Residents expressed mixed feelings about the rain.

Residents of Abuja on Friday evening expressed mixed feelings as Nigeria’s capital city recorded its first rain in 2014.

The light rain, which started at about 4 p.m., lasted till about 7.30 p.m. in different parts of the territory.

A resident, John Afamefuna, said the early rain was a welcome development.

Mr. Afamefuna said it was a long awaited rain crucial to calm the city’s hot climate.

“It is nice we are experiencing the light showers, at least to cushion the effect of the dry and dusty harmattan,” Mr. Afamefuna said.

Another resident, Magnus Okechi, said the showers could suspend the dusty particles that transmit air-borne diseases, although temporarily.

“The effect of dust to the eyes can result to impaired vision and if not handled properly can lead to total blindness,’’ Mr. Okechi added.

Florence Ojoko, a business woman, said the early rain was a sign to prepare for challenges of the wet season.

“You know the rainy season comes with its challenges and as such I need to prepare ahead of time.

“I need to get my umbrella ready and provide rain coats for my children as well as ensure my car wipers are functioning properly ready for the wet season’’, Ms. Ojoko stressed.

Patrick Agbo, Manager, Afro Asia Garden, Wuse 2, said efforts were in place to ensure there were no leaking roofs to guarantee customers’ comfort and boost sales during the wet season.

Adebayo Femi, a civil servant, said that the first rain usually heralded heat.

Mr. Femi urged the power sector to ensure improved power generation and supply to reduce the effect of the hot weather.

The Chairman of Nigerian Environmental Society, Akinrele Olusegun, however, said the dry season was not yet over.

Mr. Olusegun said that the annual early rains in Abuja usually ushered in hot temperature up to middle of March.

He urged the people to desist from burning the bushes, illegal mining, defecating in open spaces and other activities that degrade the environment.

He said there was need for people to show concern toward protecting the environment by engaging in environmentally-friendly activities at all times.

(NAN)