Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has attributed rising population levels in rural communities to inadequate electricity supply, saying limited access to power reduces nightlife and recreational options.
Fayose made the remarks in Abuja on Friday after his inauguration as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) board.
According to him, the absence of electricity in many rural areas forces residents indoors early, leaving few alternatives for evening activities.
“After 7pm, everywhere is dark. People have no other attractions and simply go to bed early,” he said, suggesting this contributes to increased birth rates.
He added that improving electricity access would encourage nightlife, boost social activities, and provide alternative forms of recreation.
Fayose’s comments come as he assumes leadership of the REA board, an agency tasked with expanding electricity access to underserved communities nationwide. His appointment followed recent federal government efforts to scale rural electrification through mini-grid projects and other initiatives.
He was sworn in alongside other board members, including Ahmadu Abubakar and Ilyasu Makinta, while Abba Aliyu continues as the agency’s Managing Director.
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