Nigeria and China have pledged to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, the digital economy, and agriculture, as both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relationsNigeria and China have pledged to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, the digital economy, and agriculture, as both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relationsNigeria and China have pledged to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, the digital economy, and agriculture, as both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations amid renewed commitments to economic transformation and people-to-people engagement. Both nations acknowledged that their long-standing partnership has evolved into a strategic relationship delivering significant gains in infrastructure development, trade, and economic growth across Nigeria. The commitment was reiterated at a reception held in Lagos to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the 55th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Nigeria. She disclosed that Nigeria participated in major Chinese trade exhibitions, while more Chinese enterprises scaled up investment activities across the country. She noted that charity initiatives supported by the Chinese Consulate and Chinese enterprises had provided assistance to cataract patients and low-income households across Nigeria.

A former Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Bisi Ilaka has officially resigned his membership of the party. In his resignation letter dated Tuesday, February 10, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent, on Thursday, in Ibadan, the state capital, Ilaka thanked the PDP for the platform it provided him to serve at both state and national levels. The PUNCH reports that Governor Makinde appointed him on May 29, 2019, as his first Chief of Staff. Re: Resignation of Party Membership,” said “, It is with utmost humility that I tender my resignation of membership from the PDP. It will also be recalled that a former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Agboola Ayoola, popularly known as Alleluyah, resigned his membership in October, 2025 from the party.

Nigeria’s electricity supply is expected to decline over the next four days as scheduled maintenance on a major gas facility will reduce power generation by 934.96 megawatts. “This situation arises from a formal notification received on the scheduled maintenance shutdown of a major gas supply facility from 12 to 15 February 2026 (both days inclusive). Power stations expected to be directly impacted include Egbin, Azura, Sapele and Transcorp power plants. Others, such as NDPHC Sapele, Olorunsogo and Omotosho power plants, may also experience indirect constraints due to network-wide gas balancing effects. Full gas supply is expected to resume on February 16, 2026.

US President Donald Trump threatened Iran Thursday with “very traumatic” consequences if it fails to make a nuclear deal—but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was skeptical about the quality of any such agreement. “We have to make a deal, otherwise it’s going to be very traumatic, very traumatic. I don’t want that to happen, but we have to make a deal,” Trump told reporters. Netanyahu had travelled to Washington to push Trump to take a harder line in the Iran nuclear talks, particularly on including the Islamic Republic’s arsenal of ballistic missiles. So far, Iran has rejected expanding the new talks beyond the issue of its nuclear program.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday described the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, as “a military officer with democratic traditions and love in his veins,” saying his short-lived administration laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s return to civil rule and Africa’s liberation. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu spoke at a commemorative event organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation in Abuja, attended by former African presidents, diplomats and traditional rulers. “Late General Murtala Muhammed was my uncle. “Imagine at that time someone as powerful as Henry Kissinger wanting to come to Nigeria and General Murtala Muhammed telling him you are not welcome. “If Murtala Muhammed had taken money from his country and stashed it in a U.S. or Swiss bank account, he would never have given that speech, challenging African leaders to reclaim the continent’s lost pride.

Osun state retired workers on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo to kick against return of former governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola political party (ADC) to the realm of affairs in the state. Retirees from the 2011/2012 Retired Public Servants Association of Osun State and the Unbonded Contributory Scheme Pensioners protested their ongoing struggles with unpaid entitlements, which they have faced for over 13 years since leaving service. After the protest, the Chairman of the association, Comrade Omoniyi Ilesanmi, addressed reporters in Osogbo. He highlighted that the policies of the Aregbesola administration have subjected both workers and retirees to significant hardship. “There were lot of mistakes and atrocities committed by the Government under the Aregbesola regime that we do not pray to recur as it will spell doom to the Public”.

The Catholic Priests of Wukari Diocese in Taraba, on Thursday, said the clergy would have no option but t seek help from international communities, if all local efforts to end Christian genocide in the state fail. Just within 90 days, over 80 Christian farmers have been killed while over 200 churches and Christian communities have been destroyed. “The suspected Fulani militia who carry out these attacks usually come when people are sleeping. “The Fulani militia have also taken over entire Christian farmlands. The Fulani militia have now resorted to harvesting farm produce of displaced communities and feeding same to their animals,” they continue.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said African countries should deliberately promote leaders between the ages of 25 and 50, arguing that younger people are more physically and mentally equipped to handle the demands of governance. If we are looking for people who can run nations in Africa, we should look within the 25 to 50 age bracket. “General Murtala Muhammed assumed office at the very young age of 38. “His leadership sent a clear message: leadership was to serve the national interest, not personal ambition,” Jonathan said. Calling on Nigerians and Africans to draw lessons from history, Jonathan said leadership should be measured by impact rather than duration in office.

A 12-year-old student of a private secondary school was, on Thursday, kidnapped in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. One of the eyewitnesses, who preferred not to be named, said, “The incident happened around 7:20 am. They escaped through the Challenge area of Ibadan. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed this in a statement released in Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday. He said, “In response to your inquiry, the state Police command confirms an incident of suspected kidnapping reported in the Challenge area of Ibadan in the early hours of today, Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Now, the focus shifts to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, where the International Committee of AFRIMA will host another high-level Media and Stakeholders’ Parley on February 17, 2026, in the Ivorian capital. Among those billed to attend are 9th AFRIMA winners from Cote d’Ivoire, including Didi B, who won Best African Lyricist/Rapper; Milo, winner of Best Male African Inspirational Music; Team Paiya, which clinched Best African Duo, Group or Band; and Morijah, who emerged Best Female African Inspirational Music. Algerian star, DJ Moh Green, who clinched the Best African DJ Award, is also expected at the event. Speaking ahead of the event, Guy Neza, an Ivorian and member of the AFRIMA International Jury, said the Abidjan parley forms part of a strategic build-up to the 10th edition. As a proud Ivorian and member of the AFRIMA International Jury, I view this gathering as a vital platform for collaboration, representation, and visibility for our creative community.

French Gendarmes gather outside the house where the bodies of two infants have been discovered in a freezer in Ailleviller-et-Lyaumont, eastern France on February 12, 2026. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)French police have detained a woman in her fifties after two newborn babies were found dead in a freezer in eastern France, sources close to the case told AFP on Thursday. According to one source, a man alerted police on Tuesday after finding the body of a newborn in his freezer at his home in the eastern town of Aillevillers-et-Lyaumont. In 2022, two newborn babies were discovered in a woman’s freezer in southern France. In 2015, five bodies were found in a similar case, which saw the mother handed an eight-year jail term.

Agama said the Commission remains committed to ensuring that illegal investment schemes are not allowed to thrive, warning that the proliferation of Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent platforms continues to impoverish unsuspecting Nigerians. “This collaboration is important because it will go a long way in ensuring that Nigerians are no longer victims of these fraudulent schemes. Responding, NOA Director-General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu commended the SEC for what he described as the remarkable performance and resilience of the Nigerian capital market in recent times. These platforms, he said, would be deployed to amplify the campaign against Ponzi schemes and promote sound financial literacy. We have to encourage people to have the right attitude so they do not fall victim to Ponzi schemes,” he said.

The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has officially received the Torch of Unity for the second edition of the Niger Delta Development Commission Games. Receiving the torch on Wednesday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Otti said the torch signifies unity, resilience, sportsmanship and progress across the Niger Delta states. According to him, sports remain a strong platform for youth development, social cohesion and national pride. Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in youth development, sports infrastructure and equal opportunities for women. “For this, we salute you because your achievements reinforce our administration’s commitment to investing in youth development, sports infrastructure and equal opportunities for our women.

Stakeholders during the inauguration of new League of Imams for South West, Edo and Delta States in Iwo, Osun State. When we talk of the League of Imams, it consists of the Chief Imams of Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States. Before the inauguration of the new group, the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, founded in 1964, oversaw issues relating to Islam in the South-West, Edo, and Delta States. The League comprises the Chief Imams of the capital cities of the six South-West States and is usually chaired by the most senior of the six Imams. The formation of the new League of Imams and Alfas comes shortly after the six Chief Imams, in a meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday, February 5, declared that Ramadan would commence on February 18.

Beyond the visible artwork lies a complex interaction between foreign chemicals and the immune system, an area scientists are still actively studying. In this article Tribune online examines seven key ways tattoos can affect the immune system, according to emerging research. Tattoo pigments can trigger long-lasting inflammationAs immune cells surround and isolate ink particles, they release chemical signals that can keep the immune system activated. Tattoos may influence how the body responds to vaccinesRecent studies suggest that tattoo pigments can interfere with immune signalling, the system immune cells use to coordinate responses. As research continues to uncover how tattoo inks interact with the immune system, experts say better regulation, transparency, and long-term studies are increasingly necessary.