Ex-Governor Ayo Fayose Sworn In as REA Board Chairman, Vows to Electrify Rural Communities

The Federal Government has inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), charging its leadership to prioritize rural energy access and economic inclusion across the country.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry of Power headquarters in Abuja, was presided over by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe. Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose officially assumed leadership as Chairman of the Governing Board, taking office alongside newly appointed non-executive directors including Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar and Engineer Ilyasu Ibrahim Makinta.

Inaugurating the board, Minister Joseph Tegbe emphasized that the federal government is shifting its power sector focus from simply counting megawatts to evaluating how electricity access directly improves the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens. He noted that the REA serves as a critical engine for expanding opportunities through off-grid interventions, solar home systems, and mini-grids powering local markets, schools, health centers, and agricultural hubs.

The minister also clarified operational boundaries, pointing out that while the non-executive board provides strategic direction and oversight during its quarterly meetings, day-to-day operational execution remains under the leadership of REA Managing Director Abba Abubakar Aliyu.

Accepting the appointment, Board Chairman Ayodele Fayose expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and his colleagues. He assured Nigerians that the new board will supply the necessary political will and aggressively drive resource mobilization to fund both short- and long-term electrification projects.

Fayose stressed that the core challenges of Nigeria’s power deficit are concentrated at the grassroots level, adding that the board will work tirelessly to ensure rural and underserved communities feel the immediate benefits of national energy expansion.