Ololade Ayelabola Sets New Record in Fashion for Inclusivity
Ololade Ayelabola, a model and final-year Computer Science student at the University of Lagos, has made history in an inspiring attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance walked by a model. Over the course of five days, Ololade walked an astounding 130.62 kilometers on a catwalk, surpassing the previous record of 114.4 kilometers (71.1 miles), which was set 41 years ago by Roberta Brown and Lorraine McCourt in Ireland.
Ololade began her walk on Nigeria’s Independence Day, October 1st, and concluded on October 5th at the Indoor Sports Centre of the University of Lagos, where she completed 2,058 laps. While her initial goal was to walk 120 kilometers over 96 hours, she exceeded expectations, setting her sights on a new global standard and sparking conversations about inclusivity in the fashion industry.
However, for Ololade, this walk was about much more than just breaking a record. It was a statement against the fashion industry’s restrictive beauty standards and a call for inclusivity. After experiencing rejection from several fashion shows because of her height, she was determined to create a platform where all models, regardless of their physical appearance, could shine. She used her record-breaking attempt to push back against industry stereotypes and to highlight the beauty and creativity of Nigeria’s fashion scene.
“I’m not walking for myself alone,” Ololade said. “I’m walking for the many models who have been limited by stereotypes and standards set by rigid systems. I’m also walking to showcase the creativity of the Nigerian fashion industry.”
During the event, she modeled a wide range of outfits designed by Nigerian fashion houses, moving between casual wear, contemporary styles, and traditional attire. The walk served not only as a display of endurance but also as a runway celebration of Nigerian fashion. Ololade’s supporters—fellow models, designers, and hundreds of University of Lagos students—rallied around her, cheering her on through each lap of the journey.
The event received widespread attention on social media, where people praised Ololade for her dedication, resilience, and the message she was spreading. Many were inspired by her courage and how she turned a personal rejection into a mission to empower others.
Social Media Reactions:
- “Ololade is a force to be reckoned with! Breaking barriers and breaking records! You go, girl!” – Funke, @Funke_Speaks
- “130km on a runway?! Ololade has set the bar so high. I’m beyond inspired!” – Tolu, @ToluTheModel
- “This is what fashion needs—real people breaking real stereotypes! Ololade, we stan!” – Adeola, @Adeola_Runs
- “Not just a record, but a statement. Ololade is walking for every model who’s ever been told ‘no’!” – Blessing, @Blessing4Life
- “Ololade Ayelabola just walked her way into the history books. Literally. Fashion for all!” – Seyi, @SeyiFashionista
- “This is a win for every model and every girl who’s been told they don’t fit the mold. Thank you, Ololade!” – Kemi, @KemiInspires
- “I’m so proud of this girl! Her resilience and her message are so powerful!” – Adebayo, @AdebayoSpeaks
- “Ololade Ayelabola isn’t just walking for a record, she’s walking for change. So inspiring!” – Ifeoma, @Ifeoma_Creative
- “Breaking a 41-year-old record and standing up for fashion inclusivity. Wow, Ololade is a trailblazer!” – Dave, @DaveWrites
- “This is why I love Nigerian fashion. People like Ololade are pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes!” – Chinedu, @ChineduTalks
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