BIOGRAPHY
Joan Isioma Okorodudu is the Managing Director/Chief Executive of International Business Consortium Nigeria Limited (IBCNL) as well as its subsidiaries namely: Lagos Ageless & Wellness Clinique, House of J’ola Design, ISIS Models, Fashion Network Africa, Yonwuren Media, etc.).
She is also the originator of the prestigious and world-class Nigeria’s Next Super Model event, Miss Unity Nigeria, and Africa’s Next Super Model.
She has been known for her excellent management and operates the affairs of IBCNL with professionals of good repute and proven performances. The Company has reliable and experienced technical partners/affiliates in the execution of its projects.
She has been known for her excellent management and operates the affairs of IBCNL with professionals of good repute and proven performances. The Company has reliable and experienced technical partners/affiliates in the execution of its projects.
As a psychiatric clinician and beautician, she is the proprietor and chief executive of Lagos Ageless Clinique – a tested and proven establishment engaged in the production of cosmetics soap making, and other beauty-making products for body beautification and protection. To be candid, we have trained enough people in the makeup sector to handle the whole of Niger Delta, Nigeria.
She has good business relationships across such countries as the USA, UK, Thailand, Philippines, South Africa, and other African and European countries.
- She made the Africa Who is Who years back.
She has received several awards over the years as follows:
- West African Noble Award, Ghana, 2006
- Fashion & Style Special Recognition Award 2009
- Fashion & Style Most Outstanding Nigerian Designer on the International Scene Award 2009
- Special Recognition for Change Award 2009 by JUST U Magazine
- Most Outstanding Modeling Agency of the Year Award 2010 by NMAA
- Award of Excellence 2011 by MAIN
- Delta Icons Award 2012, The Pride of Delta Woman
- Now African Woman of the Year 2017
- A Former Olympian
- Miss Nigeria Kaduna Zone
- Miss Nigeria 1st Runner Up
She is the founder of ISIS Models, the biggest and most prestigious modeling agency in Africa with the most active models working with the biggest brands in the world, pulling the highest number of audience and media.
She was the organizer of Vogue Talent for Africa raising 100 million naira in sponsorship to produce the show, and successfully promoting selected African Designers on various international platforms. The winner was able to showcase his collection – Maxosa by Laduma the same year at the Palazzo Morando in Milan and at the Africa International Fashion Week in Lagos Nigeria.
Born with an unyielding drive for success, she embarked on her academic journey at Boston University, where she pursued a degree in Political Science. Her intellect and charm didn’t go unnoticed, as she proudly represented her country by winning the prestigious title of Miss Nigeria in the same year she graduated, 1981.
During her time at Boston University, she not only excelled in her studies but also stood out as an exceptional athlete, earning the coveted MVP award in 1980. Her determination and passion extended beyond the classroom and the field as she ventured into the realm of social work, serving as a dedicated psychiatric Social Worker in Wilmington, Delaware, where she made a profound impact on the lives of those she encountered.
However, her journey didn’t stop there. Fueled by her unwavering spirit, she pursued her athletic aspirations, competing as an Olympian and showcasing her prowess on the track. Her remarkable talent and relentless pursuit of excellence led her to clinch victory at the Florida Lady Gator Relays in the 400 hurdles, an impressive feat she accomplished not once, but three years in a row.
Adding to her list of accolades, she secured the esteemed first runner-up position at the Penn Relays in the 400 hurdles in 1980, further solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of athletics.
Yet, her impact transcended the realms of academia and sports. Recognizing the need for representation and opportunity in the modeling industry, she blazed a trail by founding Africa’s largest model search, Africa’s Next Super Model, providing a platform for aspiring models across the continent to showcase their talent and potential on a global stage.
One of the projects she’s passionate about is ‘Runway to Redemption’, a feature ongoing documentary currently in production about the lives of girls and boys from the Kakuma refugee being turned into professional runway models. It is a story that touches on various themes including early childhood marriage, women empowerment, refugee rights, and human trafficking. Despite being raised as stateless refugees, each of these amazing men and women has through the platform of international modeling found their runway to redemption.
The story takes us from the despondency and struggle they faced as refugees [while showing the inner fortitude each of them innately possesses] and how they made their way to the bright lights of European catwalks where they are modeling for some of the biggest fashion designers in the world. It’s a tale of two worlds, and how they must navigate between them.
She is known as the mother of models, who takes a special and keen interest in upgrading the lives of models in Africa and around the world. She instinctively offers support to anyone within her capacity.
Mrs. Joan Elumelu – Okorodudu
MD/CEO, IBCNL, ISIS Models
