Nigeria’s Joan Okorodudu receives US Presidential Lifetime Achievement award

 As ISIS Models Africa get mentioned at the UN General Assembly 2024  

 Nigeria’s Joan Okorodudu, a trailblazer in the global fashion industry renowned for putting Africa and Nigerian fashion on the global map as the founder of Isis Models Africa, was awarded the Prestigious Lifetime Presidential Award at the Runway International Fashion Awards (RIFAS) in Baltimore, United States, over the weekend.

 

This award is coming days after her Isis Models Africa received a unique mention at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York, as one of Africa’s leading modeling company spotlighting young Africa’s and placing them on the global stage.

 

ISIS Models Africa was praised for its social impact on the continent of Africa with regards to empowering young African talents to excel globally and for headlining renowned models search event annually, the Africa’s Next Super Model, a project that has produced talents featured in global fashion events in Madrid, Paris, Milan and other fashion capitals of the world.

 

Nykhor Paul, a Sudanese fashion model, while speaking at the UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA, Global Africa Business Initiative at United Nations Global Compact during the UNGA 2024 in a Panel, discussing the future of African fashion, mentioned Isis Model Africa as one of the modeling Agencies in Africa that has remained consistent in shaping the continent and empowering young people like herself to excel.

 

This being a testament to the work done over several years by Joan Okorodudu who has remained at the forefront of showcasing Africa’s modeling talents to the rest of the world.

 

In recognition of Isis models Africa impact, Nykhor Paul said “I am grateful to share my experiences and to talk about fashion, health and wellness. Such an honor to be among such great people who are making a difference in Africa and the world

R-L; Former editor, City People Magazine, Susan Eyo Honesty; Founder, Isis Model Africa and Africa Next Super Model, Joan Okorodudu and Ambassador Aju Elumelu James, in Baltimore, Maryland, United States when  Okorodudu received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award at the Runway International Fashion Awards (RIFAS) event, weekend.

 

“Within the past 10 years, there have been beautiful African models. Not just from South Sudan but from Kenya, from Uganda, from South Africa, from Nigeria.

 

“I do really believe that this is now the time for Africa fashion week to capitalize it (on these great models)

 

She then stressed these statements, "Also there are great modelling agencies that you need to familiarize with like @isismodelsafrica and Joram Models which are doing incredible work”.

 

Reacting, Isis Models in a statement on its Instagram said “A champion is not made in the ring. They are seen in the ring. That is why @isismodelsafrica is the African giant

 

“For use at Isis Models Africa, greatness was felt in the UNGA 2024 arena when supermodel @nykhor Paul recognized our greatness and asked the entire room to familiarize themselves with the top African modelling agencies that has taken the world by storm like a whirlwind and tornado”

 

“Truly this is rearranging the chaos in the best timing ever. This company’s blueprint was made several decades ago for it to stand here today and get its flowers from supermodels like Nykhor Paul who is one of the best in Africa and globally

 

“For a lot of people, they are not willing to train for over a decade for panel recognition of their glory in a millisecond at the panel 

 

“The supermodel Nykhor is well informed about Africa and is giving flowers where it is due. It is from above backdrop that we need to continue to support African modelling agencies as well as African fashion”

 

The statement continued “This was a major call to action for a paradigm shift. This endorsement and recognition in a room full of dignitaries, the media and powerful influencers is a roadmap to the future.

 

“This is the true summit of the future, just for us to achieve the sustainable development goals for fashion in Africa. And this is more reasons to invest in Africa”. Isis Models management said

 

Regarding the RIFAS Award which was founded in 2017 and established to recognize the outstanding achievements of creatives within the independent fashion industry, covering sectors such as fashion design, modelling, makeup artistry, hairstyling, nail technology, barbers, stylists, fashion media, influencers, boutique owners, and other contributors to the fashion world, the recognition of Joan Okorodudu and Isis Models Africa is another height of global accolades.

 

Joan Okorodudu’s recognition with this prestigious award is a testament to her extraordinary influence and impact on the global fashion stage. A graduate of Boston University and a former Miss Nigeria, Joan has built a legacy that transcends continents. She is the founder of Africa’s largest model search platform and has secured modelling opportunities for African talents at major fashion shows worldwide. Her work has transformed the fashion industry, giving African models the visibility and opportunities they deserve on international runways; this is according to Derniercri, a fashion, lifestyle and health blog.

 

Joan Okorodudu’s Isis Models is Africa’s top-notch agency dedicated to identifying, developing and sustaining the careers of beautiful black Models. Isis Models is staffed by a young, fun, yet experienced and dedicated team of scouts and bookers with international experience and founded by a

renowned expert in modeling business and creative talent builder, Joan Okorodudu of Nigerian origin.

 

It will be recalled that 2017 Joan Okorodudu bagged the New African Woman Award in The Arts & Culture alongside Amina Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary, who took home the New African Woman in Politics and Public Office. This amongst other high ranking awards speaks to Joan Okorodudu’s commitment to uplifting African talents to the world through Arts, culture, fashion and creative talent development.

 

All these comes alongside recent partnership with Design Essentials, a renowned global hair care brand, and One Management both coming on onboard the Runways to Freedom project aimed to promote African beauty on an international scale. This collaboration represents a significant alignment between a top-tier hair care brand and a visionary talent scout dedicated to discovering and nurturing African talent.

 

Joan Okorodudu, the founder of ISIS Models and the driving force behind Africa’s Next Super Model, has consistently remain a voice for change and inspiring the next generation of African talents and placing them on the global stage