Former Ekiti State Governor and newly appointed Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency, Ayodele Fayose, has urged the Federal Government to improve electricity supply to rural communities, saying the lack of power is contributing to rising population growth.
Fayose made the remarks shortly after his inauguration as Chairman of the REA, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu alongside 25 other heads of federal agencies and commissions in July 2026.
According to him, the absence of electricity in many rural communities leaves residents with limited options for recreation at night, forcing many to retire to bed early.
Fayose said providing electricity would stimulate nightlife and create alternative recreational activities for residents outside their homes.
He said, “Why don’t you 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.”
The former governor added, “Everybody is engaging their wives. And the population simply becomes double. The simple problem is because there is lack of electricity.”
Fayose explained that rural residents often have little choice but to remain indoors because of darkness and the absence of entertainment facilities.
“People go to bed early. Their mind is simply prepared that, well, if this is the only available recreation, let me remain here,” he said.
The REA chairman further stated, “But when we address this electricity, there will be nightlife. There will be recreation outside your wife.”
Fayose’s comments came as he assumed responsibility for the agency saddled with the task of expanding electricity access to underserved and rural communities across the country.
He stressed the need for improved electricity infrastructure as part of efforts to transform the quality of life in rural communities and provide residents with more opportunities for social and economic activities after dark.
