Buffy Bailor Bids Goodbye to RCBank with Legacy of Innovation and Resilience
Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) held a grand farewell ceremony on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, to honor its outgoing Board Chairman, Mr. Buffy Bailor, who served from 2018 to 2024. The event brought together key stakeholders from Sierra Leone’s financial sector, including the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, representatives from the Ministry of Finance, and senior management staff of RCBank, to celebrate Mr. Bailor’s remarkable contributions to the bank’s growth and transformation.
Welcoming the guests, Head of Public Relations, Aruna Dumbuya, emphasized that the farewell was organized to recognize Mr. Bailor’s tremendous work and unwavering commitment during his six-year tenure.
Board Member Marcella Jones, who joined the event virtually, highlighted the significant professional transformation and unique cooperation fostered under Mr. Bailor’s leadership. She described his legacy as indelible, underscoring his role in steering the bank through key transitions and innovations.
Representing minority shareholders, Mrs. Margaret Bernard Jones acknowledged the inevitability of the transition due to bank policy, drawing a symbolic reference to the six days of creation. She expressed that it was time for Mr. Bailor to rest after his dedicated efforts on behalf of shareholders.
Bank Governor Dr. Ibrahim Stevens praised Mr. Bailor’s contributions to both RCBank and the broader financial sector, wishing him success in future endeavors. Deputy Managing Director Emmanuel Borbor echoed similar sentiments, crediting Mr. Bailor’s leadership for the bank’s increased profitability and well-structured board. He noted that Mr. Bailor’s successor would inherit a strong foundation built on professionalism and strategic foresight.
Managing Director Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin delivered an emotional tribute, describing Mr. Bailor as an outstanding leader whose charisma, intellect, and forward-thinking mindset had left an indelible mark on the bank. He lauded Mr. Bailor’s ability to lead not just through words but through decisive actions that propelled RCBank to new heights. Dr. Gilpin particularly highlighted the challenges they faced during the bank’s digital transformation journey, recalling how Mr. Bailor’s favorite phrase, “Let go and let God,” served as a mantra during difficult times.
He further emphasized Mr. Bailor’s unwavering belief in progress and excellence, stating, “No matter how difficult things got, Mr. Bailor believed that as long as we kept moving forward, success was inevitable.” He credited Mr. Bailor’s leadership for ensuring that RCBank aimed to be among the top two banks in Sierra Leone, always striving for the best.
Reflecting on major projects like the currency change and digital banking platforms, Dr. Gilpin acknowledged Mr. Bailor’s pivotal role in embracing digital banking, navigating regulatory policies, and ensuring RCBank remained resilient amidst financial uncertainties. He praised Mr. Bailor’s commitment to respect, diligence, and service delivery, which drove the bank’s achievements.
In his farewell speech, Mr. Buffy Bailor was visibly moved, admitting that he was short of words. Reflecting on his journey, he revealed that he initially hesitated to accept the chairmanship, as he was focused on other pursuits. However, after consultations with key stakeholders and his wife, he accepted the challenge, determined to turn around RCBank, which was in a precarious state at the time.
“When I took over, RCBank was struggling. My first task was to identify the core issues and find ways to move forward together. It wasn’t easy, but with a dedicated team, we managed to transform the bank,” Mr. Bailor shared.
He expressed deep attachment to the bank, describing it as a family he was leaving behind. As a chartered accountant, he recounted how he leveraged his network to bring numerous customers and businesses to RCBank. He highlighted key achievements, including negotiating a $10 million regional loan and a $25 million trade finance facility with Afreximbank, which would be available to the bank after completing necessary processes. He urged the management to ensure these facilities are fully realized.
Mr. Bailor emphasized that RCBank has the potential to become Sierra Leone’s biggest bank, given its current resources and human capital. “My prayer is that whoever takes over will build on this foundation and make the bank twice or even three times better,” he said. He also encouraged staff to believe in their abilities and continue their hard work.
He urged the government to consider appointing board members with fewer external engagements to ensure active participation in the bank’s governance. In his comprehensive handover note to President Julius Maada Bio, Mr. Bailor detailed the bank’s successes and challenges, offering valuable insights for his successor.
“A good captain must navigate rough seas to prove their worth. I believe we have navigated those rough seas well, and I am proud of what we have achieved together,” Mr. Bailor concluded, expressing gratitude to the President, Parliament, the Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director, board members, staff, and all stakeholders who supported him during his tenure.
The event concluded with the presentation of gifts from senior and junior management staff to Mr. Bailor. Mrs. Bailor, speaking on behalf of her husband, thanked everyone for their support and expressed hope that their bond with RCBank would remain strong.
Mr. Bailor’s departure marks the end of a transformative era for Rokel Commercial Bank, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, innovation, and growth.
