By Ghazali Ibrahim 
Last October, Nigerian model Ololade Ayelabola made history by organizing a record-breaking runway show that promoted diversity and inclusivity.
The 26-year-old model walked an astonishing 125.11 km (77.74 mi) on the catwalk, shattering the previous record for the longest distance walked on a catwalk by a model.
But what made this achievement even more remarkable was the fact that Ayelabola shared the runway with models of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.
The show featured models with albinism, vitiligo, tribal marks, and plus-size models, all strutting their stuff with confidence and poise.
Ayelabola’s inspiration for the show came from her own experiences of being rejected by modeling agencies due to her height.
Despite being told she wasn’t tall enough, Ayelabola persevered and went on to create a platform that celebrated diversity and individuality.
The record-breaking show took five days to complete, with Ayelabola walking for hours each day in a series of stunning outfits designed and created in Nigeria.
Despite the physical challenges she faced, Ayelabola remained determined, reminding herself that she was doing this for all the people who had been marginalized or excluded from the fashion industry.
Ayelabola’s achievement has earned her a Guinness World Records title, and she hopes that her story will inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
As she said, “You can be who you want to be, don’t let anything stop you, don’t let what seems impossible become impossible. Dare to dream and make your dream a reality.”
