Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has linked poor electricity supply in rural communities to early nights, limited recreational activities and what he described as increased population growth.
Fayose made the remarks on Friday in Abuja after he was inaugurated as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Rural Electrification Agency.
Speaking about the impact of inadequate electricity in rural communities, Fayose said residents often had few options for entertainment after nightfall because of the absence of power.
A video of his remarks, shared by ARISE News on Saturday, showed the former governor arguing that improved electricity supply would provide residents with more opportunities for recreation outside the home.
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 access to electricity would also encourage people to stay out later and support the development of nightlife and other recreational activities in rural communities.
“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.
Fayose’s comments came as he assumed leadership of the REA board, which is responsible for supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to expand electricity access to unserved and underserved communities across the country.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, inaugurated Fayose and other members of the governing board in Abuja.
Ahmadu Abubakar and Ilyasu Makinta were also inaugurated as board members, alongside three other non-executive directors.
Abba Aliyu was formally installed as Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency.
