Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, has extended her heartfelt appreciation to the management and staff of Rokel Commercial Bank for their thoughtful visit and generous birthday gifts on Thursday, November 28, as she marked another year of life.

In a moving expression of gratitude, First Lady Bio acknowledged the Bank as one of her favorites, despite her strong relationships with other financial institutions. She specifically commended the exceptional leadership of the Managing Director, Dr. Walton Gilpin, describing him as a “brother” with an exceptional personality.

The First Lady was particularly impressed by the number of female staff members at the Bank. During the gift presentation, Dr. Gilpin revealed that Rokel Commercial Bank had recently achieved a significant milestone with the appointment of its first female Director, reflecting the institution’s commitment to gender inclusivity.

First Lady Fatima Bio’s Statement: “This afternoon, I had the privilege of welcoming the Managing Director and staff of Rokel Commercial Bank to my office in Goderich, Freetown. Their thoughtful gift in celebration of my birthday was a truly special moment. I deeply appreciate this gesture, which not only reflects their generosity but also the strong bond of respect and collaboration that we share. Such moments reinforce the importance of fostering meaningful relationships and working together to drive progress and development in our country. I thank Rokel Commercial Bank for making this day even more memorable.”

The First Lady also took the opportunity to invite both the bank and the public to participate in her first-ever Prostate Cancer Walk, which will take place on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from the Golf Club to Family Kingdom. She highlighted the stigma surrounding prostate cancer, noting that many men hesitate to talk about it. The First Lady emphasized that cancer, alongside malaria, remains one of the leading causes of death in Sub-Saharan Africa.

She concluded by expressing her gratitude to Rokel Commercial Bank for its continued support and cooperation in her various initiatives.