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Beyond the Headlines: The Real Story of Bende's N780 Million
By: Aglow TV
Recent allegations by opposition figures claiming that the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, inserted N1 billion into the 2026 Appropriation Bill for the purchase of musical instruments for churches have generated widespread public discussion. However, an official clarification from the Deputy Speaker's office indicates that the reports do not accurately reflect the approved budget. According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the actual allocation is N780 million, not the N1 billion figure that has circulated in the public domain. The office further explained that the intervention is not a routine grant to churches but a structured faith-based youth reorientation and community engagement programme designed to tackle social challenges confronting communities across Bende Federal Constituency.
The statement explained that the programme is aimed at equipping selected faith-based institutions with evangelical musical instruments and public address systems to enhance community outreach. These facilities are expected to support campaigns against drug abuse, cultism, sexual offences, youth violence, and other social vices while promoting moral values, discipline, peaceful coexistence, and responsible citizenship. Rather than focusing solely on worship activities, the initiative is intended to strengthen the capacity of churches and other faith-based organisations to serve as platforms for behavioural change, civic education, and youth development within their communities.
Supporters of the programme argue that the intervention recognises the longstanding role of churches as trusted institutions for mentoring young people and promoting social cohesion. Across Bende Federal Constituency, churches remain important centres where thousands of residents, particularly youths, gather regularly for spiritual guidance, counselling, and community engagement. With more than 200 churches spread across the constituency's 13 electoral wards, the first phase of the programme is expected to benefit about 130 churches, creating a broad network for sustained public enlightenment and community-based advocacy.
The initiative is also presented as an extension of the Deputy Speaker's grassroots development philosophy, which has consistently involved working through established community institutions to deliver interventions. In previous empowerment programmes, including the Renewed Hope Partners Town Hall held in Bende, churches reportedly received food items and financial assistance as part of broader humanitarian and community support efforts. Advocates of the programme maintain that strengthening these institutions with communication equipment will also enhance their ability to disseminate public health messages, emergency information, peace-building campaigns, and other developmental initiatives beyond their religious activities.
Much of the controversy surrounding the budget, however, has centred on the monetary allocation while overlooking the programme's stated objectives. Critics have questioned the appropriateness of the expenditure, but the Deputy Speaker's office insists that public debate should be based on verified facts rather than inflated figures or incomplete descriptions of the project. It maintains that transparency and accountability remain essential and that informed scrutiny is only meaningful when it is built on accurate information and a clear understanding of the programme's purpose.
As with other constituency projects facilitated through the National Assembly, implementation of the programme is expected to follow established public procurement procedures under the supervision of the appropriate government agencies. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the intervention will be measured by its impact on communities rather than the political debate surrounding it. If it succeeds in expanding youth engagement, discouraging crime and substance abuse, promoting peace, and reinforcing positive values across Bende Federal Constituency, its results will provide the most credible basis for assessing its value. In a democratic society, the people deserve public conversations founded on facts, fairness, and responsible scrutiny rather than misinformation or political propaganda.
