Fayose Links Rural Power Gaps to Population Growth After REA Appointment
Former Ekiti governor, now Rural Electrification Agency chair, says lack of electricity in villages drives early bedtimes and higher birth rates.
Ayodele Fayose, newly inaugurated chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency's governing board, has attributed Nigeria's rising population in rural areas to insufficient electricity supply. Speaking in Abuja on Friday following his appointment by Power Minister Joseph Tegbe, Fayose argued that the absence of reliable power in villages forces residents indoors after sunset, limiting evening entertainment and recreational options.
The former Ekiti State governor elaborated that darkness falling around 7 p.m. leaves rural communities with minimal nighttime activities, keeping people confined to their homes. He suggested this restriction on social engagement and leisure directly contributes to higher birth rates in affected areas.
Fayose's remarks were captured in a video interview with Arise News and circulated over the weekend. Fayose's inauguration marked the formal installation of a new REA board leadership team.
Alongside him, the minister inaugurated Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar, Ilyasu Makinta, and three additional individuals as board members and non-executive directors. Abba Aliyu was separately appointed as the agency's Managing Director.
Fayose pledged to use his new position to elevate the REA's performance and expand electricity access across Nigeria. In his acceptance remarks, Fayose expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the appointment and committed to mobilizing political backing for the agency's initiatives.
He outlined plans to secure adequate funding for the REA's electrification programs, positioning the board's work as central to addressing Nigeria's energy deficit in underserved communities.
Sources
- Daily Post — ‘Lack of electricity makes people engage their wives early, doubles population’ – Fayose
- Nigerian Tribune — VIDEO: How darkness after 7pm is making Nigerians have more children — Fayose
- Punch Newspapers — Darkness after 7pm making Nigerians have more children — Fayose
- Nigerian Tribune — Fayose inaugurated as REA board chair, promises unprecedented results
