By Ademola Adegbite
The city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday, witnessed the first rain in 2026.
The rain started around 8:20 pm and stopped around 8:50 pm.
Investigations by The PUNCH revealed that some communities within the Akinyele, Lagelu, Ibadan North, Ibadan North East, Ibadan South East, Egbeda, Oluyole and Ido Local Government Areas of the state witnessed the 30-minute rainfall.
The PUNCH reports that in 2024, the residents in some parts of the ancient city witnessed their first rain in the early hours of Thursday, January 4, 2024, while the residents witnessed the first rainfall in 2025, on Sunday, February 2.
Some of the residents, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone in Ibadan, the state capital, thanked God that it rained without accompanying lightning, heavy wind, or thunderstorms.
Residents, including farmers and traders, expressed delight, viewing it as a positive sign for the new year.
A resident of Moniya, Ismail Tajudeen, said the rain was a relief from the heat being witnessed in the afternoon.
“We have to thank God. There was no sign of harmattan since late December 2025. This is a sign of relief,” he said.
A commercial driver, Abiodun Akinade, said the rain was not just a blessing, but an indication of early rainfall in the year.
A trader, Toyin Ige, said the rain was a blessing and an indication that the new year would be good to everyone.
