The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) Nigeria branch has announced King Charles III as its patron.

Blackson Bayewumi, the country director of the society who disclosed this on Wednesday, said the society is honoured to have the monarch as its patron.

“The RCS is privileged to have had the late Queen Elizabeth II as patron for 70 years—since 1952 when she became Head of the Commonwealth.

“Since 2018, the RCS has been honoured to have the Queen as the inaugural Vice-Patron when she was the Duchess of Cornwall, with Queen Camilla’s support.

“The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition has flourished, reaching thousands of young people and volunteers across all regions of the Commonwealth.”

The country director described the RCS as the oldest civil society organisation dedicated to the Commonwealth, quoting Mr Charles’ commendation of the Commonwealth as inspiration.

“Its near-boundless potential as a force for good in the world demands our highest ambition; its sheer scale challenges us to unite and be bold,” King Charles III said.

Mr Bayewumi mentioned that the RCS considered working closely with Mr Charles to promote the values of the Commonwealth.

He also quoted Dr Linda Yueh, executive chair of the RCS, as having commended the announcement of King Charles III as patron of the Nigerian branch.

“We are deeply honoured to have His Majesty as our patron.

“His support for the Commonwealth as champion of the environment embodies values to which RCS aspires and inspires to make practical difference in the lives of the 2.6 billion people that make up the Commonwealth family,” she said.

(NAN)