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Every once in a while, a project appears that doesn’t need hype to prove itself, the numbers do the talking. That’s exactly what’s happening with $HUGS, the token that takes after the beloved Milk and Mocha brand. Before any fundraising begins, the whitelist for access is already nearing full capacity. Thousands of users have signed up, signaling overwhelming belief in the concept. This isn’t speculation, it’s hard evidence of real, verified interest. In an industry flooded with projects begging for attention, Milk and Mocha ($HUGS) stands out for one simple reason: the community came first, and the market followed. The nearly full whitelist isn’t just encouraging, it’s confirmation that the demand is real.

The Whitelist as Proof of Real Demand

The whitelist for $HUGS isn’t a formality, it’s the pulse of the project’s momentum. Each signup represents an individual user choosing to take part in something bigger, not an automated entry or inflated statistic. It’s a concrete metric showing how much faith the market already has in the concept. Thousands of verified users are competing for limited whitelist slots, which reflects a clear appetite for what Milk and Mocha are building.

This kind of demand doesn’t happen by accident.

It means users see the brand value.

They trust the tokenomics.

And they believe in long-term potential.

While other projects often struggle to attract even modest presale interest, $HUGS has done the opposite, it has created scarcity before launch. The nearing whitelist cap isn’t marketing spin; it’s the strongest early indicator that the project’s fundamentals resonate deeply with its audience.

Brand Power Meets Token Economics

One major reason $HUGS has captured so much early attention is the unique combination of emotional connection and practical design. Milk and Mocha already command millions of loyal followers globally, giving the project a built-in audience. But what really solidifies confidence is the economic model, deflationary tokenomics, staking rewards, and real utility through NFTs and merchandise.

The project’s 40-stage presale structure also gives analytical investors a transparent roadmap of value appreciation.

The starting token price is low and rises gradually through each stage.

Unsold tokens are permanently burned, tightening supply.

The token powers a full ecosystem, from gaming to collectibles.

This blend of familiarity and function is what separates $HUGS from speculative meme projects. It’s a model that ties emotional engagement to measurable economic behavior, explaining why the whitelist filled faster than many anticipated. The market isn’t guessing, it’s responding to clear, verifiable design.

Data Over Hype, A Market Signal

For analytical investors, data always speaks louder than promises. The nearly full $HUGS whitelist is the clearest signal yet that the market is paying attention. Before even a dollar has been exchanged, thousands have taken the step to register, showing measurable confidence in the project’s foundation. This kind of participation is a leading indicator, when early access fills this quickly, it often foreshadows strong engagement in subsequent stages.

The whitelist’s growth curve offers insight into market psychology:

Demand is front-loaded and organic.

Engagement has come through word of mouth, not aggressive marketing.

The underlying community is already self-sustaining.

This is how momentum looks before price action begins. For market watchers, it’s a textbook case of a brand converting cultural influence into verifiable economic traction. The surge in whitelist registrations validates the idea that $HUGS isn’t testing a theory, it’s confirming a reality.

What Comes Next for $HUGS

As the whitelist edges toward full capacity, the focus now turns to what this means for the project’s future. The logical conclusion is simple: when verified demand outpaces supply this early, future stages are likely to attract even stronger attention. The community that powered the initial signup wave is also the foundation of the DAO, staking pools, and metaverse platform that will define the next chapter.

What makes $HUGS different is that this early validation didn’t come from speculation, it came from fans, holders, and long-term participants who see more than a token; they see an ecosystem built on trust and connection.

For analytical investors, that’s the signal worth watching. When thousands voluntarily commit before the sale begins, it’s not just enthusiasm, it’s conviction. $HUGS has proven one thing beyond doubt: when sentiment aligns with substance, the market listens.

Summing Up

The near-capacity whitelist for $HUGS isn’t just another milestone, it’s the verdict. The market has examined the concept, reviewed the structure, and made its move. Thousands have already locked in their interest, validating every part of the project’s design before a single token changes hands. This is the kind of early confidence most projects can only dream of. Whether you view it as a brand play, a token economy, or a social phenomenon, one fact remains clear, the demand is real, and it’s growing fast.

The market has spoken. See why thousands have already signaled their intent. Don’t miss your chance to be counted, apply for the whitelist.

Abia State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the ongoing remodelling of Ekoha Textile Market follows the approved specification.

Uche Ukeje, director general, Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), gave the assurance, Wednesday during an inspection of work at the site, following a minor props failure recorded, Tuesday at a section of the project.

Consequently, Abia State Government has set up an Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) through the Greater Aba Development Authority to thoroughly assess the cause and extent of the incident and deliver an unbiased report within two weeks. The committee is made up of experts from the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Nigeria Institute of Builders, and the Nigerian Institute of Architects.

Also, a swift response from GADA included sealing off the construction site to prevent any further work until the investigation is concluded.

Following the Committee’s preliminary findings from their visit to the site,

Felix Nnabugwu, the committee’s chairman, confirmed that there was no structural collapse and no reported fatalities.

He promised that the committee will provide a comprehensive report within the specified timeframe and urged the public to ignore any misinformation contradicting this release and reassures everyone that the findings will be shared transparently, underlining their commitment to protecting the safety of the community.

Rhino Homes, the developer and concessionaire to the project, clarified that

contrary to reports circulating in some quarters, there was no structural collapse at the site. The company in a statement obtained by BusinessDay, stated that the incident was limited to a temporary props failure, which occurred as a result of the sub-contractor’s reuse of bamboo props during the concrete casting process.

While the company deeply regrets the unfortunate incident, it assures the public, stakeholders, and shop owners that the integrity of all the ongoing structures within the complex remains sound and uncompromised.

Rhino Homes further reiterates its unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and adherence to best construction practices, values that have defined its reputation over the years.

The company emphasised that it employs only top-grade construction materials, including TMT iron rods, Lafarge Superset cement, and other materials of international standards and quality.

These materials, combined with rigorous engineering supervision, ensure that all structures within the Ekeoha-Aba Shopping Centre meet globally recognised benchmarks for durability and safety. In the spirit of transparency and accountability, Rhino Homes welcomes any inspection or assessment by relevant regulatory and professional bodies to verify the quality of materials and the overall standard of construction at the site.

The company also restates its confidence in the ongoing project and assures the public that corrective measures have already been implemented to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.

Rhino Homes remains steadfast in its commitment to the successful completion and timely delivery of the Ekeoha-Aba Shopping Centre, a modern commercial complex, designed to meet the needs of traders, investors, and the wider Aba community, while standing as a symbol of engineering excellence and urban renewal.

Nigeria’s reform momentum gains traction as market value approaches N100 trillion mark, while NGX All Share Index crosses 153,000 points.

The equities market rose to a new high this week, extending its rally on the back of broad economic reforms and improving investor sentiment.

The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) advanced 1.50 percent on Wednesday to close at 153,736.25 basis points, pushing market capitalisation to N97.58 trillion.

The index has now gained 49.37 per cent year-to-date, underscoring the strength of demand in blue-chip stocks across key sectors.

The market’s advance underscores renewed investor confidence and the resilience of Nigeria’s capital markets amid a shifting macroeconomic environment.

Analysts noted that the rally reflects sustained demand for blue-chip stocks in the banking, industrial, oil and gas, and consumer goods sectors, a trend buoyed by reform-led optimism, improving foreign exchange liquidity, and a more stable economic outlook. The rebound coincides with a broader policy reset that has redefined Nigeria’s economic outlook. Measures such as the liberalisation of the naira, the removal of fuel subsidies, and closer coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities have begun to restore a degree of macroeconomic stability, even as inflation remains elevated.

These themes dominated discussions at the Financial Times Africa Summit 2025 in London, where Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, joined a panel titled ‘Nigeria’s Economic Journey: Crisis, Recovery, and Risk.’

Popoola noted that much of the market’s resilience can be traced to a ‘wave of coordinated reforms’ that have rebuilt confidence in the country’s financial architecture.

‘The strength we’ve seen in the market has been driven largely by reforms, from the President’s economic agenda to decisive actions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), PENCOM, and other regulators,’ he said. ‘These efforts have created the right foundation for investor confidence and renewed market activity.’

Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), echoed similar sentiment, pointing to the Investments and Securities Act 2025 as a turning point for governance and regulatory transparency in the market. ‘The new law was crafted to reflate the economy by providing clarity, certainty, and discipline in our markets,’ Agama said. ‘Robust regulation has been central to restoring market integrity and investor trust, providing the transparency required to anchor long-term capital formation in Nigeria.’

Other participants, including Patience Oniha, Director-General of the Debt Management Office, and Will Straw, Chief Executive of King’s Trust International, observed that the next phase of Nigeria’s reform journey lies in ensuring that the gains in stability and capital inflows translate into broader, inclusive growth for households and businesses.

The summit underscored that Nigeria’s near-term trajectory depends on maintaining reform discipline and deepening private sector participation. For investors, the stock market’s recent performance signals renewed conviction that Nigeria’s policy realignment is beginning to yield results.

Fast Credit Finance Company Limited has announced the successful payout to investors for its Series 5 and 6 Commercial Paper Issuance, amounting to N5 billion under its ongoing Commercial Paper Programme.

The redemption marks another key achievement for the company, reflecting its financial strength, transparency, and commitment to investor confidence within Nigeria’s financial services sector.

The two tranches, issued with tenors of 180 and 270 days respectively, had a combined face value of N5 billion, N3.48 billion for Series 5 and N1.52 billion for Series 6. Both papers have now matured and been fully redeemed, with investors receiving their principal and accrued returns in full.

Fast Credit described the completion as a testament to its strong governance structure and efficient operational model. The company noted that investor trust and participation continue to underpin its growth strategy as it expands its footprint in Nigeria’s fast-evolving fintech and credit market. Yetunde Faulkner, acting chief executive officer, said the successful redemption reinforces Fast Credit’s reputation as a reliable investment partner.

‘The successful redemption of our ?5 billion Commercial Paper reinforces our credibility and commitment to investors. It reflects our dedication to building a strong, transparent, and sustainable financial institution that creates value for both investors and customers alike,’ she said.

Faulkner added that the company remains focused on advancing inclusive, technology-driven financial solutions designed to empower Nigerians and promote broader access to finance.

Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, has reaffirmed its support for the National Pension Commission’s (PenCom) recent reforms aimed at enhancing flexibility, inclusion, and global access within Nigeria’s pension system.

The new regulatory guidelines introduce two distinct pension options, the Personal Pension Plan (PPP) and Foreign Currency (FCY) Pension Contributions, both designed to empower individuals to save for retirement in ways that reflect their evolving work patterns and income sources.

The Personal Pension Plan (PPP), formerly known as the Micro Pension Plan, allows self-employed individuals, and informal sector workers to build retirement savings at their own pace. It also enables 9-5 employees in the formal sector to make additional voluntary contributions beyond the mandatory scheme. Through the PPP, participants can contribute as they earn, make partial withdrawals (50 percent) after three months of initial deposit when needed, and enjoy flexible investment options suited to their financial goals. Contributions are tax-free after five years, and participants can choose between conservative and growth investment funds for better control of their savings.

Complementing this is the Foreign Currency (FCY) Pension Contributions framework, which enables Nigerians earning in foreign currency, both those living abroad and those residing in Nigeria, to make pension contributions in United States Dollars (USD).

This structure allows contributors to safeguard their savings against currency depreciation and access a wider range of global investment opportunities such as Eurobonds, Global Depository Notes, and Exchange Traded Funds. Withdrawals can be made after six months from the contingent portion of the account, while long-term balances are preserved for retirement. Benefits are payable in USD or converted to Naira at the contributor’s request.

Speaking on the development, Olumide Oyetan, chief executive, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, commended PenCom’s forward-thinking approach to broadening participation and accessibility in the pension industry.

He said, ‘These enhancements reflect the evolution of Nigeria’s workforce and the increasing global mobility of Nigerians. Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers will continue to help individuals, whether self-employed, salaried, or earning in foreign currency, take full advantage of these opportunities through expert guidance, transparent processes, and a seamless digital experience.

Olumide added, ‘The Company’s focus is on promoting financial inclusion, trust, and lifelong retirement planning, ensuring that more Nigerians can participate in the pension system regardless of where or how they earn.’

With over two decades of leadership in the pension industry, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers continues to align its service offerings with PenCom’s vision for a more inclusive, technology-driven, and globally competitive pension landscape.

The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the alleged non-repatriation of Nigeria’s crude oil export proceeds, estimated at more than $850 billion between 1996 and 2014, a shortfall lawmakers described as one of the country’s largest revenue leakages in the nation’s economic history.

Seyi Sowunmi, chairman of the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Pre-Shipment Inspection of Exports and Non-Repatriation of Crude Oil Proceeds, announced the inquiry on Wednesday during the Committee’s inaugural press briefing at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Sowunmi said preliminary findings indicate that operators in the oil and gas sector may have failed to repatriate between 40 and 45 percent of Nigeria’s crude oil export proceeds, in breach of the Pre-shipment Inspection of Exports Act, which mandates full repatriation of export earnings within 90 days for oil exports and 180 days for non-oil exports.

‘This situation represents a massive haemorrhage of national resources that should have strengthened our foreign reserves and supported economic growth. Our task is to ensure that every dollar legitimately earned from Nigeria’s exports is accounted for and returned to the Federation Account’, Sowunmi said.

He also expressed concern over ‘worrisome disparities’ in export earnings data reported by key government institutions – including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Department of Petroleum Resources (now Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

He noted that figures from these agencies frequently contradict one another and often differ sharply from international data, including that published by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Beyond oil, Sowunmi disclosed that the committee would also scrutinise non-oil export sectors such as solid minerals, agricultural commodities, and manufactured goods, which he said have been ‘riddled with high levels of non-compliant export earnings reports.’

He explained that the Pre-shipment Inspection of Exports Act (CAP P26, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) established the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) to prevent capital flight, ensure accurate export valuation, and protect Nigeria’s foreign exchange inflows. Before the Act’s enactment in 1996, he recalled, the country was plagued by ‘endemic leakages through under-valuation, delayed invoicing, price manipulation, illegal swaps, and deliberate overloading.’

According to him, the Committee’s mandate includes verifying the actual volume and value of unrepatriated export proceeds from the oil, gas, and non-oil sectors since 1996; identifying the reasons behind conflicting data across agencies; and commissioning a forensic reconciliation of export proceeds.

The panel will also examine how funds generated under the NESS have been managed and utilised over the years.

‘This Committee will be guided strictly by evidence, not speculation. Our work will be document-based, data-driven, transparent, and verifiable. Our aim is simple: Nigeria must receive, in full and promptly, every dollar legally due from its exports’, Sowunmi said.

He stressed that the investigation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the House’s resolve, under Tajudeen Abbas, the House Speaker to plug revenue leakages and recover funds owed to the Federation Account. To support the inquiry, Sowunmi said the Committee will leverage existing whistleblowing mechanisms to encourage insiders to share credible information. ‘The Committee will actively utilise whistleblowing channels, guaranteeing confidentiality and possible rewards for credible information from industry staff, inspection agents, bankers, and concerned citizens,’ he stated.

He urged full cooperation from stakeholders across the export value chain, including oil companies, regulators, financial institutions, and exporters, describing the probe as a ‘whole-of-system exercise.’

‘Operators must supply shipment-to-receipt trails; regulators must reconcile production, certification, and foreign exchange returns; and financial institutions must provide account-level evidence of repatriation within the required timeframe. Where breaches are discovered, appropriate civil and criminal sanctions shall apply,’ he warned.

Sowunmi maintained that the exercise is entirely non-partisan and focused solely on protecting Nigeria’s economic integrity. ‘Our measure of success is not publicity, but verifiable financial recovery to the Federation Account. This inquiry transcends politics; it is about strengthening the economy and ensuring justice for Nigeria’, he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, has assured the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains an ally of the media.

He added that the President will do everything necessary to protect and advance the journalism profession in the country.

Vice President Shettima who gave the assurance on Wednesday when he hosted a delegation of the NUJ leadership at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, recalled that President Tinubu has long been supportive of the media and would not deviate from his consistent track record of upholding the integrity of the journalism profession in Nigeria.

Shettima however, noted that the government and citizens alike expect a lot from the media, emphasizing that the journalism profession stands almost at par with the judiciary.

According to him, journalists are expected to hold public officials accountable and adjudicate on issues of governance.

‘In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have a friend, an ally, and a proprietor who has been kind to the Nigerian media over the years.

‘I want to assure you that this administration will do its best to promote, project, and preserve the interests of the journalism profession. You are the life wire of the nation – we can’t afford to muzzle you,’ the Vice President said.

Shettima who described the media as the conscience of the nation, stressed that authorities cannot afford to intimidate journalists, as they are indispensable to the survival of democracy in the country.

‘Past generations of Nigerian leaders – from Herbert Macaulay to Nnamdi Azikiwe and even Obafemi Awolowo – were first journalists before they became political leaders,’ the Vice President recalled.

He acknowledged the challenges facing the media industry, noting that several media organisations in Nigeria struggle to pay staff salaries and emoluments.

He appealed to the NUJ to remain hopeful, promising that President Tinubu would continue to support the Union. ‘Be rest assured that the President will render his support to your organisation. We cannot afford to allow the journalism profession to die,’ he added.

He noted that President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies was made in the national interest, just as he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to repositioning the Nigerian economy for the benefit of all citizens.

Earlier, Alhassan Abdullahi, national president of the NUJ, drew the Vice President’s attention to some critical issues confronting journalists in the course of doing their job, urging him to use his office ‘to take a firm stance in defending press freedom, and ensuring that journalists are not punished for doing their constitutional duty.’ He also urged the government ‘to initiate a comprehensive review of colonial-era laws such as sections of the Criminal and Penal Codes that continue to criminalise journalism,’ maintaining that ‘libel should be decriminalised.’

Other demands made by the NUJ President include facilitation of a national safety protocol for journalists, in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure that no reporter is harmed for simply reporting the news.

He also called for government’s partnership with the media to initiate a media support framework, including training grants, soft loans, tax relief, and a targeted bailout for critical media institutions.

The NUJ also sought partnerships with TETFUND, universities, and international media institutes to uplift training standards across the profession, as well as the creation of a Permanent Government- Media Liaison Platform under the office of the Vice President to foster regular engagement, clarify national policies, and prevent the vacuum breeding misinformation.

Abdullahi pledged the support of the Nigerian press for the President Tinubu’s development agenda, noting however that the press will always maintain the right to speak truth to power for the survival of democracy.

‘We are institutional partners and would not be drowned in the false narratives that the media must be antagonistic to government. Same way we call out government when we feel that certain issues are not clearly given the needed consideration, we also would be ready to applaud government when things have been done right,’ he added.

He commended the administration of President Tinubu over what he described as tangible efforts and firm support in key areas of national development, despite the economic headwinds facing Nigeria, just like many other nations.

Abdullahi acknowledged that in less than three years, the administration has undertaken bold reforms targeted at stabilising the nation’s economy.

Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, has flagged off the distribution and installation of 30 units of 500kVA transformers to improve electricity supply and enhance rural development in 30 communities across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony of Phase One of the statewide rural electrification project at the Government House in Lokoja on Monday, he described the event as ‘a major step forward in fulfilling his promise to light up communities and empower the people’. He said,’ It is with great pride and a profound sense of duty that I flag off the first phase of the distribution and installation of 30 units of 500KVA transformer strategically distributed across the three senatorial districts of our beloved state’.

He pointed out that the initiative was a direct response to the needs and requests received from communities through the Ministry of Rural and Energy Development, adding that every request was treated with a sense of urgency in line with the mantra of his administration to prioritize the welfare of people especially those at the grassroots, as he stressed that the distribution of the 30 transformers under the Phase One of the project would be guided by fairness and balanced development across the three senatorial districts of the state.

He said, ‘In the spirit of fairness and equity, I have directed that these 30 transformers be distributed across the three senatorial districts. This ensures that the benefits of this crucial infrastructure project are felt simultaneously and equitably across our state’.

Ododo equally added that the installation of the transformers was not just about power supply, but about investing in commerce, education, healthcare and the overall quality of life for Kogi citizens. He said, ‘Electricity is critical to our industrial drive and our determination to light up our rural areas to enhance livelihood and agriculture.

‘It is about lighting lives, powering education, drive industry, supporting healthcare and strengthening the security of our communities, this project speaks to the truth that every part of Kogi State matters’..

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue to implement projects that have a direct impact on the people, promising that subsequent phases of the rural electrification project would reach even more communities across the state, as he called on residents to protect the electrical equipment from vandalism and ensure its effective use for the benefit of all. Earlier in his address, Abdulmitalib Mohammed, the Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, said the distribution and installation of transformers is in line with the mandate of the ministry to enhance the quality of lives in rural communities across the state, noting that the ministry was guided by rigorous technical assessment of the needs of every community that presented requests for replacement or installation of transformers, adding that more communities will be covered in the next phases of the project.

Mohammed equally noted that the initiative will improve daily lives and stimulate business activities in the communities, as he commended Governor Ododo for acceding to the needs of rural communities and people who have had to endure challenges of power supply shortages before now.

Thelma Ekiyor has been appointed as the new global chief executive officer of the Women for Women International (WfWI). Ekiyor brings 25 years of professional experience in international development to the role and an award-winning career dedicated to women’s economic power and social entrepreneurship.

‘Among a shortlist of brilliant candidates, Thelma Ekiyor’s experience, talent and leadership shone brightly. Her deep commitment to investing in women and supporting them to transform their lives and communities was crystal clear,’ said, Nunu Ntshingila, WfWI board chair.

‘We are incredibly grateful to our Board for taking part in an extensive interview process and to our colleague Marie Clarke who has led the organisation as acting CEO for the past nine months with immense dedication.’

Prior to joining WfWI, as a seasoned leader, Ekiyor has served in pioneering roles or led several innovative organisations, including serving as chairperson of the Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing, domiciled in the office of the Vice President of Nigeria, SME.NG.

During her time there, she co-founded the largest all-women’s accelerator in Nigeria, Afrigrants, which provided financing for women’s micro-businesses, TY Danjuma Foundation, and the West African Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in Ghana.

‘I am passionate about investing in women and creating opportunities that drive investment in social good,’ Ekiyor said, when commenting on her appointment.

‘WfWI’s mission supporting women survivors of war and women-led enterprises is very close to my heart and I am excited to be part of a team that is working to ensure every woman realizes her power and reaches her full potential,’ she noted.

She takes the helm at a time of immense change and uncertainty in the global development sector. Her wealth of skills and experience will be invaluable to Women for Women International as she leads the organization into the next chapter.

Throughout her career, she has worked with the private sector, governments, civil society, the media, philanthropists, and impact investors, fostering innovation and building successful coalitions.

As a Nigerian, based in the UK, she has been the driving force behind various cross-sector networks and international partnerships.

Ekiyor also served on the International Advisory Board of the Global Centre on Responsibility to Protect (R2P) based in New York and she is the co-founder and co-chair of Women in Philanthropy and Impact (WIPIA), supporting African women’s leadership in philanthropy and impact across the world.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has received six members of the House of Representatives, six members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and several other defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties into its fold.

The defection ceremony, held at the Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna, was attended by top APC leaders, including Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Nentawe Yilwatda, the party’s national chairman; and Balarabe Abbas, the minister of environment.

Governor Uba Sani described the development as a major boost for the APC, noting that it reflected growing confidence in the party’s leadership at both state and national levels.

‘I have the uncommon privilege of welcoming a remarkable convergence of patriotic Nigerians and distinguished compatriots who have chosen to align with the APC to strengthen our collective quest for national renewal and democratic consolidation,’ Sani said.

He added that the defectors’ decision to join the ruling party signified not just a political realignment but a reaffirmation of faith in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said continues to inspire optimism and trust across the country.

‘Here in Kaduna, we are wholly committed to actualizing this vision through inclusive governance, sustainable development, and a people-first approach,’ the governor stated. Among the newly received federal lawmakers are Amos Gwamna Magaji (Jaba/Zango Kataf), Donatus K. Matthew (Kaura), Sadiq Ango Abdullahi (Sabon Gari), Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau), Abdulkarim Kero (Kaduna South), and Hussaini Muhammed Jalo (Igabi).

The new members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly include Shehu Abubakar Nulge (Magajin Gari), Stingo Danlami (Kajuru), Ali Kalat (Jema’a), Henry Mahra (Jaba), Kantiok Emmanuel (Zonkwa), and Kambai Samuel (Zango Kataf). Governor Sani noted that former Kaduna State governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, along with Senators Shehu Sani, Danjuma Laah, and Suleiman Hunkuyi, had earlier joined the APC, describing the influx as proof of the party’s expanding base and inclusiveness.

‘To our new members, I extend a warm welcome. In the APC, we make no distinction between old and new; every hand is valued, and every voice matters. Together, we will continue to build a more united and prosperous Kaduna State,’ he added.