By Paul Joseph
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has joked that the lack of electricity at night in rural communities is prompting Nigerians to spend more time with their spouses and, consequently, produce more babies.
Fayose made the remark in Abuja after being inaugurated as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), while highlighting the need to extend electricity access to underserved communities.
According to the former governor, many rural communities are plunged into darkness from about 7pm, leaving residents with limited entertainment and recreational activities and forcing many to remain indoors.
Fayose said the absence of alternative nighttime activities means some residents spend more time with their spouses, which he humorously linked to increasing population growth.
He suggested that expanding electricity access could change the situation by allowing people in rural communities to engage in more nightlife, entertainment and recreational activities outside their homes.
The former governor said improved electricity supply would therefore have benefits beyond lighting homes, as it could stimulate social interaction, commercial activities and economic development in underserved communities.
Fayose’s comments came as he assumed leadership of the REA, the Federal Government agency responsible for promoting and expanding electricity access to rural and underserved communities across Nigeria.
He was inaugurated alongside other members of the REA Governing Board by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe.
The newly inaugurated board is expected to support government efforts to expand electricity access and improve power supply across rural and underserved communities nationwide.
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