The city of Ibadan, Oyo State in the early hours of Thursday witnessed the first rain in 2024.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the heavy rain which started around 3.40am lasted about 40 minutes, stopping around 4.20am.
The unexpected downpour, devoid of lightning, heavy wind and thunderstorms, was witnessed at Omi-Adio, in Ido Local Government, Ibadan South West Local Government and other parts of the metropolis.
Residents of the city expressed delight over the downpour, describing it as “showers of blessing in the new year’’.
A resident of Omi Adio, Mr Paul Ademola, said the rain was a relief from the heat being witnessed in the evening with mild harmattan early in the morning.
“It is also a relief from the harmattan haze made worse by untarred roads, causing illnesses among residents of Omi–Adio.
“I think it is important for the local government authority to pay urgent attention to constructing the roads,” he said.
Another resident, a farmer, Mr Nicholas Olabanji, said the rain was not just a blessing, but an indication of early rainfall in the year.
A roadside trader, Mrs Romoke Alao, said the rain was a blessing and an indication that the new year would be good to everyone.
NAN reports that some parts of the Ibadan metropolis like Oke -Itunu, Mokola in Ibadan South West did not witness any rain.
(NAN)
