A Sokoto State-based philanthropist and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Faruku Sarkin Fada, on Saturday, began sponsoring the annual mass circumcision of children in Sokoto North and Sokoto South local government areas.

This year?s mass circumcision targets a minimum of 1,000 children within the two local government areas of the metropolis.

The state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Bello Aliyu Goronyo, while speaking to newsmen at the circumcision venue at Alhuda College of Health Technology, Sama Road, said Alhaji Faruku Sarkin Fada is reviving the age-long tradition and culture of Hausa-speaking communities.

He explained that circumcision, in a traditional Hausa setting, is conducted on boys under the age of ten during the harmattan season.

The PDP chairman commended the decision by the PDP stalwart to conduct circumcisions for boys across 22 political wards in the two local government areas during this period, describing it as highly commendable. He also called on other philanthropists and well-to-do individuals and groups to emulate the gesture of the PDP chieftain.

Speaking shortly after the commencement of the mass circumcision, the program?s sponsor, Alhaji Faruku Sarkin Fada, said the initiative was aimed at assisting less privileged parents who could not afford to circumcise their children despite them reaching the required age.

?The mass circumcision will be carried out in all communities within Sokoto North and Sokoto South local government areas, devoid of tribal or political inclinations,? he said.

?We will do our best within our God-given resources to give back to society, especially during the current economic hardship experienced by many households,? he added.

Many parents interviewed at the venue expressed appreciation for the kind gesture made by the philanthropist.

?If I were to take my child to the hospital for circumcision, I would spend 8,000 naira. Now, I am getting it free of charge, especially at this trying moment when people are struggling to have a square meal. Where would I get the money to even buy drugs?? One parent remarked.

?After the circumcision, they also give us money and drugs to help ease the pain of the exercise on the children,? said a grateful parent at the venue.

Praising the initiative, a married woman who brought her child for circumcision described Alhaji Faruku Sarkin Fada as ?a philanthropist per excellence? and lauded his efforts in reviving the age-long tradition and culture of mass circumcision among Hausa-speaking communities. ?May Allah reward him abundantly,? she added.

Circumcision involves the removal of all or part of the foreskin from the penis and has been a deeply rooted tradition and cultural practice in typical Hausa communities. Male children, usually below the age of 10, are circumcised during the harmattan period.

In Hausa society, circumcision holds significant social value, distinguishing adults who have undergone the practice from those who have not. Known locally as ?shayi? or ?kaciya,? circumcision is celebrated in various ways, either communally or individually, by parents whose children have reached the circumcision age, typically around six or seven years.

These celebrations often take place in single households or across entire Hausa villages or communities, adding a festive dimension to the harmattan season. (Nigerian Tribune)

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