Ex PDP gov, others appointed by Tinubu

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

08034905774

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as part of a fresh round of appointments involving 26 individuals to the boards of key federal agencies and institutions.

The appointments, announced by the Presidency, are aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery and advancing the administration’s economic reform agenda across strategic sectors.

Fayose, who served two terms as Governor of Ekiti State, will now lead the board of the Rural Electrification Agency, the federal agency responsible for expanding access to electricity in underserved and off-grid communities across Nigeria. His appointment is expected to bring renewed political leadership and oversight to the agency as the government intensifies efforts to improve electricity access in rural areas.

The REA has been at the forefront of implementing rural electrification projects through renewable energy initiatives, mini-grids, solar home systems and public-private partnerships designed to bridge Nigeria’s electricity access gap. The agency also plays a critical role in supporting the Federal Government’s energy transition agenda by promoting clean and sustainable power solutions.

The latest appointments cover several federal agencies, with the newly appointed chairpersons and board members expected to provide policy direction, strengthen institutional governance and support the effective implementation of government programmes.

According to the Presidency, the appointments reflect the administration’s commitment to placing experienced individuals in strategic positions to drive reforms and improve the performance of public institutions.

Political observers say Fayose’s appointment is one of the most notable in the latest batch of board appointments, given his long political career and influence within the country’s political landscape.

A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fayose governed Ekiti State from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2014 to 2018. Throughout his political career, he became known for his outspoken views on national issues and his active participation in Nigeria’s political discourse.

His appointment has generated mixed reactions across political circles, with supporters describing it as recognition of his administrative experience, while critics have questioned the choice given his opposition political background. Others see the move as a demonstration of President Tinubu’s willingness to appoint experienced Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation.

Stakeholders in the power sector have expressed optimism that the new board will support the REA’s efforts to accelerate rural electrification projects, improve access to electricity for millions of Nigerians and deepen private sector participation in off-grid energy development.

Nigeria continues to face significant electricity access challenges, with millions of households and businesses, particularly in rural communities, lacking reliable power supply. Expanding rural electrification remains a key pillar of the Federal Government’s strategy to stimulate economic growth, improve education and healthcare services, create jobs and reduce energy poverty.

The newly appointed board members are expected to assume their responsibilities in accordance with the relevant provisions governing their respective agencies, working closely with management teams to ensure effective implementation of government policies and programmes.

The appointments come as the Federal Government continues to reposition critical institutions to support its Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on infrastructure development, energy security, economic diversification and improved public service delivery.