Weldios University – An outstanding bilingual University in Africa on the 20th September, 2023 awarded Amb. Dr. Walton E. Gilpin Managing Director and CEO of RCBank a PhD Honoris Causa in Finance Innovation and Human Capital Building in Abuja Nigeria at the Shehu Yar’adua Center. The award was gleefully received on his behalf by Mr. Aruna Dumbuya Head of The Public Relation Unit of Rokel Commercial Bank Sierra Leone Ltd. who also delivered the Keynote address of Dr. Gilpin, “The accelerating shift to Digital Payments in Africa; the exigencies of Curriculum rejig in Africa Universities.”
Key elements of the Keynote’s content considered the Digital Payment in Africa, and how Sierra Leone have joined the fray by the introduction of Rokel Simkorpor that is set to rival and stand top amongst other digital payment platforms in Africa. The note further identified the booming subset of the financial ecosystem that has attracted more investment than any other financial service sector which has delivered the highest returns and growth in the sector over the past decade. The work and research of McKinsey in the last quarter of the previous year was cited, which speculates Africa’s electronic-payments market to grow by 152% from 2020 to 2025.5
It is the University’s policy for approval by the Senate and Board of Weldios University before awarding Honorary Degrees on a selective basis to individuals who have distinguished themselves in their communities or professions. This is mainly to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to society that are consistent with the values for which Weldios University stands for.
The University believes in driving economic innovation, fostering social change, and championing cultural development. As the University’s philosophy focuses on nation-building through a practical and problem-solving approach to expository teaching and in-depth learning, Dr. Gilpin asserted on his script sent to the University that “I am proud of this establishment as it serves as an incubation center for innovative ideas that drive systematic development across societies to which Sierra Leone can benefit from”.
The coveted earnest scrutiny that led to the University’s decision to award Dr. Gilpin is based on recognition of his salient role as an erstwhile Economist at the Bank of Sierra Leone, then a Team Leader and Advisor to the Commonwealth Secretariat in the United Kingdom, where he served as an international civil servant leading in-country missions and managing significant financial initiatives that formed the basis of effective and sustainable reform strategies in more than 38 countries; and now transforming Rokel Commercial Bank of Sierra Leone as Managing Director/CEO.
Dr. Daysman Oyakhilome was inducted into the Nigerian books of record and serves as The Honorary Chief Host of the 2nd Weldios Anniversary Symposium. Dr. Daysman is considered to be one of the most decorated youth in the continent of Africa for his recognition over 50 African Nations who serves as an ocean of inspiration, beacon of hope and strength to youths across the globe.
Dr. Gilpin was awarded among other personalities like:
1. Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Chairperson of the United Africa Group, NAMIBIA: (PhD Honoris Causa) in Humanitarian Works.
2. Rt Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan/ & Founder, Jemma Nunu Kumba Foundation for Women and Youth Empowerment, SOUTH SUDAN: (PhD Honoris Causa) in Public Service and Charitable Works.
3. H.E. Timipre Sylva, Nigeria’s Former Minister or Petroleum: (PhD Honoris Causa) in Good Leadership.
4. Mr. Zeru Gebrelibanos, CEO, Zeru Business Group, ETHIOPIA (PhD Honoris Causa) in Philanthropy & Human Investments.
5. Mr. Samuel Anisulowo, Founder, Sam Anisulowo Foundation, NIGERIA: (PhD Honoris Causa) in Philanthropy & Charitable Works.
6. Amb. Victor Ita Okon, Chairman/CEO, Wrightlink Group: (PhD Honoris Causa) in Business Administration & Human Investment.
7. Amb. Fazazee Nasiru Adeshina, Group CEO, Naskaxe Conglomerate, NIGERIA: (PhD Honoris Causa) in Built Environment.
8. Hon. Anthony Manyara, President, East Africa Students’ Union EASU, KENYA: (PhD Honoris Causa) in Leadership & Youth Advocacy.
9. Hon. Philip Agbese, The Deputy Spokesperson & Memberof the House of Representatives(representingAdo/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federa l Constituency), (PhD Honoris Causa) in Political Leadership
10. Mr. Henry Ajikere, CEO, Kinix Student Aid Educational Centre NIGERIA: (PhD Honoris Causa) in Basic Education Support.
11. Chief Maxwell Stephen Nwaeze, Chairman/CEO, Seman Global Projects Limited NIGERIA: (PhD Honoris Causa) in Leadership & Youth Advocacy.
In other development, the Head of public Relations of Rokel Commercial Bank and other dignitaries from different parts of Africa who graced the 2nd Weldios symposium met with the founder and CEO of ROCHAS FOUNDATION Owelle Rochas Okorocha at the foundation’s residence in Abuja. Mr. Okorocha was a Senator/Governor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing imo state West District.
The foundation is a non-profit making organization founded in 1998 for orphanage and center for the less privileged. Most affectionate was that Mr. Okorocha’s foundation hosts hundreds of kids from different parts of Africa including Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ethopia, Sudan, Mali etc. The vote of thanks on the side of the foundation to the visiting team was said by Khadijah Turay (Head Girl) – a Sierra Leonean who is happily seen to be living with others.
The work of the Rochas Foundation is similar to the GEED Foundation established by Amb. Dr. Walton E. Gilpin, which is primarily to provide for the underprivileged and to develop the capacities of the younger generation through education.