When Ololade Ayelabola stepped onto the catwalk at the University of Lagos in October 2024, she wasn’t just modelling—she was making history.
After logging a staggering 125.11 km over four days and 2,058 laps, she smashed a world record and shattered a stereotype: that modelling belongs only to the tall, the typical, the elite. Guinness took note. So did the world.
But for Ololade, this wasn’t just about fashion—it was a mission. A protest in heels. A statement in motion.
Catwalk Meets Classroom: The Scholar in the Spotlight
Far from being just a face in front of flashing cameras, Ololade is also a final-year Computer Science student at UNILAG and a graduand of JPTS/ISQ, the international training platform founded by Professor Chris Imumolen—a serial entrepreneur, humanitarian, and former presidential candidate.
Her modelling dream walks in rhythm with her academic goals, proving that beauty and brilliance can coexist—on stage and in the lecture hall.
A Record-Breaker Meets Her Role Model
On June 19, 2025, fresh off her Guinness triumph, Ololade visited Prof. Imumolen at his Lagos office—not just to celebrate, but to say thank you. She presented her Guinness World Record plaque and shared her emotional journey—from pushing through physical fatigue to advocating for inclusive beauty standards.
In a heartfelt exchange, Imumolen congratulated her courage and commitment, awarding her a scholarship cheque to support her modelling career and future humanitarian work. “She represents what JPTS stands for—tenacity, talent, and transformation,” Imumolen said.
Walking for Change, Not Just Cameras
This was more than a marathon of stilettos and stamina. Ololade’s walk featured models from underrepresented communities—people with vitiligo, albinism, disabilities, and diverse body sizes. She challenged the industry’s gatekeepers and redefined runway norms in a society that often dictates beauty through narrow lenses.
“The walk wasn’t about me—it was about making space for everyone,” Ololade shared.
The Journey Ahead: Fashion, Philanthropy, and Leadership
Now part of Prof. Imumolen’s Mentorship College, Ololade is studying Project and Construction Management, merging her flair for fashion with a drive for structure and impact. She’s planning future runway campaigns centered on inclusivity, as well as educational outreach through her growing platform.
What’s next?
Runways with purpose
Scholarships for the underserved
A loud, confident voice for the often-silenced
Final Step: A Model of Possibility
Ololade Ayelabola isn’t just the woman who walked the longest catwalk in history. She’s the face of what happens when ambition meets advocacy, when a young woman turns every step into a statement.
With the support of mentors like Imumolen and the momentum of global recognition, she’s proving that the runway isn’t just a strip of lighted flooring—it’s a launchpad.
