ABUJA — Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has officially assumed office as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
Fayose was inaugurated on Friday in Abuja by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, alongside other members of the newly constituted governing board.
Also inaugurated were Alhaji Ahmadu Abubakar, Mr. Ilyasu Makinta, three other non-executive directors, while Mr. Abba Aliyu was formally sworn in as the Managing Director of the agency.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, Fayose expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and other board members. He pledged to provide the political support required to strengthen the agency and enhance its capacity to deliver on its mandate.
According to him, his immediate priority is to ensure the agency secures the necessary support and funding to implement both ongoing and future projects aimed at improving electricity access across rural communities.
He stated that the board had already commenced consultations with relevant stakeholders to mobilise resources and fast-track the implementation of projects.
Fayose assured Nigerians that the new board would work diligently to justify the confidence placed in it, promising to contribute meaningfully to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through improved rural electrification.
He noted that the agency’s responsibility extends beyond supplying electricity, stressing that its mission is to improve the quality of life of millions of Nigerians, particularly those living in underserved communities.
“The assignment before us is not limited to providing electricity alone. It is about ensuring that people in rural communities experience the social and economic benefits that come with reliable energy. When that happens, the impact of the agency will be felt across the country,” he said.
Earlier, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said Nigeria’s electricity sector should no longer be assessed solely by the volume of electricity generated but by the number of communities, homes and businesses gaining access to power.
He described the Rural Electrification Agency as a strategic institution whose activities directly support education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, commerce and economic development.
According to the minister, every mini-grid, solar home system, electrified school, healthcare facility, market and productive enterprise represents an investment in human capital, economic inclusion and national prosperity.
Tegbe added that the agency’s role has become increasingly important as the Federal Government continues implementing the Electricity Act and broader reforms within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
He said the REA is expected to serve as the bridge between national electricity policies and grassroots development, ensuring that the benefits of ongoing reforms reach rural and underserved communities across the country.
The minister noted that the inauguration of the new governing board reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening governance, accountability and strategic oversight in public institutions.
He urged members of the board to uphold transparency, encourage innovation, manage public resources responsibly and deepen collaboration with development partners and private sector investors to accelerate electricity access nationwide.
Tegbe further advised the board to ensure that every decision taken prioritises improving the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
Also speaking at the ceremony, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding electricity access through rural electrification and off-grid energy programmes.
The inauguration officially marks the commencement of the tenure of the new governing board, with Fayose expected to provide strategic leadership and oversight as the agency advances efforts to improve electricity access and support socio-economic development across Nigeria.
Fayose Assumes Office as REA Governing Board Chairman, Pledges to Expand Rural Electricity Access
