By Alpha Abu
Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) is to have a Hall of Fame in recognition of those dedicated workers, past and present including the pioneers of the country’s first indigenous banking institution.
This was disclosed at the inaugural event in Freetown to mark the start of events commemorating 50th Anniversary of the bank that was attended by senior government officials and banking executives.
Glowing tribute was paid to Sierra Leoneans then working for Barclays bank who took the bold step to resign from their jobs to embark on what was then an audacious task of establishing the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank that eventually started with a staff of 20 at Walpole Street on the 15th February,2023.
The institution was praised for its bravery for sailing through turbulent times in the country’s history, providing superior banking services, becoming the biggest financial service provider in the country. It presently has 13 branches in eight districts and five outlets across the country.
Deputy Central Bank Governor, Sheku Stevens in his statement spoke about the growth of the bank over the years.
He praised the efforts by SLCB in strengthening its IT infrastructure, and cyber resilience to protect its critical services, and for providing support to Small and Medium Enterprises. He said SLCB is also complying with Anti-Terrorism procedures.
Managing Director of SLCB, Yusufu Abdul Sillah referring to the theme ‘50 years together, moving to a prosperous future’ spoke of the resilience of the people to keep the bank ‘’moving forward against all odds’’.
He said the bank’s character of bravery, pride and hope spurred young and industrious Sierra Leoneans to establish the first indigenous bank without the help of expatriates, competing with two UK oriented banks at the time. Their aim he said was to deliver superior services and also help support the government’s drive to develop infrastructure and build the economy.
‘’Distinguished guests from humble beginnings and.. a capital of only half a million old Leones at the time, out of an authorised capital share of one million old Leones and the pioneering staff of 20, we have come a long way’’, the MD stated. He said they continue to march into the unknown, growing in strength.
He spoke about the Agricultural Unit that has been set in the bank to support the sector with needed finances and that increasing their intervention in that direction is among their mid-term plans.
Deputy Finance Minister, Bockarie Kaloko who also served the bank in the recent past applauded the professionalism demonstrated by the entity over the years.
SLCB will continue its celebrations with different activities during the course of the year.
Copyright © 2023 Politico Online (23/01/23)
