The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has defended the budgetary provision for the purchase of musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, saying the intervention was not merely for church instruments but part of a broader Youth Re-orientation and Social Support Programme delivered through faith-based organisations.
In a statement issued by his office, Kalu said reports suggesting that ₦1 billion was inserted in the 2026 budget solely for the procurement of musical instruments for churches in Bende misrepresented the intent and scope of the programme.
He clarified that after VAT and other tax deductions, the actual allocation is ₦780 million, and that the programme is designed to support youth engagement, moral re-orientation and community outreach through churches across the constituency.
According to him, Bende has 13 federal political/electoral wards and more than 200 churches, while the first phase of the intervention will target 130 churches, averaging about 10 churches per ward.
He said the support would amount to about ₦5 million to ₦6 million per church.
Kalu explained that the programme was designed to equip churches to expand existing youth engagement platforms focused on character reform, discipline, peacebuilding, values and community development.
He added that the funds would support the purchase of evangelical instruments and public address systems to strengthen campaigns against social vices, including narcotics, sexual offences and violent crimes.
The Deputy Speaker argued that using faith-based organisations for youth development is not new, noting that similar models exist in other parts of the country, although the strategy has not gained wide adoption in the South East.
He maintained that the intervention is aimed at empowering religious institutions to contribute more meaningfully to youth re-orientation and social stability in communities within Bende Federal Constituency.
