British High Commission appoints Cynthia Rowe as development director for Nigeria

The British High Commission in Nigeria has announced Cynthia Rowe as its new development director.

Rowe replaces Christopher Prycroft who has concluded four years on the role.

“Absolutely delighted to be appointed Development Director for Nigeria @FCDO. Arriving in December this year, I’m looking forward to working with our fantastic teams and partners,” Rowe said while announcing her new position via a LinkedIn post.

According to the mission’s communication office on Thursday, Rowe is an experienced development diplomat and practitioner who has worked in different parts of the world including Nepal, Afghanistan, and Sierra Leone.

Before taking on her new role, she served as the head of governance, political, and services, at the British Embassy in Kathmandu.

She also served as the senior councillor for policy in the department for international development, Tanzania, and as the head of mission/lead for Ebola operations in Sierra Leone where she was awarded a service medal.

Rowe was also awarded a service medal for her accomplishments in Afghanistan.

In the UK, she helped redesign local government systems and scrutinised the performance of governments in her work with the audit commission.

“I am delighted to be in Nigeria, one of the most remarkable countries in the world for its talents, opportunities, and challenges,” she said.

“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.”

Rowe added that she is enthusiastic about contributing to humanitarian needs, and is looking forward to working with the government to advance the country’s development agenda.