Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has attributed rising population growth in Nigeria’s rural areas to the persistent lack of electricity.

Fayose made the assertion on Friday in Abuja shortly after his inauguration as Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Speaking in a video clip later shared by ARISE News, he explained that the absence of power supply in rural communities limits social and recreational activities, thereby contributing to early bedtimes and increased birth rates.

According to him, “When you don’t address the issue of electricity, people at that level have no alternative attractions. After 7 p.m., it is already dark, and there is little else to do. Naturally, people retire early and this contributes to population growth.”

He further noted that access to electricity would significantly improve lifestyle patterns in rural areas by promoting nightlife and providing alternative forms of recreation beyond the home.

“People go to bed early because that is the only available option. But when electricity is available, there will be nightlife and other recreational opportunities outside the home,” Fayose added.

The former governor made these remarks as he officially assumed leadership of the REA board, an agency tasked with driving the Federal Government’s initiative to expand electricity access to underserved and unserved communities nationwide.

Fayose was inaugurated alongside other board members by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe. Other members sworn in include Ahmadu Abubakar and Ilyasu Makinta, as well as three non-executive directors. Abba Aliyu was also formally confirmed as the Managing Director of the agency.