Ibadan, Oyo state capital recorded its first rain of the year on Thursday.
The heavy rain started at about 3.40 a.m. and lasted for about 40 minutes, stopping at about 4; 20 a.m.
The unexpected downpour was devoid of lightning, heavy wind and thunderstorms, also extended to Omi-Adio, in Ido Local Government, Ibadan South West Local Government and other parts of the metropolis.
The residents of the city were happy for the downpour, saying 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.”
Another resident, a farmer, 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.
Some parts of the Ibadan metropolis like Oke -Itunu, Mokola in Ibadan South West did not witness any rain.
