Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing the Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, Dr Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has admitted that funds were inserted into the 2026 to support churches in his constituency.
But the deputy speaker said instead of the N1 billion that the public has been told as the figure in the budget, the correct figure was N780 million after VAT and other tax deductions.
But he failed to say that the figure was hidden under an agency in the ministry of agriculture, even though he said in a statement that the allocation was meant to support churches in his constituency in the re-orientation and Social Support Programmes for youths.
The statement by his media aide, Levinus Nwabughiogu, said “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 5 to 6 million naira per church. It is designed to equip churches to expand existing youth engagement platforms focused on character reform, 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. Government must also invest in building the character and value system of the people who use the infrastructure using various value delivery platforms. 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 government, through its representatives, has consistently supported them with town halls and other community engagement centers to serve as hubs for the preservation and sustenance of the cultural values.
“This emphasizes that faith-based organizations have a critical role to play in sustaining good norms and values in the society.
“This development is not entirely new or strange. Faith based organizations 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.
“Similarly, we have also identified a technical error in the procurement description. A letter of corrigendum to this effect has been initiated for the needed correction by the budget office through the appropriation committee before implementation.
“This intervention is not about instruments alone. It is about leveraging trusted community values sustaining structures to reorient our youths, promote unity, and sustain moral instruction across the constituency.”
