Glory Origa Shines at the International Fashion Show

...As She Shares Her Inspiring Story

...As Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2024 Thrills the World

By: Goke Williams

One name rings a bell at the recently concluded Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Nigeria. The name is Glory Origa, a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), who hails from Iju, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. She becomes the cynosure of all eyes; stealing the spotlight at the International Fashion Show runway amidst resounding applause and a standing ovation. With her dazzling and sparkling presentation despite her physical challenge, Glory not only proves that an obstacle can be tackled but should be seen as a 'miracle', yes, as a propelling force to achieve greatness in life. Glory shares her motivating and interesting story with us...

Reflecting on her journey as a model, Glory shared an inspired message: "What motivated me to pursue modeling is the fact that I see it as a self-expression, showcasing my humble self to the world and to build my confidence not minding my limitation, and to serve as an inspiration to others, especially those who are in my shoes." No one would believe she is faced with a physical challenge, and when asked how she managed to overcome the challenge, she remarked: " We all know how our society feels about people with physical impairments, their negative attitude towards me sometimes makes me feel isolated or depressed and also the fear of being rejected, however I tried to correct the notion that whatever they say about me is not the way it is. I do not allow what people project about me to be my reality." 

Glory described her participation as a dream come true as she never envisaged performing at that global stage. In her words: "I never imagined walking on that runway, my resilience, my scars, my struggle – I believe these are my superpowers – and the courage and the confidence I had while walking on that runway, owning every step and proving that every limitation they spoke of was just a stepping stone to greatness for me. I was not just walking on that runway for myself but for people who have ever doubted my worth – so I had to show them what courage looks like. This is nothing but the grace of God."

In a further conversation with Gok Communications,  Miss Glory Origa conveyed her profound appreciation to Lady Peace Barberopoulos, the Director of the International Fashion Show: "I could not imagine myself performing at this extraordinary event, observing the lineup, I saw that these were highly trained models, and I felt I could not compete with these individuals. I should just go home. But I thank God for Lady Peace, the GEF Fashion Show Director,

who instilled confidence in me and revived my spirit because I was already weak; thinking I could not do it, but she spoke life into me." She also extended her gratitude to Dr Summy Smart Francis, the Project Lead, for granting her the rare privilege to showcase her talent and for providing the laudable global platform. Glory expressed her gratitude to all her teammates for demonstrating love and acceptance. She equally thanked the state governor: "I extend immense gratitude to the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for facilitating this event in Ondo State, I am deeply grateful, thank you, Sir. I am honoured that I was out there, inspiring other people who are in my shoes, even those who are not in my shoes, telling them that they can do this. They should not allow what people say about them to define them. They should break every limitation."

Earlier, Dr Summy Smart Francis, the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, while addressing the global audience at the press conference grand finale, described fashion as the first form of advertisement, stressing the importance of fashion as a strong societal factor for one's acceptance.

The International Fashion Show formed part of the events scheduled for the Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2024, hosted by the state governor, under the theme: Beyond Boundaries – Poverty Eradication through Entrepreneurship. Attendees hailed the global fashion event as a flawless fusion of cultural sophistication and contemporary finesse, setting a new benchmark for elite global fashion.

The prestigious event brought together not only the finest talents in Nigeria’s fashion industry, but also fashion aficionados worldwide alongside international dignitaries, industry magnates, and cultural icons. Among the notable figures at the GEF 2024 was Africa’s foremost business woman and philanthropist, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, who serves as the Matron of African Entrepreneurship Development.

The closing concert immediately followed the Fashion Show, where national and international guests were treated to a jolly and lively night of elegance, music, and cultural revelry, including a thrilling moment by DJames, a multi-award winning international DJ, a happy ambiance created by Yajna, a genial and passionate Swedish singer, an exceptional presentation by Femi Kuti, an Afrobeat legend, and other captivating performances by international artistes.  The event, no doubt, electrified the mammoth crowd as they threw caution into the air and savoured one of their most memorable moments. It was truly an unforgettable celebration of one of their best moments. The event was a celebration of creativity, innovation, leadership excellence, and cultural heritage, setting a new standard for fashion and style not only in Nigeria but also on the global stage.