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.

Food items, including essential drugs worth several million naira, were distributed on Thursday to individuals displaced by bandits’ attacks in Kebbi State. This initiative was carried out by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Services and Poverty Reduction, led by the Minister of State, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu. In his opening speech, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Olubunmi Olusanya, stated that the distribution of emergency food was in accordance with the directive of President Bola Tinubu. The President approved this intervention to provide emergency food assistance in areas prone to bandit attacks in the Northern Region of the country. Dr. Olusanya emphasized that President Tinubu aims to reduce poverty through food interventions, and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Food Security is primarily responsible for achieving this socio-economic goal.

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), on Thursday, said that it has received 75,000 metres from the Federal Government under its free metering programme for its four franchise states. Lawani, however, regretted that customers were rejecting the meters on the assumption that the meters consumed more electricity. According to him, “We have received 75,000 for BEDC for the four states of Ondo, Edo, Delta and Ekiti States. Out of the four states we serve, we allocated 38,000 to the three regions in Edo State and installation is ongoing. Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has assured that it remains committed to establishing a Meter Assembly plant in the state.

A yet-to-be-identified man lost his life on Thursday morning after a truck loaded with granite crushed his vehicle at Eleko Junction along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, Lagos. The fatal crash was reportedly caused by the truck driver, who allegedly lost control of the vehicle before ramming into the couple’s car coming from the opposite direction. The mechanical fault reportedly caused the driver to lose control, veer off course and slam into a Toyota saloon car heading inward Epe from the Ajah area. LASTMA explained that the force of the collision caused the truck to overturn and fall on the smaller vehicle, trapping the driver inside the wreckage. In the aftermath of the crash, the truck driver reportedly fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle and escaping before authorities could apprehend him.

The judge arrived at the decision on Monday, February 9, 2026, while delivering judgment on the suits initiated by the oil firm. The lead case, filed by Shell Nigeria Oil Products Limited, was marked FHC/L/CS/2340/2024, while Shell Nigeria Business Operations Limited instituted the other suits (FHC/L/CS/2339/24), Shell Nigeria Gas Limited (FHC/L/CS/2338/24), Shell Exploration and Production Africa Limited (FHC/L/CS/2341/24), and Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator Limited (FHC/L/CS/2342/24). The companies argued that under the Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order, 2023, the 3 per cent TET rate only took effect from September 1, 2023. However, FIRS, represented by Bolanle Oniyangi and Moses Ideho, maintained that the Tertiary Education Tax is an annual tax assessed on a company’s full accounting period, running from January 1 to December 31. Justice Osiagor consequently dismissed all five suits in their entirety and affirmed the FIRS’ assessment.

The Director of the National Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training, Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, said early screening and continuous care significantly reduce under-five mortality among children living with Sickle Cell Disease. According to Nnodu, the absence of universal newborn screening means Nigeria still relies on estimates rather than population-based data to determine the incidence of the disease. “Without universal newborn screening, SCD epidemiologic data in Nigeria continue to rely on estimates instead of population-based incidence. The consultant said current newborn screening efforts across the country were limited and largely dependent on research initiatives, donations and public-private partnerships. Experts say newborn screening remains limited across the country, leaving most cases undetected until complications occur.

Market capitalisation mirrored the advance, appreciating by N283.24 billion to close at N114.66 trillion, reflecting renewed investor appetite for select large- and mid-cap stocks. Market breadth remained positive with 45 advancing stocks outpacing 35 decliners, an indication that buying interest was moderately broad-based across counters. The Oil & Gas Index emerged as the clear outperformer, surging 4.64 per cent on the back of strong buying interest in upstream and downstream players. The Commodity Index followed with a 3.14 per cent gain, reflecting sustained interest in agro-allied and resource-based stocks. Investors appear to be rotating funds into high-impact sectors such as Oil & Gas, while adopting a cautious stance in banking, insurance and consumer-facing stocks.

Seplat is a key supplier of gas into the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC) pipeline network. He stated: “Periodic maintenance of this nature is essential to sustain optimal system performance, strengthen operational resilience, and minimise the risk of unplanned outages. “During the four-day maintenance period, there will be a temporary reduction in gas supply into the NGIC pipeline network. “As a result, some power generation companies reliant on this supply may experience reduced gas availability, which could modestly impact electricity generation levels within the timeframe. “NNPC Ltd and Seplat Energy are working closely to ensure that the maintenance is executed safely and completed as scheduled.

The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering on Thursday stepped down the 2026 budget proposal of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) following the failure of its Director-General, Dr Olushola Odusanya, to appear before it for the agency’s budget defence. He noted that if President Bola Tinubu could personally present the national budget before the National Assembly, heads of government agencies should not consider themselves too important to honour invitations from lawmakers. The committee also expressed dissatisfaction with the 2025 budget performance and the 2026 budget proposal of the Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (NiCFOST). The committee also queried the sharp increase in the agency’s overhead expenditure, which rose from N95.40 million in the 2025 budget to N195.73 million in the 2026 proposal. Nkechi-Eze further disclosed that the increase in overhead was not part of the budget estimates initially submitted to the Budget Office.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, informed the court that the case was scheduled to commence trial. However, as the prosecution was preparing for this, the AGF received an application from the former minister requesting discussions. He, therefore, requested an adjournment to allow the parties to hold discussions and report back to the court or set a definite trial date. Responding, counsels for Oduah and Odita, Tobechukwu Michael SAN and Wale Balogun SAN, confirmed Oyedepo’s submission to the court. In the charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/606/25, the prosecution alleged that Oduah and Odita conspired in January 2014 to obtain a total of N2,469,030,738.90 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through Broad Waters Resources Nigeria Ltd and Global Offshore Marine Ltd under allegedly fraudulent claims.

The Oyo State Government on Thursday conferred the title of Justice of the Peace (JP) on 345 distinguished citizens, urging them to regard the honour not as a ceremonial designation but as a serious responsibility to serve humanity and uphold justice. Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. In his remarks, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Oyo State, Hon. Representing the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. The conferment ceremony marked another milestone in strengthening grassroots justice administration and reinforcing peace, integrity and lawful conduct across Oyo State.

The Governing Council of The Polytechnic, Ibadan (TPI) has established a six-member committee to investigate issues raised in an anonymous petition circulating within the institution. The committee, chaired by Prince Adeleke Akinboye Ajala, will examine the petition’s claims, gather facts, and provide an opportunity for the polytechnic community to air their views. According to a statement on Thursday, the council has assured that no one will be victimized for expressing their views or submitting memoranda. The council urged members to provide their contact information and full details for easy response. The committee members include Mrs. Eniola Lucy Bola, Prof. Akinloye Lawal, Prof. Mudashiru Lateef Owolabi, Rep. P/S (Ministry of Education), and Mrs. O. S. Oyin-Adejobi, with Mrs. Folashade O. Yoloye as Secretary.

From Job Search to Income AccessWhat sets platforms like i’llTip apart is a shift in focus:not just job listings, but access to opportunity. Why Demand Is GrowingEconomic pressure has accelerated the adoption of digital job platforms. By supporting recruiters, employers, freelancers, and service providers in one ecosystem, these platforms are helping to stabilize income access and improve hiring efficiency at scale. As digital job platforms continue to evolve, the opportunity ahead is not only about employment — it’s about participation. Platforms like i’llTip are proving that when people are given the tools to connect, contribute, and earn, entire economies benefit.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday said the assassination of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed exposed grave security lapses that compelled Nigeria’s military leadership at the time to fundamentally rethink and reorganise the country’s security architecture. Recalling events surrounding the February 1976 coup, Obasanjo said the shock of Murtala Mohammed’s assassination forced the leadership to confront painful truths about negligence within the security system. “We had to look back and ask ourselves where we had gone wrong, and we realised there had been serious negligence in security. He recalled returning from the war front to argue that Nigeria needed to first stabilise its political order. Reflecting on the leadership that emerged in 1975, Obasanjo described Murtala Mohammed and his colleagues as patriotic, disciplined and driven by a clear sense of mission.

..as Provost assures Nigerians quality graduatesThe Federal College of Education, Special, Oyo (FCES), has admitted 1,154 regular new students and about 400 part-time students into its teacher education programmes. In his remarks, the Provost of the institution, Dr. Rauf Salami, congratulated the new matriculants, describing their admission as a privilege. He added that FCES Oyo is the first specialised institution in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa dedicated to training educators for both regular students and persons with special needs. He said, “Education process in the Federal College of Education, Special, Oyo is strictly based on character and learning. He assured the students of a conducive learning environment and adequate welfare support.