The First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, has urged secondary school students aged 13 to 18 to enter the 2026 Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition to sharpen their literary talents and gain international exposure.

Mrs. Abiodun issued this call during the national launch organized by the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), held at St. Peter’s College, Olomore, Abeokuta.

Represented by Wife of the Speaker and Permanent Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Yinka Elemide, the First Lady highlighted the contest's status as the world’s oldest international school writing competition, encouraging students to secure their spot by submitting entries.

In his remarks, the RCS Country Director, Nigeria Branch, Mr. Blackson Bayewumi, described the competition as a unique platform for young writers to project their voices to a global audience, noting that the competition was open to all public school students. 

He credited St. Peter’s College for shaping his character and career, emphasizing that academic success provides the foundation necessary to eventually give back to society through initiatives like the RCS.

The winners of the competition will join other regional winners across different continents to qualify for the prestigious Winners Week, which will be hosted by the Queen of England, who is the Vice Patron of the RCS in Buckingham Palace London this year.