The Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has clarified that ₦780m not ₦1bn was earmarked for church musical instruments, youth reorientation programme in Bende churches
The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has dismissed reports claiming that ₦1 billion was inserted into the proposed 2026 budget solely for the procurement of musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency, describing the reports as misleading.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the office clarified that the provision is not for musical instruments alone but forms part of a broader youth re-orientation and social support programme to be implemented through faith-based organisations in the constituency.
According to the statement, the actual allocation stands at ₦780 million after Value Added Tax (VAT) and other statutory deductions, contrary to claims that ₦1 billion was earmarked exclusively for church equipment.
The statement explained that the intervention would be executed using an evangelistic approach through churches across Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State.
It noted that the constituency comprises 13 federal electoral wards and over 200 churches, with the first phase targeting 130 churches, averaging about 10 churches per ward.
“The proposed allocation is actually ₦780 million after VAT and other tax deductions. It is earmarked as a Youth Re-orientation and Social Support Programme delivered with evangelistic approach through faith-based organizations in Bende Federal Constituency,” the statement said.
It added that each of the selected churches is expected to receive support valued at between ₦5 million and ₦6 million to strengthen existing youth engagement initiatives.
“It is designed to equip churches to expand existing youth engagement platforms focused on character reform, and to deliver more impactful community outreaches,” the statement added.
The office explained that the funds would be used to procure evangelical instruments and public address systems to support campaigns against social vices, including drug abuse, sexual offences and violent crimes, while promoting discipline, peace and moral values among young people.
“The funds are intended to support the purchase of evangelical instruments and public address systems to promote campaigns against vices like the spread of narcotics, sexual offences, violent crimes while instilling discipline, values, peace, and character development among young people in the communities,” it stated.
Defending the initiative, the deputy speaker’s office argued that nation-building extends beyond physical infrastructure and should also include investments in value orientation and character development.
“Nation-building must go beyond roads and physical infrastructure. Government must also invest in building the character and value system of the people who use the infrastructure using various value delivery platforms. Government is also employing non-kinetic approaches to promote peace, unity and progress of Nigeria,” the statement said.
It further noted that just as governments have supported traditional institutions with town halls and community centres to preserve cultural values, faith-based organisations also play a vital role in promoting positive social values.
According to the statement, the programme seeks to strengthen youth development initiatives through church platforms, an approach it said has been successfully adopted in other parts of the country but is yet to gain significant traction in the south-east.
The Deputy Speaker’s office also clarified that the 2026 Appropriation Act has not yet been implemented, stressing that no funds have been released for the project.
“At the moment, the country is still operating on the 2024 and 2025 budgets. The 2026 budget is yet to be funded. It is yet to receive releases, which must take place before the commencement of procurement,” the statement noted.
It also disclosed that a technical error had been identified in the procurement description and that a letter of corrigendum had already been initiated to enable the Budget Office and the Appropriation Committee make the necessary corrections before implementation.
Reiterating the objective of the programme, the office said: “This intervention is not about instruments alone. It is about leveraging trusted community value-sustaining structures to reorient our youths, promote unity, and sustain moral instruction across the constituency.”
The Deputy Speaker’s office urged the public and the media to disregard what it described as sensational reports and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in the appropriation and implementation of constituency projects.
