The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has dismissed reports claiming that N1 billion was earmarked in the 2026 budget solely for the procurement of musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency, describing the reports as misleading.
In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, Kalu clarified that the actual allocation is N780 million after VAT and other tax deductions.
He explained that the fund is meant for a youth reorientation and social support programme to be implemented through faith-based organisations across Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State.
According to the statement, the first phase will benefit 130 churches across the constituency’s 13 electoral wards, with each church receiving support valued at between N5 million and N6 million.
The office said the intervention would provide evangelical instruments and public address systems to strengthen campaigns against drug abuse, sexual offences, violent crimes and other social vices among young people.
It added that the programme is intended to promote discipline, peace, unity and character development, stressing that nation-building should also include investment in values, not only physical infrastructure.
The statement noted that just as traditional institutions receive government support to preserve cultural values, faith-based organisations also deserve assistance because of their role in youth development and moral instruction.
It further stated that similar faith-based youth programmes exist in other parts of the country and that the initiative seeks to strengthen such efforts in the South-East through church platforms.
The Deputy Speaker’s office clarified that the 2026 budget has not yet been implemented, noting that the country is still operating the 2024 and 2025 budgets pending releases for the new fiscal year.
It also disclosed that a technical error was discovered in the procurement description and that a corrigendum has been initiated through the Budget Office and the Appropriation Committee before implementation.
He urged the public to disregard what it described as sensational reports, insisting the intervention is aimed at youth reorientation and community development, while reaffirming his commitment to transparency and accountability in constituency projects.
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