By Fatima Saka
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the South-South, Gift Johnbull. , has revealed that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to bridging Nigeria’s rural energy gap and driving economic growth through increased electrification efforts.
Speaking at a Rural Electrification Agency (REA) event, Johnbull described the President’s initiatives as a “great feat,” citing years of energy poverty that have stifled production and economic development in rural communities.
“Before now, there was a huge gap in rural energy. These initiatives, both national and international, and the wonderful job that REA is doing, aim to ensure a total reduction in energy poverty in our rural communities,” Johnbull stated. “The goal is not just growth in numbers but growth across our communities, geographically and economically.”
Johnbull further stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration and continuous community engagement in addressing Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
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According to her, President Tinubu’s creation of a dedicated office for community engagement underscores the administration’s resolve to involve local populations in decision-making and project ownership.
“Project ownership is fundamental. That is why this office exists, to bridge the gap between local communities and the Presidency. Communities need to see and own these projects for long-term sustainability,” she added.
According to the senior assistant, the Tinubu administration has made energy access a priority under its Renewed Hope Agenda, with the REA leading efforts to implement decentralized renewable energy projects, stimulate rural development, and strengthen local economies.
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