By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
The Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, on Monday officially opened Blake Electronics and Computer Shop at 140 Circular Road, Freetown, in a ceremony that brought together community members, business leaders, lawyers, and friends of the proprietor.
The shop, which sells televisions, headphones, JBL speakers, laptops, accessories, mobile devices, and also provides computer repair services, is an initiative of Pa Brima and Ariatu SL Ltd. The company also runs the Kadijah Lodge at Calaba Town in Freetown, as well as Ariatu Pure Water and Beverages in Makeni.
Gilpin’s Call for an Improved Investment Climate
In his keynote address, Dr. Gilpin praised the proprietor, Mr. Pa Brima Kargbo, for what he described as a clear demonstration of patriotism and commitment to national growth. He urged Sierra Leoneans to move beyond lamenting the country’s challenges and instead take action through practical investment.
“We are tired of being at the bottom of the scale, even in Sub-Saharan Africa. When you get tired of being tired, you take action. And this is demonstrable action,” Dr. Gilpin said to loud applause.
The Rokel MD emphasized that for investment to thrive, Sierra Leone must continue to improve its business environment — including systems for registration, taxation, connectivity, and security. He added that investors, whether local or foreign, assess how existing businesses are managed before bringing in new capital.
“We love to see businesses like this grow and expand. We love to see them demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and service delivery,” he said, encouraging Blake Electronics to set standards that rival those in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and beyond.
Kalokoh on Empowerment and Digital Access
Giving an overview of the business, Abu Kalokoh described the opening as a proud moment for both the proprietor and Sierra Leone.
“This is a humble beginning and a bold step towards bridging the digital gap and providing access to modern technology in our country, while at the same time creating jobs in our little way,” he said.
Kalokoh stressed that the shop’s goal is to deliver affordable, reliable, and high-quality electronic devices and technical services to individuals, students, professionals, and businesses. He thanked the landlord for making the space available and Rokel Commercial Bank for showing confidence in local entrepreneurs.
“This opening day marks not just the launch of a business, but the start of a journey towards empowerment, job creation, and self-driven development,” he added, revealing that the company intends to open an account with Rokel Commercial Bank in the coming days.
Lawyer Koroma: Diaspora Must Invest
Lawyer Brima Koroma, a longtime associate of the proprietor, spoke emotionally about the journey of his friend and the significance of investing back home.
“This is a very proud moment. The proprietor of this business has been a brother I’ve known for over 35 years,” he said. “The fact that he lives abroad and still has so much faith in Sierra Leone to establish this business is a very good example — one worthy of emulation.”
He urged Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to return home and contribute to development. “All the countries in which they live and work were built by people who sacrificed. Sierra Leone is all we have. The level of respect, security, and freedom you have here, you won’t find in any other country,” he stressed.
Other Voices of Support
Dr. Alex Bangura commended the venture as “a laudable undertaking” that underscores the power of Sierra Leoneans collaborating to build indigenous businesses.
Lawyer James Tamba Kamara, who delivered the vote of thanks, described the proprietor’s decision as a patriotic act, aligning it with John F. Kennedy’s famous words: “Do not ask what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
“Mr. Kargbo has answered that call,” he said, adding that such examples should inspire others. He further thanked Dr. Gilpin for gracing the occasion, as well as all the guests who attended despite busy schedules.
He closed on a light note, revealing that his own home already boasts several Blake Electronics purchases. “If you go to my home, don’t be surprised to see a litany of JBL sets, because Blake has been part of enriching my enjoyment of electronics,” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
Optimism for the Future
The well-attended ceremony ended with optimism that Blake Electronics and Computer Shop will not only provide high-quality electronic products and services, but also inspire other Sierra Leoneans — especially those in the diaspora — to reinvest in their country’s development.
