Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, has clarified that funds earmarked in the 2026 budget for musical instruments in churches within his Bende federal constituency in Abia State are part of a broader Youth Reorientation and Social Support Programme delivered through faith based organizations.

In a statement from his office, Kalu said the actual proposed allocation, after tax deductions, is about 780 million naira rather than the reported 1 billion naira, and is intended to reach 130 of the more than 200 churches across Bende’s 13 electoral wards in its first phase, averaging about 5 to 6 million naira per church. He said the initiative mirrors similar youth development strategies used by faith based organizations elsewhere in the country, aiming to equip churches to expand youth engagement platforms focused on character reform and community outreach, including funding for evangelical instruments and public address systems used in campaigns against drug abuse, sexual offences and violent crime among young people.