A Nigerian lady, Ololade Ayelabola has set her target on creating a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest distance walked on a catwalk by a model.
On September 1983, GWR delivered a certificate to Ireland for the longest distance walked on a catwalk by a model.
Four decades after, a young Nigerian, Ayelabola says she is determined to bring that GWR certificate home to the giant of Africa with the attempt happening live in Lagos State.
“My name is Ololade Ayelabola. I am a beauty queen who was rejected in two national fashion shows because 5 ft 10 isn’t tall enough,” she introduced herself in a post she shared on her official X account on Thursday night.
“A model whose hard work and talent didn’t count because ‘she didn’t meet industry standards’, however, I am setting out to change the narrative.
“Using the painful setbacks as stepping stones and drawing inspiration from Kafayat ‘Kaffy’ Shafau’s amazing dance record with GWR, I am attempting to break a 41-year-old Guinness World Record.
“To smash the current 114.4 km record, I have been catwalking alongside other models starting from October 1st, 2024. Though audacious, this attempt is to challenge the rigid modelling standards in the African modelling scene.
“By using the theme “Inclusivity and Diversity” for my record attempt, I hope to send a powerful message: African runways should embrace diverse body representations because beauty comes in different looks, shapes and sizes.
“For 96 hours non-stop, I and other models will exhibit the works of fashion designers while showcasing their creative, innovative, and unique ideas.”
Ayelabola said besides being a GWR attempt, the event will also be the perfect way to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th independence by broadcasting the nation’s rich culture and history through fashion.
She said she would love to thank everyone supporting her journey while she appreciates all their efforts so far even as she solicits for the continued support of the public.
“Let us change a narrative, let us set a GWR and bring this home,” the young lady concluded in her post.
