By James Adamu
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has responded to media reports claiming that N1 billion was earmarked in the 2026 Federal Budget solely for the procurement of musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency, describing the reports as a “misrepresentation” of the budget provision.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu clarified that the actual allocation is N780 million after Value Added Tax (VAT) and other statutory deductions, and it is designed for a broader Youth Re-orientation and Social Support Programme to be implemented through faith-based organisations.
“The proposed allocation is actually N780 million after VAT and other tax deductions. It is earmarked as a Youth Re-orientation and Social Support Programmes delivered evangelistically through faith-based organizations in Bende federal constituency of Abia State”, the statement read.
According to the statement, Bende Federal Constituency has 13 federal electoral wards and more than 200 churches. The first phase of the programme will benefit 130 churches, approximately 10 churches per ward, with each selected church receiving between N5 million and N6 million.
“The first phase of this support targets 130 of these churches averaging about 10 churches per ward, which amounts to approximately 5 to 6 million Naira per church,” the statement explained. “It is designed to equip churches to expand existing youth engagement platforms focused on character reform, and to deliver more impactful community outreaches.”
The funds, Kalu explained, would support the procurement of evangelical equipment, including musical instruments and public address systems, to facilitate campaigns against drug abuse, sexual offences, violent crimes, while promoting discipline, moral values and character development 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,” the statement read.
Kalu stressed that nation-building must go beyond roads and physical infrastructure, arguing that government must also invest in programmes that promote positive values and responsible citizenship.
“Nation-building must go beyond roads and physical infrastructure,” he said. “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 Deputy Speaker further disclosed that a technical error was identified in the procurement description of the budget item, and a corrigendum has already been initiated through the Budget Office and the Appropriation Committee to effect the necessary correction before implementation.
“Similarly, we have also identified a technical error in the procurement description. A letter of corrigendum to this effect has been initiated for the needed correction by the budget office through the appropriation committee before implementation,” the statement added.
For the avoidance of doubt, Kalu clarified that the 2026 budget has not yet been implemented as the Federal Government is currently operating under the 2024 and 2025 budgets.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the 2026 budget where this is domiciled is yet to be implemented. The selected churches will receive notification once the procurement processes have been concluded,” the statement said. “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.”
Kalu urged the media and the public to disregard what he described as sensational reports.
“This intervention is not about instruments alone. It is about leveraging trusted community values sustaining structures to reorient our youths, promote unity, and sustain moral instruction across the constituency. We urge the media and the public to disregard sensational reports and to support efforts aimed at building both infrastructure and character in our society”, the statement concluded.
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