Nigeria Triathlon Union elects Ize Matebese as its president

The Nigeria Triathlon Union (NTU) elected Ize Matebese as its new president following an elective congress in Lagos. The congress, which also served as the union's general assembly, occurred on Wednesday, 30 September, at the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) headquarters in the National Stadium, Surulere.

Mrs. Matebese succeeded Wale Oladunjoye, who led the NTU since 2018 and called for fresh elections after two terms of office. Along with Matebese, the new executive includes Abiona Babarinde as first vice president, Olukayode Oguntayo as second vice president, Priscilla Iroaganachi as secretary-general, Raliat Abdulsalam as deputy secretary-general, and Modupeola Ofonedo as treasurer.

The new leadership aims to rejuvenate triathlon in Nigeria by implementing regular competitions, grassroots development, school programs, and enhancing public awareness of the sport. Speaking after her election, Mrs. Matebese described her ascendance as an opportunity to initiate a new era in Nigerian triathlon. "I hope to be able to birth a new beginning," she stated in her speech.

She identified her immediate priorities as assembling an active team to drive the sport's development, rejuvenating the union's secretariat, and organizing a championship to elevate its profile. "We probably need to have some sort of a tournament or championship; we haven't had that for a while," she remarked.

Moreover, Mrs. Matebese emphasized the importance of focusing on schools to identify and nurture young athletes, expressing her belief in catching them young to engage them in triathlon. She shared aspirations of discovering athletes capable of representing Nigeria in major international competitions, including the Olympic Games. Although Nigerian athletes have participated in international events, the country has yet to be represented in triathlon at the Olympics. She asserted that the union would assess available talent and work towards creating opportunities for qualifying athletes.

Lanre Glover, the union's life president, expressed optimism that the leadership transition would lead to more competitions and development programs. He highlighted Mrs. Matebese's experience in international championships and congresses as beneficial for the NTU.

Glover noted the critical role of school sports in developing future triathletes, emphasizing that young individuals represent the sport's future. He acknowledged that the union aims to restore camaraderie among its members, celebrating that the NTU is a family association where organizing championships goes hand in hand with building relationships and enjoying fellowship.

As the NTU approaches its two-decade anniversary, founded in November 2006 by sports administrators, the leadership transition comes with the responsibility of bolstering the union's institutional capacity, boosting participation, and creating consistent competition pathways for Nigerian athletes. With Mrs. Matebese pledging a new beginning, the leadership now faces the challenge of translating its plans for school engagement and regular championships into tangible activities that can elevate the profile of triathlon across Nigeria.