Post a comment Rokel Commercial Bank has been honoured by President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for its unwavering support to the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign and other key national initiatives, in recognition of the bank’s sustained commitment to social protection and national development.
The award was presented during activities marking the seventh anniversary of the Hands Off Our Girls campaign and was received on behalf of the bank by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin. The recognition was described as a testament to the collective and consistent support of Dr. Gilpin and the entire Rokel Commercial Bank team towards the protection, empowerment, and advancement of girls across Sierra Leone.
Presenting the award, President Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Bio commended Rokel Commercial Bank for standing firmly with the Hands Off Our Girls initiative since its inception, noting that the bank’s partnership reflects a strong sense of corporate social responsibility and national duty. They further acknowledged the bank’s involvement in supporting several other national campaigns aimed at strengthening resilience, inclusion, and social development.
According to the President and the First Lady, recognising institutions such as Rokel Commercial Bank is vital in sustaining national advocacy efforts, particularly those focused on safeguarding girls, who they described as “the leaders of tomorrow.” President Bio offered prayers for continued commitment and collaboration to ensure that girls across the country are fully protected and supported to realise their dreams.
The honour was conferred during a high-level dinner hosted on Saturday, December 13, by President Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Bio for visiting First Ladies and distinguished guests. The event also celebrated the successful launch of the National Building Resilience Campaign, alongside the seventh anniversary of the Hands Off Our Girls initiative.
Writing after the event, the First Lady described the evening as vibrant and engaging, featuring a rich display of local Sierra Leonean cuisine, including cassava leaves, potato leaves, and other traditional dishes. She noted that the gathering brought together government leaders, policymakers, and development partners to engage in meaningful discussions on addressing pressing social challenges.
“The evening was not only a celebration, but an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and renew our collective commitment to empowering women and girls,” Dr. Fatima Bio stated.
Launched in 2018, the Hands Off Our Girls campaign remains one of Sierra Leone’s flagship advocacy initiatives, mobilising public and private sector actors to combat sexual and gender-based violence and promote the rights, safety, and dignity of girls nationwide.
