Deputy Speaker’s Office Clarifies N1bn Budget Report, Says Programme Targets Youth Reorientation Through Churches

The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has clarified reports claiming that N1 billion was earmarked in the 2026 Federal Budget solely for the procurement of musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency, describing the reports as a misrepresentation of the budget provision.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Office explained that the budget item is not exclusively for the purchase of musical instruments but forms part of a broader Youth Re-orientation and Social Support Programme to be implemented through faith-based organisations across Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State.

According to the statement, the actual allocation for the programme is N780 million, after Value Added Tax (VAT) and other statutory deductions, contrary to reports suggesting a N1 billion provision.

The Office stated that Bende Federal Constituency comprises 13 federal electoral wards and more than 200 churches, adding that the first phase of the programme will benefit about 130 churches, averaging approximately 10 churches in each ward.

It noted that each selected church is expected to receive between N5 million and N6 million to strengthen existing youth engagement platforms and expand community outreach initiatives.

The statement explained that the funds would support the procurement of evangelical equipment, including musical instruments and public address systems, to facilitate campaigns against drug abuse, sexual offences, violent crimes and other social vices, while promoting discipline, moral values, peaceful coexistence and character development among young people.

The Deputy Speaker’s Office stressed that nation-building extends beyond the provision of roads and physical infrastructure, arguing that government must also invest in programmes that promote positive values and responsible citizenship.

It added that the intervention aligns with government efforts to adopt non-kinetic approaches to addressing insecurity by strengthening community institutions that promote peace, unity and social cohesion.

The statement further noted that traditional institutions have continued to receive government support through the construction of town halls and community centres to preserve cultural values, adding that faith-based organisations also play a significant role in moral instruction and youth development.

According to the Office, while similar faith-based youth development initiatives have been implemented in other parts of the country, the programme seeks to strengthen such efforts within the South-East, particularly in Bende Federal Constituency.

The Office also clarified that the 2026 budget has not yet been implemented, explaining that the Federal Government is currently operating under the 2024 and 2025 budgets.

It stated that no funds have been released for the programme, and that procurement processes would only commence after the 2026 budget receives the necessary funding and approvals.

The statement further disclosed that a technical error was identified in the procurement description of the budget item, adding that a corrigendum has already been initiated through the Budget Office and the Appropriation Committee to effect the necessary correction before implementation.

The Deputy Speaker’s Office maintained that the intervention should not be viewed as a programme for purchasing musical instruments alone, but as a broader strategy to leverage trusted faith-based institutions in promoting youth reorientation, unity and moral values across the constituency.

It urged the media and members of the public to disregard what it described as sensational reports and reaffirmed its commitment to providing clarifications on issues relating to public expenditure, constituency projects and good governance.

The statement was signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.