Rokel Commercial Bank has distributed essential food items to communities within the Central Business District in Freetown as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives during the ongoing fasting periods of Ramadan and Lent. The donation ceremony, held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, saw the bank provide staples such as rice, cooking oil, onions, tomatoes, milk, sugar, and other provisions to support both Muslim and Christian community members observing the sacred periods.
Speaking at the event, representatives of the bank emphasized that the initiative stemmed from a community request and highlighted the institution’s commitment to going beyond traditional banking. Soko Kai Samba of the bank’s Marketing Department conveyed greetings from management and board members, explaining that the donation followed an appeal from the community chairman and remained a priority for the bank despite the Managing Director, Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, being unable to attend personally.
Michaela Macauley, Head of Marketing, described the moment as historic for Sierra Leone, noting that Muslims and Christians were observing their respective holy periods simultaneously in a peaceful environment. She stressed that the bank considered it appropriate to support traders in the Central Business District during this time, emphasizing Rokel Commercial Bank’s broader commitment to community welfare beyond its standard banking operations. Macauley added that the requested food items were promptly provided and delivered following the community chairman’s appeal, reflecting the bank’s long-standing tradition of assisting communities across the country.
Aruna Dumbuya, Head of Public Relations, reinforced the bank’s dedication to fostering strong community relationships while fulfilling its corporate social responsibility obligations. She highlighted that acts of generosity during Ramadan and Lent serve to bring blessings to society and encouraged residents to continue viewing Rokel Commercial Bank as a partner in their financial and social development.
Dorinda Malama Thomas, SME Supervisor, noted that the donation exemplified the bank’s philosophy of giving back to the community, beyond earning interest on loans. She encouraged traders to take advantage of existing loan schemes and adhere strictly to repayment agreements, adding that responsible borrowing would enable the bank to expand loan opportunities in the future. Thomas also revealed plans to introduce a loan scheme specifically designed to benefit traders within the community.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the community chairman, Komba, expressed gratitude to the Managing Director, board, and management of Rokel Commercial Bank for their consistent support. He described the donation as timely, ensuring that the food items would benefit both Muslim and Christian members of the community. Komba also appealed for further loan opportunities for traders, promising that the community would adhere strictly to repayment terms to avoid past challenges.
The gesture reflects Rokel Commercial Bank’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and its efforts to strengthen ties with local communities while supporting residents during key religious observances.