NEWS
Fayose Links Rural Power Shortage to Early Bedtimes, Population Growth
…says Darkness Responsible For Increased Childbearing In Rural Areas
Former Ekiti State Governor and newly inaugurated Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Board, Ayodele Fayose, has stirred reactions after linking the persistent lack of electricity in rural communities to early bedtimes and what he described as increased childbearing.
Fayose made the remarks in Abuja on Friday shortly after he was inaugurated as Chairman of the REA governing board by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe.
Speaking on the challenges facing rural communities across Nigeria, the former governor argued that inadequate electricity supply goes beyond limiting economic activities, saying it also affects how residents spend their evenings and interact within their communities.
According to Fayose, many people living in rural areas have limited access to alternative forms of entertainment and recreation once darkness sets in. He suggested that the absence of electricity leaves residents with fewer options for social activities at night and, consequently, more time spent 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’s comments highlight his broader argument that rural electrification should be viewed not merely as a power-sector intervention but as an important component of social and economic development.
He maintained that reliable electricity could transform rural communities by extending productive hours, supporting businesses, improving access to information and entertainment, and creating more opportunities for residents to engage in activities outside their homes after sunset.
He added, “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.”
The former governor’s remarks came as he assumed a new responsibility at the REA, the Federal Government agency charged with expanding electricity access to unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.
The agency plays a key role in the country’s rural electrification drive, particularly through initiatives aimed at deploying renewable energy solutions and extending electricity infrastructure to communities that remain outside the reach of conventional power networks.
Fayose was inaugurated alongside other members of the REA governing board, including Ahmadu Abubakar and Ilyasu Makinta, who were appointed as board members.
With his appointment, Fayose is expected to contribute to efforts aimed at accelerating rural electrification and improving access to reliable power for communities that have historically remained underserved.
His comments have also drawn attention to the wider social consequences of Nigeria’s electricity deficit, underscoring how the availability or absence of power can influence daily routines, economic activity and community life after sunset.If you want, I can also make it more punchy and viral-news style, with a stronger headline and opening paragraph.