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Kalu denies N1bn Church instrument allocation
NG🏛️ PoliticsCenter4 hr. ago

Kalu denies N1bn Church instrument allocation

The Office of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu in Nigeria has denied claims that N1 billion was allocated in the 2026 budget specifically for purchasing musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency. Instead, the office stated that the allocation was part of a broader Youth Re-orientation and Social Support Programme, which includes providing equipment like musical instruments and public address systems to support youth engagement through faith-based organizations. The actual amount allocated after taxes was N780 million, intended to aid campaigns against drug abuse, sexual offenses, and other social issues. The program aims to involve over 130 churches in the first phase, with each receiving between N5 million and N6 million for community outreach. The office emphasized that government investments should focus on moral development alongside physical infrastructure, highlighting the role of faith-based groups in promoting societal values.

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Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentCenter4 hr. ago
Kalu denies N1bn Church instrument allocation

The Office of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu in Nigeria has denied claims that N1 billion was allocated in the 2026 budget specifically for purchasing musical instruments for churches in Bende Federal Constituency. Instead, the office stated that the allocation was part of a broader Youth Re-orientation and Social Support Programme, which includes providing equipment like musical instruments and public address systems to support youth engagement through faith-based organizations. The actual amount allocated after taxes was N780 million, intended to aid campaigns against drug abuse, sexual offenses, and other social issues. The program aims to involve over 130 churches in the first phase, with each receiving between N5 million and N6 million for community outreach. The office emphasized that government investments should focus on moral development alongside physical infrastructure, highlighting the role of faith-based groups in promoting societal values.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the official stance of the Deputy Speaker's office regarding the budget allocation, emphasizing transparency and clarification of the program's purpose. While the subject matter involves government spending and religious institutions, the framing remains neutral, citing official

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentCenter4 hr. ago
Deputy Speaker clarifies ₦1 billion vote for Bende church instruments

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has clarified that the ₦1 billion allocated in the 2026 Appropriation Bill for his Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State is not solely for church musical instruments but part of a broader 'Youth Re-orientation and Social Support Programme.' The funds, after tax deductions, amount to ₦780 million and are intended to be distributed through faith-based organizations to support character development and community outreach initiatives. The program aims to combat social issues like drug abuse, sexual offenses, and violent crime by equipping churches with tools for moral education and public engagement. Kalu's office emphasized that the 2026 budget has not yet been implemented, and no funds have been disbursed. They acknowledged a technical error in the budget documentation and stated efforts are underway to correct it.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both the claims made by constituents and the official clarification from Deputy Speaker Kalu's office. It does not favor one side over the other, providing context about the funding's intended purpose, the technical error in the budget, and the lack of disbursement. The tone is

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