Nigerian governor appoints aide to assist divorced women

Part of Balaraba Ibrahim’s job description is organising state sponsored mass-weddings for divorced ABUJA, Aug 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Governor Bala Mohammed in Nigeria’s Bauchi state has sent tongues wagging after appointing an aide for divorcees.There was public derision after an appointment letter confirming Balaraba Ibrahim as “Special Assistant on Women…

Afreximbank commits US$400 million to Mozambique’s LNG Project

Afreximbank President, Prof Benedict Oramah MAPUTO, Aug 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Africa’s foremost multilateral trade finance institution, is supporting the advancement of Mozambique’s energy industry and economy by committing up to US$400 million in guarantees and direct lending to the Area 1 LNG Project. The total…

UN: 27 dead in Mauritania migrant boat disaster

DAKAR, Aug 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Twenty-seven people died after theengines on their migrant vessel failed, leaving them stranded off thecoast of Mauritania, the United Nations said on Friday. The UN’s refugee agency and the International Organization forMigration (IOM) said in a joint statement that they were “deeplysaddened at the tragic…

Covid-19: Indian serum institute to make 100m virus vaccine doses

GENEVA, Aug 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Up to 100 million COVID-19 vaccinedoses could be made available for poorer countries by 2021 under adeal struck Friday for production at the Serum Institute of India. The deal was announced by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for productionof two different potential vaccines at SII, the…

Covid-19: Latest global developments

PARIS, Aug 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Here are some of the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis: – MORE THAN 715,000 DEAD: The pandemic has killed at least 715,343 people worldwide since it surfaced in China late last year. At least 19.1 million cases have been registered in 196 countriesand territories.…

Some 80,000 children displaced due to Beirut explosions: UNICEF

BEIRUT, Aug 8 (NNN-XINHUA) — About 80,000 children have been displaced by Tuesday’s huge explosions that rocked the Lebanese capital of Beirut, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said. UNICEF is concerned that many children are suffering from trauma and remain in shock, and it is trying to step up…

Lebanon’s leaders face rage, calls for reform after blast

BEIRUT, Aug 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Lebanon’s leadership faced growing rage after a massive explosion laid waste to large parts of central Beirut, with security forces firing tear gas at demonstrations as international leaders called for reform. Shock has turned to anger in a traumatised nation where at least 154 people…

15 killed, 12 rescued as landslide hits India’s Kerala

NEW DELHI, Aug 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Rescuers in India’s southern state of Kerala Friday retrieved 15 bodies and rescued 12 people from the debris of a landslide, officials said. The landslide triggered by heavy rains Friday morning hit Rajmala area of Idukki district, about 287 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, the…

Death toll rises to 154 in Beirut explosions

BEIRUT, Aug 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) – The death toll in the huge explosions that rocked Port of Beirut on Tuesday has reached 154, Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hassan announced on Friday. Hassan said that 20 percent of the 5,000 injuries need hospitalization while serious cases have reached 120 as the shattered…

At least 14 dead as India airliner crashes on landing

NEW DELHI, Aug 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least 14 people were killed and 15 others were seriously injured Friday when an Indian passenger jet skidded off the runway after landing in heavy rain, officials said. Air India Express said more than 190 passengers and crew were on board the plane,…