Bende N1bn musical instruments: 130 churches to receive N6m each – Kalu breaks silence

Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has dismissed reports claiming that N1 billion was inserted into the 2026 budget solely for the procurement of musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the office described the reports as a misrepresentation of the purpose of the budgetary provision.

According to the statement, the actual allocation is N780 million after VAT and other tax deductions and is meant for a youth re-orientation and social support programme to be implemented through faith-based organisations in Bende Federal Constituency.

The Deputy Speaker’s office explained that Bende has 13 electoral wards and more than 200 churches, adding that the first phase of the programme will target 130 churches, averaging about 10 churches per ward.

It said each of the selected churches is expected to receive between N5 million and N6 million to strengthen youth engagement initiatives and community outreach programmes.

The statement noted that the funds would be used to procure evangelical instruments and public address systems to support campaigns against drug abuse, sexual offences and violent crimes, while promoting discipline, peace, moral values and character development among young people.

Kalu’s office argued that nation-building goes beyond physical infrastructure and requires investment in value reorientation, adding that the initiative forms part of the government’s non-kinetic approach to promoting peace, unity and social development.

It also stated that traditional institutions have benefited from similar interventions through the provision of town halls and community engagement centres, stressing that faith-based organisations also have a role in sustaining societal values.

The statement further noted that while faith-based organisations in other parts of the country have long been involved in youth development initiatives, the programme seeks to strengthen similar efforts in the South-East using church platforms.

The Deputy Speaker’s office clarified that the 2026 budget has not yet been implemented or funded, adding that the selected churches would only be notified after the procurement process is concluded.

It also disclosed that a technical error had been identified in the procurement description and that a letter of corrigendum had been initiated to enable the Budget Office and the appropriation committee effect the necessary correction before implementation.

The statement urged the media and the public to disregard what it described as sensational reports, insisting that the intervention is aimed at youth re-orientation, community development and moral instruction rather than merely purchasing musical instruments.