Fayose Links Early Bedtimes, Rural Population Growth To Lack Of Power

Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has linked early bedtimes, limited nightlife and what he described as rising population growth in rural communities to inadequate electricity supply.

Fayose made the remarks in Abuja shortly after his inauguration as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

In a video clip shared by ARISE News on Saturday, the former governor said the absence of electricity had deprived residents of rural communities of alternative forms of recreation at night, leaving many with little option but to stay indoors.

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 further argued that improved electricity supply would transform nightlife and recreational activities in rural communities by allowing residents to remain outdoors beyond the early evening.

According to him, access to electricity would provide residents with alternatives to staying at home and going to bed early.

“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,” he said.

The former governor’s comments came as he assumed leadership of the REA Governing Board, the agency responsible for implementing the Federal Government’s efforts to expand electricity access to unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.

Fayose was sworn in alongside other members of the REA Governing Board by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe.

Also inaugurated were Ahmadu Abubakar and Ilyasu Makinta as board members, alongside three other non-executive directors.

Abba Aliyu was also formally installed as the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency.

The new board is expected to oversee the agency’s programmes aimed at expanding electricity access, particularly in rural and underserved communities across the country.