United Kingdom has appointed Ms Cynthia Rowe as the Development Director for the British High Commission, Nigeria. She takes over from Mr Christopher Prycroft who recently concluded four years in the role.

A statement on Thursday by the British High Commission Communications Office said Cynthia Rowe is an experienced development diplomat and practioner who has worked in different parts of the world including Nepal, Afghanistan, and Sierra Leone.

Prior to becoming the Development Director for the British High Commission in Nigeria, she served as the Head of Governance, Political and Services, British Embassy Kathmandu.

Before then, she served as the Senior Councillor for policy for the Department for International Development, Tanzania, and as the Head of Mission / Lead for Ebola Operations in Sierra Leone.

In the UK, she helped redesign UK Local Government systems and scrutinised the performance of Governments in her work with the Audit Commission.

She has worked in both the private sector and in government.

Cynthia was awarded two Service Medals for her work in Afghanistan and her work on Ebola.

In a speech to mark her arrival, Rowe said:
“I am delighted to be in Nigeria, one of the most remarkable countries in the world for its talent, opportunities and challenges. I am passionate about the UK’s close relationship with Nigeria, and partnership will be the cornerstone of my work here. I am hugely encouraged by the work that has already been achieved by my predecessor in the areas of Health, Education, and Governance, and of our work with Women and Girls, and helping where there is humanitarian need. I very much look forward to working with UK government colleagues, together with the government of Nigeria to advance Nigeria’s development agenda.”