including the establishment of a single currency in West Africa.

The event also attracted several distinguished personalities including Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Kadiatu Allie, who represented the Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, as Keynote Speaker. Other speakers include Sierra Leone Central Bank Governor, Dr Ibrahim Steven, Governor of the Central Bank of Guinea, Karamo Kabah, Director General of the West African Monetary Agency (WAMA), Momodu Samba Saho, Director General of West African Monetary Institute (WAMI), Olorunsonla Olowofeso and Dr Baba Y Musa from the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM).

His journey is a testament to unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence. Dr. Gilpin’s exceptional character shines through in every interaction. His kindness, generosity, and humility have endeared him to all who know him. Despite his elevated position, he remains a true people’s person, approachable and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Beyond his remarkable financial acumen, Dr. Gilpin is a philanthropist at heart. His unwavering support for various charitable causes speaks volumes about his compassionate nature and desire to make a positive impact on the world.