Rizal Memorial Sports Complex set for redevelopment under milestone partnership

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the City of Manila and SM Prime Holdings Inc. have formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Thursday that will transform the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) into a world-class hub for sports, cultural identity and public engagement.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Manila City Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso led the ceremonial signing at the Mall of Asia Square, along with SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Jeffrey Lim, marking a milestone partnership that blends heritage preservation with modern urban development.

‘This is a defining moment for Philippine sports and heritage. The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is a living symbol of our nation’s sporting legacy,’ said Gregorio.

‘With the all-out support of the City of Manila and SM Prime, we are ensuring that this historic district will stand proudly while serving the Filipino people for generations to come,’ added Gregorio.

Mayor Domagoso fully supported the city’s commitment to the initiative, highlighting Manila’s role in opening its streets, enacting ordinances, and supporting the redevelopment ahead of the country’s hosting of the 2027 Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games at RMSC.

‘Manila is honored to partner with the PSC and SM Prime in this transformative project. This is about more than infrastructure, it is about pride, identity, and preparing our capital to welcome our visitors in 2027,’ said Domagoso.

Under the agreement, the redevelopment will introduce several landmark features designed to blend heritage with modern urban planning. At the heart of the project is the PSC Plaza, which will extend across two lanes of Adriatico Street.

Through a city ordinance, the area will be converted into a walkable public pathway, secured by a usufruct agreement to ensure PSC’s continued use and development.

Complementing this is the construction of an elevated walkway, a coordinated effort among PSC, the City of Manila, and SM Prime Holdings, linking the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex with the redeveloped SM Harrison Plaza. This integration underscores the vision of creating a seamless sports and lifestyle district.

SM Prime Chairman Hans Sy expressed optimism about the partnership, noting the company’s long-standing commitment to sports advocacy.

‘Sports have always been a powerful force for people. It builds discipline, unity, and pride. As Rizal Memorial undergoes this transformation, SM Prime is committed to supporting events that bring athletes and communities together,” said Sy.

“We believe that investing in sports is investing in the nation’s future, and we are honored to be part of this journey,’ Sy emphasized.

Heritage preservation also takes center stage, with plans to relocate the P. Ocampo statue to make way for a new Dr. Jose Rizal fencing monument, subject to approval by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

‘This partnership is about readiness and vision. We are not only upgrading facilities, we are elevating Manila as a sports tourism capital and ensuring that our athletes, fans, and visitors experience the very best,’ said Gregorio.

Finally, the redevelopment will be reinforced by SM Prime’s urban integration efforts, as the company’s revitalization of Harrison Plaza is set to complement PSC’s upgrades, ensuring that the district evolves into a vibrant hub where history and modernity converge.

‘The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex has long been part of Philippine history, hosting generations of national athletes, major cultural events and defining moments in sports. Today, we take an important step in preserving that legacy,’ said SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Jeffrey Lim.

“SM Prime and SM Supermalls are honored to partner with the PSC and the City of Manila in renewing Rizal Memorial as a modern sports and lifestyle destination that honors its past,’ he added.

Joining Chairman Gregorio in the PSC delegation were Commissioners Bong Coo, Walter Torres, and Fritz Gaston, together with Chief of Staff Loujaye Sonido. They were accompanied by architect Paulo Alcazaren, Atty. Diomarie Pedrozo, engineer Emman Arcega, architects Jerome Abad and Michelle Ceballos, and Prince Alcantara.

‘World?class venues and world?class athletes cannot be built by the government alone. It takes the combined strength of public commitment and private partnership to raise our standards and deliver facilities that inspire excellence. With support from both sectors, we can ensure that Philippine sports thrive on the global stage,’ said Gregorio.

Representing the City of Manila were Mayor’s Office Chief of Staff Cesar Chavez, Mayor Domagoso’s secretary Manuel ‘Letlet’ Zarcal, City Legal Officer Atty. Luch Gempis Jr., City Engineer Armand Andres, and Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila officer?in?charge Amanda Cristina ‘Cristal’ Bagatsing.

‘We are on track with the redevelopment of SM Harrison Plaza and the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, and we are committed to completing the project ahead of the country’s hosting of the SEA Plus Youth Games at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in December 2027,’ said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

‘This is about revitalizing an important part of Manila’s sporting heritage and creating a modern, world-class venue that will serve Filipino athletes and the community for years to come,’ he added.

With the agreement sealed, PSC, the City of Manila and SM Prime will begin detailed coordination with engineers, contractors and legal teams to ensure the redevelopment aligns with both heritage preservation and international standards.

Bisera sees Summit Point stint as key preparation for Korean LPGA debut

Two victories in the first four legs have put Yvon Bisera firmly in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour title hunt – and the Davao ace is out to make it three when the ICTSI Summit Point Championship unwraps Tuesday, September 8, at Summit Point Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas.

But for Bisera, the P1-million championship is about more than another LPGT trophy.

It is also her final major test at home before she makes her maiden appearance on the tough Korean LPGA Tour later this month, making a strong showing at Summit Point even more important to the 2025 Thailand LPGA Masters champion.

‘I want to perform well at Summit Point kasi preparation ko din ‘to going to Korea,’ said Bisera, who is set to compete in the Hana Financial Group Championship on Sept. 17-20 in Gyeonggi Province, on Daebudo Island southwest of Seoul.

Bisera has been in impressive form on the LPGT this season.

She outlasted two rivals in a playoff to capture the Lakewood Championship in March, then produced an emphatic seven-shot romp at the Pradera Verde Championship last July. The victories have established her as one of the tour’s leading contenders heading into the Summit Point showdown.

With her Korean LPGA debut fast approaching, Bisera has used her time between tournaments to fine-tune the part of her game she believes could prove decisive at Summit Point: the short game.

While waiting for her Korean visa documents, the Davaoeña has devoted extra time to sharpening her touch around the greens, particularly with the possibility of strong winds adding another layer of difficulty at the Batangas layout.

‘Focus ko talaga short game kasi it is very important sa Summit Point, lalo na pag malakas yung hangin,’ said Bisera.

The focus will be particularly crucial in a 54-hole event where a fast start can provide an early advantage and the ability to stay composed down the stretch could determine the champion.

Bisera, however, is not expecting another runaway performance like the one she produced at Pradera Verde.

‘I really want to win pero lahat kami nag-prepare for this tournament,’ she said. ‘But I will try my best to perform well para may confidence going to Korea.’

And she will have plenty of opposition.

Reigning Order of Merit champion Sarah Ababa leads a compact but formidable field that also features former leg winners Mafy Singson, Tiffany Lee, Chihiro Ikeda and Princess Superal.

Korean challenger Kim Seoyun is likewise expected to figure prominently, along with title-hungry contenders Martina Miñoza, Pamela Mariano, Velinda Castil, Rev Alcantara, Angela Mangana and Gretchen Villacencio.

’Unmute the video’: Ridon hits ‘no smoking gun’ claim in Duterte trial

House of Representatives impeachment prosecutor Rep. Terry Ridon on Thursday pushed back against claims by Vice President Sara Duterte’s supporters that the prosecution has failed to produce a ‘smoking gun’ after 21 days of trial, telling them to ‘unmute the video’ and listen to the evidence and testimony presented in court.

‘Again, without violating the sub judice restriction, perhaps the video of Duterte supporters has been muted, right? You need to unmute the video so you can hear the details because a lot has already been mentioned,’ Ridon said during a press briefing.fing.

‘But my advice to them is, my friend, unmute the video,’ he added. The Bicol Saro Party-list lawmaker was responding to a question on whether the prosecution has a ‘smoking gun’ to present in the remaining impeachment charges after Duterte’s supporters claimed none had emerged during the first 21 days of trial.

Ridon declined to characterize the weight of the evidence, citing the Senate impeachment court’s sub judice restrictions.

‘I won’t say whether it is very serious or not serious because that would fall under the sub judice restriction,’ he said.

But Ridon questioned what Duterte’s supporters would consider a ‘smoking gun’ after weeks of testimony and documentary evidence presented before the impeachment court.

‘Because that is what the public has already seen. So what other smoking gun are they talking about?’ he said.

The prosecution has completed its presentation of evidence on the article involving Duterte’s alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and then-Speaker Martin Romualdez.

It is currently presenting evidence on Article I involving the alleged misuse and irregular liquidation of P612.5 million in confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education.

Ridon said the prosecution believes the evidence it has presented on the first two articles it tackled is ‘more than sufficient,’ while stressing that he would not discuss the weight of specific evidence because of the sub judice rule.

Adiong not expecting DDS to admit strong evidence vs Sara: Echo chamber

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong has no expectations about Duterte family supporters admitting that there is strong evidence presented against Vice President Sara Duterte during her impeachment trial, saying that these people have their own echo chamber and are living in a parallel universe.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Alonto Adiong and Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon were asked about the insistence of Diehard Duterte Supporters – or the so-called DDS – that there is no smoking gun that would point towards Duterte committing an impeachable offense.

Alonto Adiong disagreed, reiterating previous statements from lawmakers supportive of Duterte’s impeachment that it is no longer a mere smoking gun, but a cannon’s worth of evidence.

‘If the Filipino people are seeing a cannon already, then what is this smoking gun that they are talking about? I think the DDS supporters, we don’t expect anything from them as far as appreciating the evidence and the testimony of the witnesses,’ Alonto Adiong, a spokesperson for the prosecution panel, said.

‘Because we can see from the trajectory of the supporters’ discussions, they really have an echo chamber, they have a parallel reality and they are the only ones talking and are able to understand each other,’ he added.

According to him, more Filipinos know the truth – that there is already compelling evidence against Duterte.

‘But a larger Filipino society knows that there is really compelling evidence, it’s like the prosecution panel was able to show and provide sufficient reason to state that there is betrayal of public trust since they cannot explain how public funds were used and the accountability that should be extracted from Vice President Sara Duterte,’ Alonto Adiong added.

As early as April 28, Ridon already said that the evidence that was gathered by the House of Representatives’ committee on justice no longer indicate a smoking gun, but a nuclear bomb already.

Ridon predicted that the ‘nuclear bomb’ will result to majority of committee on justice members and lawmakers voting in favor of the impeachment complaints. The lawmaker’s prediction eventually became true as last May 11, 257 lawmakers voted in favor of adopting House Resolution No. 989, which contains the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte.

Earlier, during the same press briefing, Ridon urged Duterte supporters to unmute the video when they are watching the impeachment trial so that they can hear the evidence and testimonies from witnesses presented by the prosecution.

‘Maybe the videos being watched by Duterte supporters are muted, you need to open that, to unmute the video so that you can hear the details,’ Ridon said.

‘Because a lot of evidence has been mentioned. I won’t say that the evidence weighs a lot or does not weigh a lot because that goes into the sub judice restriction but my advice to them is, my friend, unmute the video,’ he added.

So far, the prosecution has finished presenting evidence and witnesses for Article IV, or the allegation that Duterte betrayed public trust when she threatened President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his relatives. The panel is still presenting evidence for Article I or the alleged confidential fund (CF) misuse within Duterte’s office, but prosecutors say that they may wrap up by September 9.

For Article I, a total of 10 witnesses have been presented by the prosecution team. On Wednesday, the panel presented former Education Undersecretary Michael Poa, who also happens to be a member of the defense panel.

Prior to Poa, the prosecution panel presented two Land Bank of the Philippines officials from which the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and DepEd withdrew their CFs; state auditors who checked on the confidential expenditures made by Duterte’s offices; OVP staffers like former special disbursing officer Gina Acosta; and on Tuesday, two Philippine Army (PA) officials.

The meat of Acosta’s testimony focused on her decision to transfer the CFs under the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to former Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) head Col. Raymund Dante Lachica upon orders from Duterte.

On Tuesday, Army Col. Maranos Boransing II and Army Col. Magtanggol Panopio testified that none of Duterte’s offices – whether it be the Department of Education, OVP, or even the VPSPG – placed any of its regular allocations or CFs to two young training programs which were funded by the Philippine Army.

During the trial, Panopio also admitted being shocked that DepEd under Duterte used his certification on the existence and conduct of the Army-funded Youth Leadership Summit just so the department can justify its confidential expenses.

Family institution, bedrock of a prosperous nation, says Council of Ulama

The need for Nigerians to prioritise strong family institutions in line with the dictates of Allah and His messenger in order to build a prosperous nation has been stressed.

President, Council of Ulama of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulfatah Thanni, made the assertion at the annual Couples Seminar of the Muslim Congress (TMC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State branches, held at the Conference Hall of the National Mosque, Abuja, last Sunday.

Allah has placed development of sound individuals and peaceful society on the effectiveness of the family institution, making it the responsibility of everyone to ensure that the institution is not allowed to collapse, no matter the circumstances.

He advised couples to adopt the prophetic approach, such as shurah (consultation), effective communication, creating time for each other and respecting the rights of one another in building lasting relationships.

Sheikh Thanni bemoaned the alarming rate of family collapse in the country, asserting that it was the root cause of major problems the society is grappling with.

Another speaker at the event, Dr Sulaiman Ogunmuyiwa, advised couples to avoid the ego of winning every argument at home but rather focus on repairing any lapses which may hinder the continuity of the family institution.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Blanket Forgiveness’, Ogunmuyiwa, who is the Director-General, Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance, reminded couples that they were created perfect by Allah, prompting the need to overlook each other’s faults as much as possible.

He harped on the need for husband and wife to constantly draw lessons from the family life of Prophet Muhammad, whom Allah instituted as model for all mankind in all situations.

In his welcome address, the Amir of the Muslim Congress, Alhaji Taiwo Bangbala, listed effective communication, deliberate commitment to the marriage and admitting mistakes as crucial elements of a long-lasting family institution that would impact positively on the society.

He encouraged Nigerians to uphold the pillars of marriage institution, which he described as sacred and ordained by Allah.

The event was witnessed by dignitaries, including Muslim scholars and personalities from the FCT, Niger, as well as neighbouring states.

How collaboration can make Nigeria a sustainable global tourism powerhouse

Tourism is not built by speeches. It is built by systems, and the most successful tourism economies in the world understand this simple truth. They treat the tourism value chain as a shared responsibility that must be constantly revisited, funded, and activated. For Nigeria, that lesson has never been more urgent. We cannot afford to keep doing partnership by press release, while other nations are doing partnership by projects, data, and dollars.

Look across continents and you will see what collaboration actually looks like when it is operational and not ceremonial. In West Africa, Ghana’s ‘Year of Return,’ in 2019 and the follow-up ‘Beyond the Return’ campaign were not the work of government alone. The Ministry of Tourism, the Ghana Tourism Authority, private airlines, hotels and the diaspora, all pulled in the same direction.

The result was 1.1 million international arrivals in 2019 and about 3.3 billion dollars in receipts. Rwanda took a different route but with the same principle. By partnering with Arsenal FC and running ‘Visit Rwanda’ to market gorilla tourism, the country recorded 1.4 million visitors in 2023 and 620 million dollars in revenue, a 36 percent jump from the previous year. Their secret was not one big event. It was constant activation through events, joint marketing, and tracking what works.

Move further across Africa and the pattern repeats. Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism, working with regional councils and private operators, runs ‘Light in Action’ campaigns in Europe and the Gulf. In 2023, that machinery delivered 14.5 million tourists and 11 billion dollars. Kenya’s ‘Magical Kenya’ brand is co-funded by government and the private sector, and in the same year, it welcomed 2.09 million tourists, who spent 4.42 billion dollars.

In Europe, Spain manages tourism through formal agreements between the central government, its 17 autonomous regions and industry players. That structure helped Spain host 85.2 million international tourists in 2023 and earn 92 billion dollars. France, still number one globally, received 100 million visitors and 71 billion dollars in receipts, driven by the constant collaboration between Atout France, the regions and operators on the ground.

In Asia, Thailand’s ‘Amazing Thailand’ campaign is run jointly by the Tourism Authority, airlines and hotels. Even after COVID, Thailand recovered to 28 million visitors in 2023 and 49 billion dollars in earnings. Singapore does something similar. The Singapore Tourism Board works with Changi Airport and over 300 private firms, and in 2023 that ecosystem brought in 13.6 million visitors and 22.8 billion dollars. The Arabian Gulf tells the same story. Dubai Tourism works hand-in-hand with Emirates, Emaar and the eight emirates, and Dubai alone had 17.15 million visitors in 2023.

Saudi Arabia, through Vision 2030, led by the Ministry of Tourism and the PIF, delivered 27.4 million international tourists and 38 billion dollars in revenue. The message is consistent everywhere. Collaboration plus constant activation equals results.

Nigeria’s reality, unfortunately, is different, we are good at the first step. We sign MOUs. We host seminars. We take photos. The recent NTDA and FTAN collaboration with the Chinese Embassy for the ‘China Tourism Development Experience Seminar’ scheduled for September 8, 2026, at the China Cultural Centre, in Abuja, is a welcome move. But, the real test will be what happens after that morning. Will there be trainers exchanged? Will policy lessons be adopted? Will pilot projects be funded? Or will it end as another idea with no execution? That is the gap that has kept us behind. While Morocco builds desert resorts and Rwanda sells gorillas, we are still arguing over who should market Yankari. While Dubai builds airports and Saudi builds NEOM, many of our destinations still struggle with access roads, security and poor packaging.

If we are serious about changing this, collaboration must happen at every layer and it must move from talk to task. The National Assembly has to treat tourism like agriculture and oil. We need a Tourism Development Fund Act, real tax incentives for investors, and oversight that tracks projects instead of just holding hearings. Spain and Saudi Arabia did not grow tourism by accident. They legislated it.

The Federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Creative Economy, working with NTDA, must coordinate ‘Brand Nigeria,’ negotiate bilateral agreements with clear execution clauses, and publish data. Every bilateral tie should come with a 12-month project deliverable so that we stop signing MOUs that gather dust.

The states own the products. Cross River has the rainforest, Osun has Osun-Osogbo, Lagos has nightlife and entertainment, Plateau has the weather. Kano has history. State tourism boards must be professionalised, funded and aligned with federal marketing. Rwanda’s success came because the national government and the districts worked together, and we must copy that discipline.

The private sector, from FTAN to hotels, tour operators and airlines, must also stop waiting for government. Ghana’s breakthrough happened because airlines, hotels and event planners put money behind the campaign. We need more data sharing, more training, and higher standards across the board.

When we finally move beyond handshakes to implementation, the gains will be obvious. If Nigeria captures just five percent of Africa’s 66 million international tourists recorded in 2023, which is 3.3 million visitors, an average spend of $1,500 per tourist that is close to five billion dollars annually. Tourism employs one in 10 people globally. With over 35 million Nigerians unemployed or underemployed, this sector can be our biggest job engine. Through public-private partnerships modeled after Dubai and Morocco, we can deliver roads to Olumo Rock, an airport near Obudu, and visitor centers at Argungu. Most importantly, tourism is non-oil; it is less volatile, and it spreads wealth directly to communities.

The time for ‘idea, photo and handshake’ tourism is over. What we need now are Quarterly Tourism Implementation Summits that bring together the Ministry, states, National Assembly committees and FTAN to review projects. We need Bilateral Tourism Compacts with China, the UAE, Morocco and Ghana that include exchange programmes, joint marketing and at least two funded projects every year. We need a State-Federal Marketing Fund where states contribute and NTDA matches for global campaigns. And we need a Tourism Data Dashboard published monthly, the way the CBN reports foreign exchange, so that we can measure what works and fix what does not.

Ghana did it with diaspora. Rwanda did it with gorillas. Morocco did it with deserts. Dubai did it with vision. Nigeria can do it with culture, creativity and scale. But only if we collaborate, and only if we sustain that collaboration through practical programmes. The National Assembly must legislate it.

The ministry must coordinate it. The states must own it. The private sector must drive it. Tourism will not develop because we wish it. It will develop because we work for it, together, consistently, and beyond lip service. Nigeria’s potential is not the problem. Our commitment to execution is. Let us fix that now.

Kaduna aligns tax system with national reforms

Kaduna State Government has moved to align its tax administration with Nigeria’s ongoing national tax reforms.

To this end, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has pledged stronger cooperation with the Office of the Tax Ombud to improve revenue collection, protect taxpayers and make the state more attractive to investors.

A statement from the Office of Tax Ombud issued in Abuja on Wednesday said Governor Sani made the commitment when the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive, Dr. John Nwabueze, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Kaduna State Government House.

The governor said the success of the country’s tax reforms would depend on closer cooperation between federal and state institutions, rather than separate efforts by different levels of government.

He said Kaduna was ready to work with the Office of the Tax Ombud to build a tax system that could generate more resources for development while giving taxpayers confidence that they would be treated fairly.

According to him, the creation of a fair, efficient and transparent tax system was important not only for increasing government revenue but also for improving Kaduna’s competitiveness and ability to attract investment.

Sani said, ‘Building a strong and sustainable national tax system capable of mobilising adequate revenue for development cannot be achieved in silos,’ stressing the need for effective cooperation between federal and state institutions.

The governor’s position comes as governments at both federal and state levels seek to improve domestic revenue and reduce dependence on other sources of funding for public services and development projects.

He described the Tax Ombud as an important institution in building taxpayer confidence, particularly at the state level, where citizens and businesses interact directly with tax and revenue agencies.

Sani also called for greater awareness among taxpayers about their rights and the avenues available to them when they have legitimate complaints against revenue authorities.

He said making taxpayers aware of the free mediation and alternative dispute resolution services provided by the Office of the Tax Ombud would help build trust and encourage more people and businesses to voluntarily meet their tax obligations.

The governor commended Nwabueze for engaging stakeholders across the country to improve public understanding of the role of the Tax Ombud and the services available to taxpayers.

Dr. John Nwabueze, in his remarks, said the Tax Ombud was ready to work with Kaduna State to improve confidence in tax administration and provide a channel through which genuine complaints could be resolved.

He explained that the office supports state governments’ efforts to improve revenue by helping to resolve disputes between taxpayers and tax authorities.

Nwabueze said taxpayers who believe they have been treated unfairly by tax and revenue agencies should have access to an independent mechanism for seeking redress.

‘Tax compliance and taxpayer rights must go hand in hand if we are to achieve the increased tax-to-GDP growth that Nigeria needs,’ he said.

The Tax Ombud said the way taxes are administered at the state level could influence how citizens view the entire tax system.

He noted that when taxpayers believe that the system is fair and transparent, they are more likely to comply with their obligations.

For businesses, he said, a predictable tax environment was also important because uncertainty over tax obligations and disputes with revenue authorities could affect investment decisions and business operations.

Nwabueze therefore called for closer cooperation between state governments, the Joint Revenue Board and the Office of the Tax Ombud in implementing the country’s tax reforms.

He said the objective should be to develop a tax system capable of raising enough money for development while also protecting taxpayers and creating conditions that encourage investment.

He described Kaduna as an important partner in the success of the tax reforms being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Nwabueze said Kaduna had the potential to demonstrate how better revenue administration could support economic growth without weakening the rights of taxpayers.

‘We believe that Kaduna State can serve as an important example of how efficient revenue administration can support economic growth while protecting taxpayers,’ he said.

He also appealed to Governor Sani to support increased taxpayer education and voluntary compliance, as well as constructive engagement between the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, taxpayers and the Tax Ombud.

Such cooperation, he said, would help produce a more predictable tax environment, improve revenue performance and create better operating conditions for businesses and investors.

Reforms aimed at changing nation’s trajectory, says Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday said the reforms being implemented by his administration are designed to fundamentally alter Nigeria’s development trajectory and address structural weaknesses.

The President said the reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda were targeted at building a stronger fiscal foundation, creating a more productive economy, strengthening institutions and positioning Nigeria to compete more effectively in the global economy.

Tinubu spoke in Abuja during the centenary celebration of the Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN), where he also unveiled The Nigerian Grand Book, a compendium documenting aspects of the country’s history and the contributions of its people.

The president, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said Nigeria could draw important lessons from its past in confronting current challenges and determining its future.

President Tinubu, according to a statement by Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, said ‘a nation that forgets its history risks repeating its mistakes, adding that a nation that understands its history can draw wisdom from its successes, learn from its setbacks and confidently design its future.

The president said: ‘Nigeria’s present challenges did not emerge overnight; many are rooted in structural weaknesses that have accumulated over decades.

‘Consequently, the task of national renewal requires the courage to understand where we have come from, confront what has held us back and make difficult but necessary choices about where we must go.’

President Tinubu said this understanding informed the economic and institutional reforms undertaken by his administration.

He added: ‘The reforms of the present administration are therefore, not simply about changing policies; they are about changing the trajectory of our nation.

‘They seek to build a stronger fiscal foundation, create a more productive economy, strengthen institutions, unlock investment, improve infrastructure, expand opportunities for our young people and position Nigeria to compete more effectively in the global economy,’ he said.

The President described history as an important tool for national development, rather than merely a record of events that had passed.

He said: ‘President Tinubu’s approach reminds us that history should not be a museum of yesterday. History should be an instrument for engineering tomorrow.

‘That is why a publication such as The Nigerian Grand Book is so important. It gives us an opportunity to tell our story from our own perspective; to celebrate Nigerians who have contributed to our progress; to preserve the institutional memories of our nation.’

President Tinubu congratulated the Daily Times on its 100th anniversary, describing the newspaper as a defining chronicler and custodian of Nigeria’s political, social and democratic evolution.

He said the newspaper’s survival for a century was ‘a testament to endurance, relevance and institutional resilience,’ as well as an important record of the country’s national journey.

He said: ‘It is a great honour and privilege to join you today as we celebrate a remarkable milestone in the history of Nigerian journalism, and indeed, in the history of our nation, the centenary of the Daily Times of Nigeria,’ he said.

Tracing the newspaper’s role through different periods of the country’s history, Tinubu said: ‘Through the colonial era, the struggle for independence, the birth of our Republic, the challenges of nation-building and the transformations of our contemporary democracy, the pages of the Daily Times have captured the personalities, events and aspirations that have shaped our national journey.’

The President also commended the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards, saying the development of nations ultimately depended on the contributions of their citizens across different fields.

He added: ‘Nations are built by people. The entrepreneurs who create jobs, the farmers who feed our communities, the scientists who expand knowledge, the public servants who uphold institutions, the artists who enrich our culture, the innovators who solve problems and the citizens who serve their communities are all contributors to the Nigerian story. Their achievements deserve to be remembered.’

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting national identity, cohesion and the preservation of Nigeria’s collective memory, stressing that the country’s diversity should be deployed as a source of strength rather than division.

He said: ‘The Federal Government attaches great importance to national identity, social cohesion and the preservation of our collective memory. Our diversity is one of Nigeria’s greatest assets, and our history provides us with countless examples of what Nigerians can accomplish when our differences are transformed into strength rather than division.’

He said the Renewed Hope Agenda was focused on creating an economy that expands opportunities and reduces dependency, while strengthening institutions and infrastructure.

President Tinubu stressed: ‘Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is committed to building an economy that creates opportunities rather than dependency; institutions that command confidence; infrastructure that connects communities and markets; and a society in which every Nigerian has the opportunity to contribute to national prosperity.’

The President also described the media as an important institution in the preservation of national history, saying its responsibility extended beyond informing the public and holding those in authority accountable.

He said: ‘The Federal Government recognises the media not only as an instrument of information and accountability, but also as a custodian of national memory. The Daily Times has fulfilled that responsibility for a century,’ he said.

President Tinubu congratulated the leadership of the Daily Times under Mr Fidelis Anosike and those involved in producing The Nigerian Grand Book for what he described as their ‘historic contribution to the preservation of our national heritage.’

He urged Nigerians, schools, libraries and other institutions to embrace the compendium as a resource for preserving and understanding the country’s history.

The president added: ‘As we unveil this remarkable compendium today, let us remember that the first hundred years of Nigeria’s story have been written; the next chapter is in our hands. May we write that chapter with i than the Nigeria we inherited.’

CAC unveils AI-powered corporate registry

The Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria (CAC) has unveiled its Artificial Intelligence AI-Powered corporate registry towards attracting investment, supporting businesses and expanding economic opportunities.

The Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, disclosed this at the 2026 Annual Retreat of the Commission with the theme: ‘AI at Scale: Advancing an Intelligent Corporate Registry for Efficient and Trusted Service Delivery’ held at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre Thursday in Bauchi.

Magaji explained that the CAC occupies a critical position in Nigeria’s economic architecture as the sole custodian of business formalisation and corporate regulation, adding that an efficient and transparent corporate registry is essential to attracting investment, supporting businesses and expanding economic opportunities.

Magaji further disclosed that the Commission was preparing to deploy artificial intelligence across its processes in collaboration with Google and its partners, saying that the new system would allow customers to interact with the CAC in English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and Pidgin, receive instant compliance guidance, and potentially complete business registration within minutes.

Magaji added that the AI-driven system would reduce manual intervention, detect errors and fraudulent activities, improve data integrity and guide customers through the registration process, stressing that the initiative represents the next major phase of CAC’s digital transformation.

He noted that the retreat was not a jamboree but a platform for capacity development, innovation, institutional reflection and collective decision-making, with more than 400 members of the CAC family participating.

In his remarks, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed commended the CAC for its transformation from manual registries to advanced digital platforms, describing the Commission’s adoption of artificial intelligence as a major step towards improving corporate governance and ease of doing business in Nigeria.

The governor described the hosting of the CAC retreat in Bauchi as both a privilege and a validation of the state’s developmental strides, noting that the history of the Commission could not be written without recognising the contributions of sons of Bauchi State who have served as Registrars-General at different times.

Mohammed further highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve the business environment in Bauchi through the ‘My Bauchi Project’ blueprint, including reforms aimed at removing bureaucratic bottlenecks, eliminating multiple taxation and streamlining fees and levies for entrepreneurs.

The governor urged the CAC to ensure that the deployment of artificial intelligence remains inclusive, secure and accessible to entrepreneurs across the country, acknowledging that the technology should help reduce registration time, detect fraudulent companies, strengthen data integrity and improve confidence in Nigeria’s corporate registry.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the CAC Board, Senator Ibrahim Ida (Wazirin Katsina), commended Bauchi State Government for the warm reception accorded members of the Commission, describing the retreat as an opportunity to strengthen institutional efficiency and further improve service delivery.

In his goodwill message, the Emir of Bauchi, who was represented by the Wazirin Bauchi, Alhaji Muhammad Uba Ahmad Kari, applauded the CAC for its vital role in Nigeria’s economic development, saying that the commission as key to business formalization and investor confidence.

Ex-chairman Leku wins NRM flag for Adjumani West by-election

Former district chairperson, Mr James Leku, has won the NRM flag bearer race for Adjumani West Constituency.

Leku beat six other contenders in a tight race that was decided Thursday through lining in the 99 polling stations.

The NRM District Registrar, Mr Amos Chandmale, declared Leku winner after obtaining 9,336 votes representing 37.2 percent, with his close contender Mr Ben Anyama obtaining 9,152 votes representing 36.4 percent.

Top on the agenda of most aspirants were lobbying for Laropi Bridge construction on River Nile connecting Adjumani and Moyo District, rural connectivity of electricity, and poverty alleviation among others.

The Adjumani West parliamentary seat fell vacant after the demise of Gen Moses Ali on July 18, 2026.

There was heavy deployment of police and UPDF personnel at the polling station of Paridi Village as voting got underway.

Seven candidates contested in the NRM primaries.

Mr Kassim Ali, son to the late Gen Moses Ali who is contesting to hold the mantle for his father, cast his vote at Abirichaku village.

However, voter turnout at some polling stations remained low.

At Abirichaku polling station, out of 426 registered voters, only a few turned up.

Those who contested for the NRM flag include former LC5 Chairman Mr James Leku Pilli, former RDC Mr Nixon Owole, Mr Justine Mawadri, Mr Ben Anyama, Mr Kassim Ali, Mr Daniel Izale and Mr Richard Obuni Madrara.

The Electoral Commission has set September 17 for the Adjumani West parliamentary by-election.