Ibadan witnessed the first rain in the year 2024 in the early hours of Thursday.

The heavy rain started at about 3:40 a.m. and lasted about 40 minutes, stopping at about 4:20 a.m.

The unexpected downpour, devoid of lightning, heavy wind and thunderstorms, was witnessed at Omi-Adio, in Ido LGA, Ibadan South West LGA and other parts of the metropolis.

The city’s residents expressed delight over the downpour, describing it as “showers of blessing in the new year.’’

A resident of Omi Adio, Paul Ademola, said the rain was a relief from the heat 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,” Mr Ademola. “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 a blessing and an indication of early rainfall in the year.

A roadside trader, Romoke Alao, said the rain was a blessing and an indication that the new year would benefit everyone.

Some parts of the Ibadan metropolis, like Oke-Itunu and Mokola in Ibadan South West, did not witness any rain.

(NAN)