In a speech that resonated deeply with the audience, Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh of Sierra Leone addressed some of the country’s most pressing concerns, including climate change and community safety during Rokel Commercial Bank’s 25th-anniversary celebration. Held at Masjid Hamdalla in Freetown, the event brought together religious leaders, bank officials, and the public in a spirit of reflection and progress.

Sierra Leone, ranked among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, has seen a rise in flooding, which has displaced families and claimed lives. Dr Jalloh pointed out that despite the government’s ongoing efforts to manage these disasters, new challenges-such as collapsing buildings constructed in unsafe areas-threaten vulnerable communities’ safety.

“Our country is suffering from severe environmental challenges. Floods have devastated communities, and now we are facing another danger-buildings collapsing because they were erected in dangerous locations,” he said with concern. The
Vice President called for collaboration between the government and religious institutions to ensure safer building practices. “We appeal to the Ministry of Lands and religious leaders to ensure construction happens in safe zones. We cannot continue to lose lives to preventable disasters.”

Rokel Commercial Bank’s Impact on Communities

While the Anniversary marked a milestone for Rokel Commercial Bank, the event also highlighted the human stories behind the bank’s success. Abassie Elias Thomas, the Director of Finance, shared his gratitude for the Vice President’s presence, noting how the bank’s relationship with its customers has evolved over the past 25 years.

“The bank is more than just a financial institution. It’s a partner in community development,” Thomas said. He proudly pointed out that Rokel Bank, which holds a 55% government stake, has tailored its services to meet the diverse needs of Sierra Leoneans, from urban centres to rural communities. This customer-centric approach has been critical to its
success.

Thomas emphasized the bank’s alignment with national policies, ensuring that its operations directly benefit the people of Sierra Leone. “We remain committed to developing products that cater to the everyday needs of our customers, especially as we strive to support the broader national economy,” he stated.

A Call for Safer Communities

The Vice President closed his remarks with a powerful call to action, urging religious leaders, particularly those in the Interreligious Council, to help raise awareness about safe building practices in their congregations. He noted that religious buildings, like mosques and churches, must serve as examples of safe construction, helping to protect lives and foster more robust, safer communities.

“We need to work together-government, communities, and religious leaders-to ensure the safety of our people. Too many lives have been lost to preventable disasters, and we must take every step to protect our citizens, especially in vulnerable areas,” Dr. Jalloh said.

The V
ice President also took a moment to reflect on the bank’s significant milestone, thanking Rokel Commercial Bank for its continued service to the nation and expressing hope for its future contributions to community development.

He added, “I want to congratulate you and wish you a happy anniversary. Your efforts go beyond banking; they uplift communities and support the national economy.”

The event ended with a renewed sense of unity, leaving the audience inspired by the Vice President’s message of hope, responsibility, and action.

Source: Sierra Leone News Agency