IITA’s research sparks interest of new British Deputy High Commissioner

The new British Deputy High Commissioner, Her Excellency, Laure Beaufils, who assumed duty on 20 February in Lagos, has expressed keen interest on behalf of the British government in partnering with IITA.

She made this statement during her first visit to IITA on 23 February.

Beaufils was accompanied by Wale Adebajo, the Communication Manager and Political Adviser, at the British High Commission in Lagos.

The duo was received by Kenton Dashiell, IITA Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery. Beaufils enjoined IITA Directors to work out ways through which the British government and IITA can collaborate.

She also mentioned that she was keen to learn more about agriculture; the challenges of major crops in Nigeria, agriculture programs for youth, and the agriculture development programs of the Nigerian government.

Beaufils expressed her gratitude for the reception, “Thank you for hosting me, I am here to learn. The British government lays a lot of emphasis on collaboration with Nigeria. I am interested in developing the relationship between British businesses in Nigeria, and looking for an opportunity to support your work here. This is a fantastic way to start my journey,” she said.

Beaufils is the first female Deputy High Commissioner, and is heading the UK Mission in Lagos. Before coming to Lagos she was the head of the UK Department for International Development in Rwanda (from August 2014), where she managed a $100 million portfolio of programs focusing on economic development and governance.