Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose recently suggested that insufficient power supply in rural regions contributes to higher population growth. During his inauguration as the new Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) board, Fayose argued that the darkness in rural areas after sunset leaves residents with few entertainment options, causing them to retire early.
Fayose stated that once it gets dark, individuals have no other recreational activities available, leading to increased birth rates. He emphasized that providing reliable electricity would stimulate nightlife and offer people alternatives to staying indoors. By improving access to power, he believes rural residents will have more reasons to remain active outside their homes during the evening hours.
The former governor took office alongside the new REA board members, including Ahmadu Abubakar and Ilyasu Makinta, who were inaugurated by Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe. Abba Aliyu was also confirmed as the agency’s Managing Director, marking a transition in leadership for the organization tasked with bringing electricity to underserved communities across Nigeria.
