Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has blamed poor electricity supply in rural communities for early nights, limited recreational activities and, jokingly, rising population, saying residents often have little to do after darkness sets in.

Fayose spoke on Friday 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, Fayose said the absence of electricity had significantly restricted nightlife and recreational opportunities in rural communities, forcing residents to remain indoors after nightfall.

“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,” he said.

The former governor argued that extending electricity access to rural areas would not only improve living standards but also create opportunities for nightlife, entertainment and other forms of recreation.

“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,” Fayose added.

His comments came as he assumed leadership of the REA board, which is tasked with supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to expand electricity access to underserved and unserved communities across the country.

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

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

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