Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, says his office allocated N780 million in the 2026 budget for the procurement of musical instruments for churches in Bende federal constituency of Abia state.
In a statement on Wednesday by Levinus Nwabughiogu, his
chief press secretary, Kalu said reports of a N1 billion allocation were untrue
and misrepresented the intent and scope of the provision.
He said the fund was earmarked for a youth re-orientation
and social support programme to be delivered evangelistically through
faith-based organisations in the constituency.
“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,” the statement reads.
“Bende has 13 federal political/electoral wards and over 200
churches. The first phase of this support targets 130 of these churches
averaging about 10 churches per ward, which amounts to approximately N5m to N6m
per church.”
According to Kalu, the intervention was designed to help
churches expand existing youth engagement platforms focused on character reform
and deliver more impactful community outreaches.
The deputy speaker said nation-building should go beyond
physical infrastructure, noting that the government must also invest in the
character and value system of citizens.
“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,”
he said.
Kalu noted that the 2026 budget containing the provision was
yet to be implemented, adding that selected churches would be notified after
the procurement process was concluded.
He also said his office had identified a technical error in
the procurement description and initiated a corrigendum through the budget
office and the House Committee on Appropriations before implementation.
The deputy speaker urged the media and public to disregard
sensational reports and to support efforts aimed at building infrastructure and
character in the country.
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