Deputy Speaker Denies N1bn Church Instrument Claim, Says Budget Targets Youth Reorientation in Bende

By Christiana Ekpa

The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has dismissed reports alleging that N1 billion was budgeted solely for the purchase of musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency, describing the claims as misleading.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the office said the budget provision was intended for a broader Youth Re-orientation and Social Support Programme to be implemented through faith-based organisations across the constituency.

According to the statement, the actual allocation stands at N780 million after VAT and other tax deductions, not N1 billion as widely reported.

It explained that Bende Federal Constituency has 13 electoral wards and over 200 churches, with the first phase of the programme targeting about 130 churches, averaging 10 churches per ward. Each church is expected to receive between N5 million and N6 million to strengthen youth engagement and community outreach initiatives.

The statement noted that the funds would be used to procure evangelical equipment, including public address systems and other tools, to support campaigns against drug abuse, sexual offences, violent crimes and other social vices while promoting discipline, peace, moral values and character development among young people.

The Deputy Speaker’s office argued that nation-building extends beyond physical infrastructure, stressing that government must also invest in programmes that promote ethical values, social cohesion and responsible citizenship.

It added that faith-based organisations, like traditional institutions, play a vital role in value orientation and community development, making them suitable partners in efforts aimed at youth reformation.

The statement further clarified that the 2026 budget has not yet been implemented, noting that Nigeria is still operating the 2024 and 2025 budgets. It said no funds had been released for the project and that procurement would only commence after the necessary budgetary releases.

It also disclosed that a technical error was discovered in the procurement description and that a letter of corrigendum had already been initiated through the Budget Office and the National Assembly Appropriations Committee to correct the description before implementation.

The office maintained that the intervention is not solely about purchasing musical instruments but about using trusted community institutions to promote youth reorientation, unity and moral values across the constituency.

While urging the media and the public to disregard what it described as sensational reports, the Deputy Speaker’s office reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and pledged to continue providing clarifications on issues relating to constituency projects and public expenditure.