Reps allocate N780m for evangelical instruments in Abia constituency

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, says his office allocated N780 million in the 2026 budget for the procurement of musical instruments for churches in Bende federal constituency of Abia state.

In a statement on Wednesday by Levinus Nwabughiogu, his chief press secretary, Kalu said reports of a N1 billion allocation were untrue and misrepresented the intent and scope of the provision.

He said the fund was earmarked for a youth re-orientation and social support programme to be delivered evangelistically through faith-based organisations in the constituency.

“The funds are intended to support the purchase of evangelical instruments and public address systems to promote campaigns against vices like the spread of narcotics, sexual offences, violent crimes while instilling discipline, values, peace, and character development among young people in the communities,” the statement reads.

“Bende has 13 federal political/electoral wards and over 200 churches. The first phase of this support targets 130 of these churches averaging about 10 churches per ward, which amounts to approximately N5m to N6m per church.”

According to Kalu, the intervention was designed to help churches expand existing youth engagement platforms focused on character reform and deliver more impactful community outreaches.

The deputy speaker said nation-building should go beyond physical infrastructure, noting that the government must also invest in the character and value system of citizens.

“This intervention is not about instruments alone. It is about leveraging trusted community value-sustaining structures to reorient our youths, promote unity, and sustain moral instruction across the constituency,” he said.

Kalu noted that the 2026 budget containing the provision was yet to be implemented, adding that selected churches would be notified after the procurement process was concluded.

He also said his office had identified a technical error in the procurement description and initiated a corrigendum through the budget office and the house committee on appropriations before implementation.

The deputy speaker urged the media and public to disregard sensational reports and to support efforts aimed at building infrastructure and character in the country. (The Cable)