Ile-Ife records first rain in 2024

The ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun, on Tuesday recorded its first rainfall in the year 2024, our correspondent reports.

The rain which started around 4.00am, lasted for about 30 minutes in Kosere, Ilode, Iloro, Arubidi, Ondo Road, Omisore, Iremo, Enuwa, Lagere, Odo-Ogbe areas of Ile-Ife among others.

The rain, which fell without a storm, was heavy in the affected areas, and there was no report of any destruction of property.

Some residents of Ile-Ife, who spoke with our reporter, said the rain was sign of blessings and indication that 2024 farming season would bring a lot of bounties.

Mr Dele Amusan, a resident of Kosere and farmer, said the rain was a sign of hope for farmers in the area.

Amusan said that the rain would reduce the current harsh weather condition, adding that the people can now sleep better with improved weather condition.

He advised farmers in the area to take advantage of the rain to start bush clearing and preparation for farming activities.

Amusan equally called on government to begin early by clearing the waterways so as to prevent flooding, while appealing to residents not to dump wastes into water channels.

Also, Mr Yemi Ogunsola, another farmer, called on the people, irrespective of their career, to embrace farming to reduce the current hardship in the country.

He said that farming should not be left for the rural farmers alone, saying businessmen and civil servants should go into farming to ensure availability of food

Ogunsola noted that the country is presently recording lesser food production for the growing population, adding that the only solution was for more hands to get involved in farming.