By: Aruna Dumbuya

Rokel Commercial Bank, in partnership with Fanta’s Kitchen Catering Services and Afrigas, successfully staged the biggest ever cooking competition facilitated by an indigenous bank on October 12th, 2024, at the Family Kingdom Complex, Aberdeen Freetown.
The bank, known for its trailblazing initiatives and implementation of innovative strategies, continues to set the pace in aligning with regulatory standards to meet the requirements of Sierra Leone.

The event was hosted by Fanta’s Kitchen, one of the leading catering service organizations in Sierra Leone, which has proudly represented the country in both local and international cooking competitions.

Fanta Fofanah, the CEO of Fanta’s Kitchen, is a renowned entrepreneur in the catering industry, working closely with institutions across Sierra Leone, with aspirations of gaining wider recognition in Africa and globally.

Rokel Commercial Bank Sierra Leone Ltd. has long been partnering with various organizations to fulfill its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments. The theme for this competition, “Impacting Young Entrepreneurs,” aligns with the overarching theme of the bank’s 25th anniversary, “Taking Banking to the Grassroots.” This recent initiative builds on other partnerships and collaborations, including:

1. Equity and I&M Banks in Rwanda (July 2024) for cross-border transactions,
   ii. EST Applied Intelligence (February 2024) for cybersecurity and financial inclusion,
   iii. National Scrabble Association Sierra Leone (August 2023) for promoting scrabble in schools,
   iv. Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) (January 2022) for a Banking & Finance seminar,
2. Afrimoney (November 2022) for quality service provision,
   vi. Orange Sierra Leone (March 2021) to facilitate mobile money and banking transactions, and
   vii. Keeping Hope Alive (2019) to address climate sustainability and tree maintenance
   The cooking competition, organized in collaboration with Fanta’s Kitchen and Afrigas, featured a panel of esteemed judges, including Naasu Fofanah (CEO of Susue Pemehun), Vivian Samuel Coker (CEO of Sam’s Brother’s Investment), and Mrs. Hawa Alpha of Prosgil Delicious.
   Contestants hailed from various vocational institutes, including the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Useful Hands Vocational Institute, Women’s Vocational Center (Ormamy), Winning Center, and Murialdo. Other catering institutions, such as REAPS and CEFORD Vocational Center, were also present to witness the competition.
   Useful Hands Vocational Institute from Wellington emerged as the winner, receiving a cash prize of Le10,000. The second position was clinched by Winning Center Vocational Institute from Murray Town, which received Le7,000, while the third-place winner received Le5,000. The contestants who finished in fourth and fifth place were awarded consolation prizes.

At the conclusion of the event, the Managing Director & CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Ekundayo W. Gilpin, congratulated the participants and acknowledged the contributions of the bank’s staff, the judges, and representatives from partnering institutions. He praised the collaboration with Fanta’s Kitchen and Afrigas for their role in making the event a success.
At the conclusion of the event, the Managing Director & CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Ekundayo W. Gilpin, congratulated the participants and acknowledged the contributions of the bank’s staff, the judges, and representatives from partnering institutions. He praised the collaboration with Fanta’s Kitchen and Afrigas for their role in making the event a success.
Dr. Gilpin highlighted that the competition demonstrated RCBank’s commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs by providing them with a platform to showcase their skills. This initiative, he noted, is aimed at preparing them for both local and international business challenges, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-evolving market.
RCBank – The Bank of Choice!