N780M, NOT N1BN, APPROVED FOR YOUTH REORIENTATION PROGRAMME — KALU
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has denied reports claiming that his office earmarked N1 billion in the 2026 budget for the purchase of musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu clarified that the actual budget allocation is N780 million, not N1 billion as widely reported.
He said the reports inaccurately portrayed both the amount allocated and the objective of the project.
According to the deputy speaker, the budget provision, after deductions for Value Added Tax and other statutory charges, stands at N780 million and is designed to fund a youth re-orientation and social support initiative through faith-based organisations.
“The funds are intended for the procurement of evangelical instruments and public address systems to support campaigns against social vices such as drug abuse, sexual offences and violent crimes, while promoting discipline, moral values, peace and character development among young people,” the statement said.
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Kalu noted that Bende Federal Constituency comprises 13 electoral wards and more than 200 churches, with the first phase of the programme expected to benefit 130 churches.
“Bende has 13 electoral wards and over 200 churches. The first phase targets 130 churches, averaging about 10 churches per ward, with each church expected to receive support valued at between N5 million and N6 million,” he explained.
He stressed that the intervention goes beyond the procurement of musical equipment, describing it as an effort to strengthen church-based youth engagement platforms and encourage positive values among young people.
“This initiative is not solely about musical instruments. It is about using trusted community institutions to reorient youths, foster unity and sustain moral education across the constituency,” Kalu stated.
The deputy speaker further disclosed that implementation of the 2026 budget has not yet commenced and that beneficiary churches would be informed after the procurement process is concluded.
He also revealed that a corrigendum had been initiated to address what his office described as a technical error in the procurement description before implementation begins.
Kalu urged members of the public and the media to disregard claims that N1 billion was allocated exclusively for musical instruments, insisting that the programme forms part of a wider strategy aimed at youth development and the promotion of community values.
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