By Precious Owolabi
Residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, heaved a sigh of relief on Tuesday night as they welcomed the first rainfall of 2025.
The rain, which began around 10:40 p.m., was preceded by flashes of lightning before a down pour, much to the admiration of many.
The downpour came as a great relief to residents who had been enduring intense heat and sunshine in the past few months.
As observed by The Hope, the rainfall was reported in several areas, including Ondo Road, Aule, Shagari, Road Block, Oyemekun, Arakale, Oshinle, and Hospital Road, bringing much-needed comfort to the city.
The unexpected rain, which arrived without the usual signs, provided a refreshing change in the weather.
However, The Hope gathered that while the rain covered much of Akure, some residents in areas such as Igoba Community, Sijuade, and Ilula did not experience any rainfall.
Residents of those areas expressed surprise that such heavy rain did not extend to their locations.
Meanwhile, those who spoke with The Hope remained optimistic, hoping that rainfall would soon reach their neighbourhoods as well.