Nigeria Triathlon Union schedules congress for leadership elections

The Nigeria Triathlon Union (NTU) scheduled its elective congress for September 30, 2026, in Lagos. The congress will also serve as the union's general assembly and will take place at the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) headquarters inside the National Stadium, Surulere.

Wale Oladunjoye, who has served as the union's president for eight years since 2018, called for fresh elections, presenting an opportunity to transition leadership and evaluate the future direction of triathlon in Nigeria. The NTU board approved the formation of an electoral committee to oversee the election process. Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, a trustee of the union and former president of the Nigerian Swimming Federation, will chair the committee. Other committee members include Deborah Chidobi from the NOC and Sunday Enimola, chairman of the Ogun State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association.

The election holds significance for the NTU, which has been a part of Nigeria's organized sports framework for nearly two decades. The sport of triathlon, which combines swimming, cycling, and running, has seen international competition since the early 1970s and the NTU was founded in November 2006 by sports administrators committed to sports development in Nigeria.

In February 2007, the NTU became a member of the International Triathlon Union, now known as World Triathlon, and later achieved full membership in the African Triathlon Union in April 2007, with representatives Harry Ladapo and Lanre Glover participating. By May 2007, the NTU also gained full membership of the NOC, establishing its place within Nigeria’s sport system.

Looking ahead, the new leadership will need to address critical issues for the growth of triathlon in Nigeria, including grassroots development, athlete identification, regular competitions, coaching, and international exposure.