Lagos State Partners with Guinness World Record Catwalk Queen, Ololade Ayelabola

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, officially received Guinness World Record holder, Miss Ololade Ayelabola, at the State Secretariat. The courtesy visit celebrated Miss Ayelabola’s historic achievement and explored her role as a cultural ambassador for the state. The meeting underscored the government's interest in leveraging local talent to boost the profile of the Nigerian fashion and tourism sectors.

Miss Ayelabola gained international acclaim for completing the longest distance ever walked on a catwalk by a model, covering a staggering 125.11 kilometres. The feat took place over four days at the University of Lagos in October 2024, where she demonstrated immense physical and mental resilience. Beyond the distance, her performance was a massive showcase of Nigerian creativity, as she modeled over 3,000 different outfits during the record-breaking attempt.

​The Permanent Secretary commended Miss Ayelabola for using her platform to highlight the rich cultural heritage of Lagos through fashion. The visit served as a bridge for future collaborations, with the state government looking to integrate her influence into upcoming tourism and youth empowerment programs. By celebrating such milestones, Lagos aims to inspire young creatives to push the boundaries of their respective industries.

​Discussions during the visit centered on strategic partnerships aimed at expanding the reach of creative enterprises across the state. The Ministry expressed its readiness to support initiatives that strengthen cultural development and provide global visibility for the Lagos fashion scene. This collaboration is expected to create new opportunities for emerging designers and models who look up to Ayelabola’s trailblazing success.

​The tour concluded with an emphasis on the "Greater Lagos Rising" mantra, highlighting the synergy between various state agencies in delivering world-class public infrastructure. As the festival progresses, the state government remains dedicated to ensuring that Lagos continues to lead as a hub for innovation and cultural excellence. This project marks another milestone in the journey toward making Lagos a truly 21st-century megacity.