Bende N1bn musical instruments: 130 churches to receive N6m each – Kalu breaks silence
Deputy Speaker’s Office Refutes Claims on Budget Allocation for Churches
The Office of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has dismissed reports alleging that a sum of 1 billion naira was earmarked in the 2026 budget exclusively for the purchase of musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State.
In a statement released Wednesday by Chief Press Secretary Levinus Nwabughiogu, the office characterized these claims as misrepresentations of the intended budgetary allocation.
The statement clarified that the actual allocation is 780 million naira, after value-added tax and other deductions. The funds are designated for a youth re-orientation and social support program, which will be implemented through faith-based organizations in Bende Federal Constituency.
Bende comprises 13 electoral wards and over 200 churches. The first phase of the program aims to engage 130 churches, averaging roughly 10 per ward. Each selected church is projected to receive between 5 million and 6 million naira to bolster youth engagement initiatives and community outreach efforts.
The statement emphasized that these funds will be allocated for the procurement of evangelical instruments and public address systems, aimed at supporting campaigns against drug abuse, sexual offenses, and violent crimes, while also promoting discipline, peace, moral values, and character development among youth.
Kalu’s office stressed that nation-building extends beyond physical infrastructure and calls for investments in value reorientation. The initiative is part of the government’s non-kinetic approach to fostering peace, unity, and social development.
Additionally, the statement noted that traditional institutions have previously benefitted from similar interventions, such as the provision of town halls and community engagement centers. It underscored the important role faith-based organizations play in sustaining societal values.
The Deputy Speaker’s office indicated that while faith-based organizations across the nation have long been engaged in youth development initiatives, this program aims to enhance similar efforts in the Southeast, utilizing church platforms.
Furthermore, the office clarified that the 2026 budget has yet to be implemented or funded, and the selected churches will be notified post-procurement process. They also acknowledged a technical error in the procurement description, confirming that a letter of corrigendum has been initiated to allow the Budget Office and the appropriation committee to make necessary corrections before implementation.
The statement urged media outlets and the public to disregard what it deemed sensational reports, affirming that the initiative focuses on youth re-orientation, community development, and moral instruction, rather than merely acquiring musical instruments.
