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FG Approves 26 Trade Courses For Technical Schools

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The Federal Government has approved 26 trade areas under a revised technical-education curriculum, set to take effect from the 2025/2026 academic year.

In a statement, the Federal Ministry of Education announced that all Federal Science and Technical Colleges will be converted to Federal Technical Colleges, with each institution required to offer a minimum of six and a maximum of ten trade courses.

Education Minister Dr. Maruf Alausa and Minister of State Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad said the reform aims to modernise technical education, reduce overload, and align with global industry demands in sectors such as construction, energy, agriculture, automotive, creative media, and digital services.

Students will be required to take between nine and ten subjects, including one core trade, five to six general subjects, two to three trade-related subjects, and one elective. The revised curriculum also introduces Citizenship and Heritage Studies.

Full List of Approved Trades:

  1. Brick laying, block laying and concreting
  2. Woodwork, carpentry and joinery
  3. Plumbing and pipe fitting
  4. Computer hardware & GSM repair and maintenance
  5. Refrigeration & air-conditioning works
  6. Mechanised agriculture (mechanisation/smart agriculture)
  7. Autobody works
  8. Catering craft practice
  9. Solar PV installation and maintenance
  10. Fashion design and garment making
  11. Livestock farming/animal husbandry
  12. Fish farming (aquaculture)
  13. Motorcycle & tricycle repairs
  14. Painting, decoration and finishes (interior design)
  15. Welding & fabrication
  16. Auto-electrical wiring
  17. Automobile mechanics
  18. Beauty therapy & cosmetology
  19. Creative media (digital media production/operations)
  20. Electronic systems maintenance craft
  21. Furniture making & upholstery
  22. Networking & system security (including satellite TV antenna installation and maintenance)
  23. Social media content creation and management
  24. Tiling & cladding (tiling and decorative stonework/floor-cover installation)
  25. Automobile CNG conversion and maintenance
  26. Leather works

Poland Imposes Air Traffic Restrictions in East After Drone Incursion

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Poland has announced new air traffic restrictions in its eastern regions following a series of drone incursions from suspected Russian aircraft.

The PAZP air traffic control agency said civilian flights up to three kilometres (1.9 miles) above ground level will be barred along the borders with Belarus and Ukraine until December 9. Flights above that altitude remain unaffected.

The restricted zone extends between 26 and 46 kilometres into Polish territory, with a blanket ban on drone operations “day and night.”

Authorities stressed the measures are aimed at safeguarding national security after Polish airspace was violated 19 times on Wednesday. At least three drones were shot down by Polish forces with support from NATO allies.

The announcement follows heightened concerns over regional security after debris from a downed drone damaged homes in the village of Wyryki-Wola in eastern Poland.

Ex-Premier League Referee David Coote Pleads Not Guilty To Child Image Charge

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Former Premier League referee David Coote has pleaded not guilty to making an indecent image of a child.

The 43-year-old appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he was charged over a video recovered by police in February. He confirmed his name, date of birth, and plea during the 18-minute hearing.

The charge relates to activities such as downloading, sharing, or saving abuse material.

District Judge Gillian Young granted Coote conditional bail, ordering him to appear before Nottingham Crown Court on October 9.

Coote was dismissed from his officiating role in December after a video surfaced of him making derogatory remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. He was also banned by UEFA until June 2026 following the release of another video showing him snorting a white powder in Germany during Euro 2024.

In January, Coote publicly came out as gay, saying his struggle to conceal his sexuality contributed to poor decisions in the past.

ICC Opens Landmark In-Absentia Hearing Against Fugitive Ugandan Rebel Leader Joseph Kony

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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched its first-ever in absentia hearing, presenting evidence on Tuesday against fugitive Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony, founder of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

Kony, who has evaded capture for nearly two decades, faces 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, enslavement, and the use of child soldiers. The LRA, which emerged in the late 1980s, waged a campaign of terror across northern Uganda before extending its violence into the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.

ICC Prosecutor Leonie von Braun told judges that Kony’s leadership and intent were undeniable. “When looking holistically at the evidence, there can’t be any doubt. Mr. Kony commanded the LRA … He acted with intent and knowledge, which you can see from his own statement … his conduct is also of such a nature that it could only have been undertaken intentionally,” she said.

Prosecutors presented video evidence, including police footage of a victim’s body recovered from a burned building, arguing that such atrocities were carried out under Kony’s direct orders.

The ICC issued its first warrant for Kony’s arrest in 2005. This week’s proceedings serve as a confirmation of charges hearing, with judges set to decide in the coming months whether sufficient evidence exists to move forward.

Kony is represented in absentia by a defence lawyer, but a full trial cannot begin unless he is captured and brought before the court.

UK Fires Ambassador to US Peter Mandelson Over Epstein Links

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Britain has dismissed its ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, after fresh revelations about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein triggered a political storm for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The dismissal followed the release of Epstein’s so-called “birthday book” on Monday, which contained a handwritten note from Mandelson referring to Epstein as “my best pal.” The controversy deepened after Bloomberg published emails showing Mandelson continued to support Epstein even after his 2008 conviction, offering political advice and expressing admiration for him.

On Wednesday, Starmer had defended Mandelson, insisting he retained “full confidence” in his envoy. But within hours, the Foreign Office announced his removal, citing “new information” about the depth of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein.

“The depth and extent of his relationship with Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment,” the Foreign Office said. “In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes, he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.”

Mandelson, who has now been forced out of three senior government roles over separate scandals, admitted the revelations were “very embarrassing” and said he regretted falling for Epstein’s assurances.

The scandal has intensified pressure on Starmer, with critics questioning his judgment in appointing Mandelson despite longstanding concerns over his ties to Epstein.

UK Government Commends Governor Uba Sani Over Improved Security in Kaduna

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The United Kingdom has commended Governor Uba Sani for his efforts in improving security in Kaduna State, a development that prompted the UK government to ease its travel advisory, moving Kaduna from red to amber.

Head of UK Development Cooperation, Ms. Cynthia Rowe, made the announcement at the Kaduna State Mutual Accountability Framework Dialogue, noting that stability is a key driver of growth and development. She praised Kaduna for overcoming periods of insecurity and confirmed that the state will host the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) SPRiNG programme, designed to tackle conflict drivers, strengthen peacebuilding, and promote inclusive governance.

Rowe assured that the UK remains committed to supporting Kaduna’s development through investments that enhance social cohesion, private sector growth, and prosperity.

Governor Sani highlighted Kaduna’s strong partnership with the FCDO, pointing to achievements in healthcare, education, and agriculture. He said the 2025 budget has allocated over 10% to agriculture—the highest in recent years—to support smallholder farmers, boost food security, and modernise farming practices.

He added that collaborations with development partners have delivered tangible results in infrastructure, human capital development, and community resilience across the state.

Chelsea Charged With 74 FA Rule Breaches Over Agent Payments

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Chelsea Football Club has been charged by the English Football Association (FA) with 74 alleged breaches of regulations linked to payments to agents, intermediaries, and third-party investments in players between 2009 and 2022.

The charges largely cover transactions from the 2010–11 to 2015–16 seasons, during the ownership of Roman Abramovich. The club, now owned by a consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, has until September 19 to formally respond.

Chelsea had previously self-reported certain payments from the Abramovich era, but the FA confirmed the case remains under review. The club also faces possible Premier League sanctions, including fines or a points deduction, if the payments were not properly declared in annual financial reports.

Poland Calls Emergency UN Security Council Meeting After Russian Drones Breach Airspace

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Poland has requested an emergency United Nations Security Council session after suspected Russian drones breached its airspace on Wednesday, raising alarm across NATO.

The Polish Foreign Ministry confirmed the move on Thursday, saying its forces, supported by NATO allies, intercepted and shot down the drones that crossed into Polish territory.

“We are drawing the world’s attention to this unprecedented Russian drone attack on a member of the UN, EU, and NATO,” Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said. He noted that Poland had previously warned the Council of such risks and believes its case remains compelling.

Moscow denied responsibility, with a senior Russian diplomat in Warsaw suggesting the drones may have entered Poland from Ukraine. Russia’s Defence Ministry admitted to launching a major drone strike on western Ukraine but insisted none targeted Poland.

The incident has intensified fears that the conflict in Ukraine could spill over into NATO territory, testing the alliance’s collective security guarantees.

Court Denies Bail to Alleged Al-Shabab Terrorists Behind Owo Church Attack

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused bail to five men accused of being members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group and carrying out the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left more than 40 worshippers dead.

Justice Emeka Nwite ruled on Wednesday that the terrorism charges were capital in nature and that releasing the defendants posed risks to witnesses and the integrity of the trial. He upheld submissions by the Department of State Services (DSS) that the evidence was weighty and that the accused might abscond if granted bail.

The court also criticised procedural errors in the defence’s application, including the omission of the defendants’ names from the motion paper and the filing of a joint affidavit rather than individual ones, as required by law.

An accelerated hearing was granted, with the trial scheduled to begin on October 19, 2025.

The defendants are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar. They face charges of joining Al-Shabab in Kogi State in 2021 and planning and executing the June 5, 2022 massacre in Owo under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Prince Harry Reunites With King Charles After 20-Month Rift

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Prince Harry and King Charles met for the first time in 20 months on Wednesday, sharing tea at Clarence House in what observers see as a possible step toward reconciliation.

The Duke of Sussex last saw his father in February 2024, shortly after Buckingham Palace confirmed the monarch’s cancer treatment. Palace officials confirmed the private meeting, which took place before Harry attended an Invictus Games event in London.

Asked about the king’s health, Harry responded briefly: “Yes, he’s great, thank you.”

Relations between Harry and the royal family have been strained since his move to California in 2020 with wife Meghan and their children. His public criticism of the monarchy, including sharp remarks about Charles and Prince William in his memoir Spare, deepened the rift.

Despite past tensions, Harry has recently signalled his wish to rebuild ties. Earlier this year, following a legal defeat over his security arrangements in Britain, he told the BBC: “I would love reconciliation with my family. … There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. And life is precious.”

Royal historian Anthony Seldon described Wednesday’s reunion as significant. “The king is the king, but he’s also a human being and a loving father. The rift will have caused both of them a lot of anguish. If it can be healed, now or later, that is all to the good,” he said.

EFCC Questions Mele Kyari Over Refineries’ Turnaround Maintenance Funds

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has interrogated former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over alleged financial mismanagement of funds allocated for the Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of Nigeria’s refineries.

Kyari appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday following allegations of misappropriation tied to refinery maintenance projects.

Last month, a Federal High Court ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to Kyari as part of the ongoing investigation.