Former Ekiti State Governor and newly inaugurated Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency Board, Ayodele Fayose, has linked the lack of electricity in rural communities to early bedtimes and what he described as increased childbearing.
Fayose argued that the absence of electricity and alternative forms of recreation in rural areas was contributing to population growth, as residents are often forced to remain indoors after nightfall.
He made the remarks in Abuja on Friday after being inaugurated as Chairman of the REA governing board by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe.
According to Fayose, many rural communities have little or no access to electricity, leaving residents with limited options for entertainment and social activities at night.
He said, “Why you don’t address this issue of electricity? The people at that level have no alternative attraction. Nothing else matters to them. After 7 o’clock, it gets dark there.
“Everybody is engaging their wives. And the population simply becomes double. The simple problem is because there is lack of electricity.”
Fayose said providing electricity to rural communities would not only improve living conditions but also create opportunities for nightlife and other forms of recreation outside the home.
He added, “People go to bed early. Their mind is simply prepared that, well, if this is the only available recreation, let me remain here.
“But when we address this electricity, there will be nightlife. There will be recreation outside your wife.”
The former governor’s comments came as he assumed responsibility for helping to advance the Federal Government’s rural electrification agenda through the REA, which is mandated to expand electricity access to underserved and unserved communities across the country.
Fayose was inaugurated alongside other members of the REA governing board, including Ahmadu Abubakar and Ilyasu Makinta, who were appointed as board members.
Three other non-executive directors were also inaugurated, while Abba Aliyu was formally installed as Managing Director of the agency.
The new board is expected to support efforts to expand electricity access in rural and underserved communities, with emphasis on renewable energy, off-grid solutions and other interventions designed to bridge Nigeria’s electricity access gap.
Fayose’s remarks also highlight the broader social and economic implications of rural electrification beyond the provision of power for households and businesses.
Access to reliable electricity can support evening economic activities, education, healthcare, communications and small businesses, while reducing dependence on alternative sources of lighting and power.
The REA has been at the centre of Federal Government efforts to deploy off-grid and renewable energy solutions to communities that remain underserved by the national electricity grid.
Fayose is expected to work with the agency’s management and other stakeholders to advance programmes aimed at improving electricity access and supporting economic activity in rural communities.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, who inaugurated the board, is expected to oversee the ministry’s broader efforts to improve electricity supply and expand access across the country.
(The Whistler)