The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Kalu has explained why the sum of N1 billion was earmarked to purchase musical instruments for churches in Bende federal constituency of Abia state.
He added that the programme was a Youth Re-orientation and Social Support Programme delivered with evangelistic approach through faith-based organizations in his constituency.
The Deputy Speaker in a statement issued Wednesday by his office noted that Bende has 13 federal political/electoral wards and over 200 churches,
He further argued that this development was not entirely new or strange, saying faith-based organisations in other parts of the country invest in youth development, but it is a strategy that has not gained currency in the South East region.
Kalu noted: “The attention of the Office of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and member representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has been drawn to media reports suggesting that N1 billion was inserted in the 2026 budget solely for the procurement of musical instruments for churches in Bende.
“We wish to clarify that this is a misrepresentation of the intent and scope of the provision. The proposed allocation is actually N780 million after VAT and other tax deductions.
“It is earmarked as a Youth Re-orientation and Social Support Programme delivered with evangelistic approach through faith-based organizations in Bende federal constituency of Abia State. 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 5 to 6 million Naira per church.”
Kalu added that the intervention was designed to equip churches to expand existing youth engagement platforms focused on character reform, and to deliver more impactful community outreaches.
He explained that 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.
Justifying the recklessness and the reason why the government must spend taxpayers money on religious organisations, Kalu argued that nation-building must go beyond roads and physical infrastructure.
He stressed that the government must also invest in building the character and value system of the people who use the infrastructure using various value delivery platforms.
The Deputy Speaker maintained that the government is also employing non-kinetic approaches to promote peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.
According to him, It should also be noted that traditional institutions are actively playing their part in value formation. This is precisely why government, through its representatives, has consistently supported them with town halls and other community engagement centers to serve as hubs for the preservation and sustenance of the cultural values.
“This emphasizes that faith-based organizations have a critical role to play in sustaining good norms and values in the society,” he said.
Kalu insisted that the provision therefore seeks to adopt, strengthen and support the effort in Bende federal constituency, using the church platforms.
Kalu noted: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Despite confirming that N1 billion was indeed budgeted for to procure muscular instruments for churches, Kalu urged the media and the public to disregard sensational reports and to support efforts aimed at building both infrastructure and character in our society.