Gov Radda flags off free medical circumcision in Katsina – Nigerian NewsDirect – Latest News in Nigeria

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has flagged off a free medical circumcision exercise in Danja Local Government Area, describing the initiative as a practical example of people-centred governance and preventive healthcare delivery at the grassroots.

The programme was officially launched at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Danja, where the Governor commended the Executive Chairman of the local government, Hon. Rabo Tambaya, for initiating what he described as a timely and impactful health intervention targeted at children.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, and made available to journalists on Saturday.

The statement reads partly: “This initiative shows how governance can positively touch lives at the grassroots by improving child health and easing the financial burden on parents.

Medical circumcision reduces the risk of infection and complications associated with unregulated traditional practices, which is why procedures of this nature must be carried out in medical facilities under the supervision of trained professionals.

Preventive healthcare programmes such as this are critical to strengthening primary healthcare delivery, especially at the local government level.

Investing in the health of our children today reduces future health challenges and long-term healthcare costs.”

Governor Radda emphasised that circumcision carried out in clinical settings ensures proper hygiene, safety and post-procedure care, warning against unsafe traditional practices that often expose children to infections and complications.

He described the Danja initiative as a clear demonstration of how local government autonomy, when effectively utilised, can deliver tangible benefits to citizens, and urged other councils across the state to adopt similar people-focused programmes.

The Governor also commended health workers participating in the exercise for their professionalism and dedication, assuring them of continued support from the state government as part of its broader healthcare reforms.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to preventive healthcare, Radda said the health and wellbeing of Katsina residents, particularly children, remain a top priority of his government.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee to the Executive Chairman of Danja Local Government and Chiroma Danja, Dr. Lawal Aminu Danja, said the programme was designed to improve child health outcomes and strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots.

Dr. Lawal disclosed that the exercise covers 100 children selected from Jiba, Tandama and Danja wards, adding that the programme is fully sponsored by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Rabo Tambaya.

He explained that adopting a medical approach was aimed at addressing health risks associated with traditional circumcision methods, noting that procedures carried out in clinical settings guarantee safety, professional care and improved health outcomes.

Dr. Lawal further revealed that the medical circumcision exercise has become an annual programme in Danja Local Government, sustained through the commitment of the local council and support from stakeholders.

He commended the Katsina State Government’s health sector reforms under Governor Radda, noting that Danja Local Government remains aligned with the state’s health agenda.

According to him, sustained government support has strengthened the local health system and boosted the morale of healthcare workers in the area.