A Nigerian, Ms Bola Akande, has emerged the First African to be appointed the City Administrator of Brentwood in the state of Missouri, U.S.

Akande beat 40 other contenders to clinch the appointment.

City officials said in a statement that she had a 19-year track record of serving large, mid-size and small municipalities.

Akande’s first task since assuming office this month would be to prepare the 2012 budget for the City of Brentwood.

Her other duties include co-ordination of federal and state governments’ programmes for Brentwood as well as the work of elected officials of the city.

She will also establish and initiate city policies and serve as its accounting officer.