Miss Alayande, a 20-year-old 200 level student in the Department of Animal Science of the University, sprinted to stardom on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at the Aurora Events Centre in Osogbo where the first ever keenly contested colourful Mr & Miss AgriTourism 2019 took place. She contested alongside fifteen (15) others from different universities and polytechnics in Nigeria.
The first runner-up, Miss Jinadu ImisiOluwa Jesutofunmi is a 300 Level student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) studying English Education. The second runner-up, Miss Oluwaferanmi Ajayi, is a 400 Level student of Ondo State University of Science & Technology studying Microbiology.
In the male category, King TiJesunimi Alao emerged King AgriTourism 2019 while the runner up is King Gregg Joe. Hon. Supervisor of Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Babawale Adebisi who represented the Governor of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola in his keynote address emphasised on the readiness of the state government to support any initiative in the area of agriculture and tourism. This, he said, would support the income generation of the state, enhance job creation, empower the residents, boost the economy and also bring about peace and harmony in the state.
One of the Nollywood Stars who graced the occasion, Dr. Kola Oyewo advised the youth to always use their brain to create wealth no matter their educational background. The Special Assistant to Senator-elect of Osun West Senatorial District, Engr. Lere Oriolowo, Hon Ojasope who represented the Senator encouraged the state to embrace agriculture and tourism as the bedrock of revenue generation for the state. He also enjoined the youths to be self-employed.
According to the organiser of the event, Alayande will have to her crown a brand new car with a tour to Ghana and Canada. The Director of Exodus International, God-is-Great Emmanuel also announced largesse for all the contestants on behalf of the aviation, hospitality and tourism institute. The world acclaimed Exodus International gave full scholarship to Mr. and Miss AgriTourism 2019 and their runners-up while 50% scholarship was awarded to all other participants as consolation prizes.
The Governor, State of Osun was represented by the Supervisor for Home Affairs, Culture & Tourism, Dr. Babawale Adebisi. Nollywood star, Dr. Kola Oyewo and other eminent personalities graced the maiden edition of Mr. & Miss AgriTourism 2019.