Days after earning global recognition for walking the longest distance ever recorded by a model, Guinness World Record holder Ololade Ayelabola has sought renewed mentorship and academic guidance as she enters a new chapter of her journey.
On Nigeria’s Independence Day, October 1st, Ololade paid a courtesy visit to Professor Chris Imumolen in Lagos — a respected academic, philanthropist and founder of the Joint Professional Training and Support (JPTS)/Institute of Skills Qualification and Development (ISQ) where she is a graduand.
The visit came just days before Ololade officially set the Guinness World Record on October 5th by completing 130.62 kilometers — 2,058 laps — at the Indoor Sports Centre of the University of Lagos, becoming the model with the longest catwalk in history.
Speaking during the visit, Ololade expressed gratitude for Prof. Imumolen’s influence on her educational and personal development.
“Your mentorship gave me the confidence to pursue purpose beyond appearance. I’m here to say thank you and to keep learning,” she said.
Prof. Imumolen commended her courage, calling her a symbol of resilience and possibility.
He also presented her a cheque for an undisclosed amount to support her modeling career and humanitarian goals.
“Ololade’s journey proves that with discipline and the right support, young Nigerians can compete on the world stage,” he said.
She is currently enrolled in Prof. Imumolen’s Mentorship College, pursuing a course in Project and Construction Management on a partial scholarship — a move she says reflects her desire to merge creativity with leadership and social impact.
Dressed in Nigeria’s national colors during her record-setting walk, Ololade’s feat was more than a personal victory — it was a national moment.
“This is not just a record. It’s a message to young Nigerians that we are capable of rewriting global narratives,” she said.
