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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said that the N1 billion appropriation for churches, in Bende Federal Constituency, in the 2026 budget, is not solely for the procurement of musical instruments.
Kalu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, yesterday, stated that the budget is earmarked as a youth re-orientation and social support programme delivered with evangelistic approach through faith-based organisations in the federal constituency.
He explained that 130 churches in the 13 wards in Bende Federal Constituency are expected to get between N5million and N6 million each for the procurement of evangelical equipment.
According to him, “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 N5 to N6 million per church.
“It is designed to equip churches to expand existing youth engagement platforms focused on character reforms and to deliver more impactful community outreaches. 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. “Nation-building must go beyond roads and physical infrastructure. The government must also invest in building the character and value system of the people who use the infrastructure using various value delivery platforms. The government is also employing non-kinetic approaches to promote peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.
“It should also be noted that traditional institutions are actively playing their part in value formation. This is precisely why the government, through its representatives, has consistently supported them with town halls and other community engagement centres to serve as hubs for the preservation and sustenance of cultural values.”
Kalu further stated that “This development is not entirely new or strange. Faith-based organisations in other parts of the country invest in youth development but it is a strategy that has not gained currency in the South-East region. The provision, therefore, seeks to adopt, strengthen and support the effort in Bende federal constituency, using the church platforms.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the 2026 budget where this is domiciled is yet to be implemented. The selected churches will receive notification once the procurement processes have been concluded.
“At the moment, the country is still operating on the 2024 and 2025 budgets. The 2026 budget is yet to be funded. It is yet to receive releases, which must take place before the commencement of procurement.”
