A prominent Sokoto-based philanthropist and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Alhaji Faruku Sarkin Fada, has launched the annual mass circumcision program targeting children in Sokoto North and Sokoto South local government areas.
This year’s initiative aims to provide free circumcision for at least 1,000 boys, alleviating the financial burden for many underprivileged families.
The event was flagged off at the Alhuda College of Health Technology, Sama Road, with notable attendees, including the PDP State Chairman, Hon. Bello Aliyu Goronyo. Speaking at the venue, Goronyo lauded the initiative as a revival of an age-old Hausa cultural tradition typically held during the harmattan season. He urged other philanthropists to emulate Alhaji Sarkin Fada’s commitment to community service.
Alhaji Sarkin Fada emphasized that the program is designed to support families unable to afford circumcision costs due to economic hardships. “This effort is to assist parents who struggle financially to circumcise their children, regardless of tribal or political affiliations,” he explained.
Parents who attended the event expressed profound gratitude for the assistance. One parent noted that hospital circumcision procedures would have cost up to ₦8,000, a sum many families could not afford. Another highlighted the additional support provided, such as pain-relieving medications and stipends to aid recovery.
In Hausa communities, circumcision—locally known as “shayi” or “kaciya”—is more than a medical procedure; it is a rite of passage deeply embedded in cultural traditions. Celebrations often accompany the practice, turning it into a communal or family event during the harmattan season. The program by Alhaji Sarkin Fada not only provides medical care but also preserves this cultural heritage, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of Hausa society.
The program has drawn widespread praise from the community, with many describing Alhaji Sarkin Fada as a “philanthropist par excellence.” A mother at the event remarked, “This initiative is a blessing to families struggling to make ends meet. May Allah reward him abundantly.”
[With additional information from Tribune]
