Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has denied reports that N1 billion was allocated in the 2026 budget solely for the purchase of musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State.
Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, said in a statement on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, that the reports misrepresented the purpose and value of the provision.
He said the allocation was part of a broader Youth Re-orientation and Social Support Programme to be implemented through faith-based organisations in the constituency.
According to the statement, the amount available for the programme would be about N780 million after statutory deductions, including Value Added Tax.
The initiative is expected to provide evangelical musical instruments and public address systems for youth-focused campaigns against drug abuse, sexual offences, violent crime and other social vices.
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Bende Federal Constituency comprises 13 electoral wards and more than 200 churches. The first phase is expected to cover 130 churches, with each beneficiary projected to receive between N5 million and N6 million.
Kalu’s office said the programme would strengthen church-based youth initiatives focused on character development, moral instruction and community engagement.
It also disclosed that an error in the procurement description had been identified and was being addressed through the Budget Office and the National Assembly’s appropriation process.
The office said the 2026 budget had not yet been implemented and that no funds had been released for the programme.
It urged the public to disregard reports that N1 billion had been earmarked exclusively for musical instruments, insisting that the provision forms part of a broader youth re-orientation and social support programme.