RCBank Celebrates 5th Anniversary of Tree Planting

By: Aaron Parker

As a way of reinforcing its commitment in attaining environmental sustainability, the leading financial institution in Sierra Leone, Rokel Commercial Bank has celebrated its 5th anniversary on the widely acclaimed Tree Planting Project at Petifu Kangalop in Port Loko District.

The event attracted hundreds of guests, community stakeholders and residents of Masiaka under the theme: “Plant More Trees, So That the Next Generation Can Get Air for Free.”

The Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Emmanuel E. Borbor highlighted the bank’s responsibility to integrate with and support the communities in which it operates.

“Trees improves the air quality for humans to breathe and prevents heavy winds from causing destruction,” Borbor emphasized, adding that, tree planting is universal and it is the cleanest form of agriculture which anyone can start as its requires minimal capital. He encouraged the community to join the hands in supporting the tree planning initiative, emphasizing the myriad benefits of tree planting. Borbor also appealed for additional land to expand the tree planting project.

Neneh Tunis, CEO of Keeping Hope Alive, underscored the dual importance of planting and maintaining trees. She continued by stating that, it is one thing to plant trees, but it is also challenging to maintain them. She added that, tree planting also provides job opportunities for locals and mitigates the effects of climate change. She concluded by calling on residents of Masiaka to work together to create a sustainable and resilient environment.

Paramount Chief of Petifu Kangalop, Masiaka, PC Bai Kompra Bomboli III, spoke about the origins of the project, which was initiated by his father in collaboration with RCBank.

“We will never stop planting trees,” he affirmed. He addressed the challenges faced by local communities, including the demand for charcoal, adding that, the demand for charcoal in the capital of Freetown, drives people to deforest the land.

“I urge the government to provide alternative fuel sources, like gas, to reduce reliance on charcoal,” he stated, stating further by pledging its continued collaboration with RCBank and vowed to educate the populace on climate change. He commended RCBank’s dedication and promised to allocate more land to the initiative.

Ambrose Bindi, head of Tree Crop at the Ministry of Agriculture, delivered the keynote address. Mr. Bindi commended RCBank for its contribution to environmental conservation. He underscored the importance of tree planting in supporting food security initiatives, urging widespread participation in the Feed Salone project.

“The stomach does not belong to a party of color, so it is important that everyone supports the Feed Salone project,” he said. He commended RCBank and Neneh Tunis for their contributions to tree planting, adding by describing it as a crucial element in combating climate change. Mr. Bindi highlighted that the initiative by RCBank is part of a global effort.

“It’s commendable for a bank to engage in such an important venture,” he concluded.

Madam Shola Taylor Pierce, Executive Secretary of the Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks (SLACB), congratulated RCBank on behalf of all 13 managing directors.

“Five years ago, I planted a tree here, and today it is taller than me. This symbolizes the power of a seed and the importance of roots, much like RCBank’s roots in this initiative,” she stated, emphasizing that, together everyone achieves more, and that is what our association stands for.

The celebration concluded with the planting of 30 trees by dignitaries and both senior and junior staff of RCBank, symbolizing their continued commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

The vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Mariama Jajua, Head of Marketing, Business Development, and Corporate Affairs, who acknowledged and appreciated all guests, community members, and staff of RCBank for supporting this wonderful initiative.