Nigerian councillor sworn in

On Friday, Nigerian-born Collins Nweke was sworn in as councillor in Ostend, reports the Nigeria NewsDay. Nweke, a member of the Green Party, was re-elected last year having made history in 2006 when he became the first non-Belgian -born politician to win an elective position in West Flanders. Nweke’s mandate includes the economy, social policy, international development and minority rights. “The last several years were a learning curve where some important results were achieved. I will continue to have my eyes on the ball as far as social policy is concerned, but with an expanded portfolio that includes the economy and international development. Small and medium enterprises are the engine of the local economy and a business-friendly environment will not only keep existing businesses in good shape but will attract new investments and create jobs. A number of good initiatives are ongoing and obviously these would be continued and enhanced. It will also make sense to re-evaluate some economic activities that are liabilities to the local economy,” he said. Nweke, 46, from Ibusa, migrated to Belgium in 1993.