The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has denied reports that his office earmarked N1 billion in the 2026 budget for musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State.
In a statement released Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu said the actual allocation is N780 million after VAT and statutory deductions.
He explained that the funds are not solely for musical instruments but are part of a broader youth re-orientation and social support program to be implemented through faith-based organizations.
According to him, the intervention will fund evangelical instruments and public address systems to support campaigns against drug abuse, sexual offences, and violent crime while promoting discipline and positive values among youths.
Kalu noted that Bende Constituency has over 200 churches across 13 wards, with the first phase targeting 130 churches, about 10 per ward, at an estimated N5–6 million per church.
He added that the 2026 budget is yet to be implemented and that beneficiaries will be notified after procurement. A corrigendum has also been initiated to correct a technical error in the project description.
Kalu urged the public to disregard claims that N1 billion was allocated solely for musical instruments, stressing that the initiative is aimed at youth development and community value reinforcement.
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