Male Circumcision: A Pride Of African Culture

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A child is about to be circumcise during Nyonepah festival 2021

 Male Circumcision is an old tradition being practice for centuries all over the world. Africans honor circumcision to the level that he who that is not circumcise is considered as an out cast. He can’t be free within his pares, some can even deny him marriage privileges or even deny him position on spiritual or political matters. This is to tell you how important the age long practice is to Africans  

In Adamawa state many tribes practice male circumcision because of it’s importance it took years for parents to prepare their sons for it. One tribe that practice it in the state is Chamba Leko community of Mayo Belwa Local government area. 

They called their male circumcision festival Nyonepah. It is observe once in 3 years and children between the ages of 7 to 10 are allowed.  

commencement of Nyonepah circumcision festival

During the festival the boys are selected by the chief priest that is called sarkin tsafi and the festival is being observe before the planting season. Any parent must give the priest and his associates at least a goat if he is well to do at least a cow   

The boys are camped in an isolated place without allowing any one to see them except the camp officials. Their parents can only send them food and no woman is allowed there.  

One unique feature of Nyonepah festival is the costume the boys wears during the occasion. It is unique like no other. They wear a well weaved cap made from grass decorated with animals feathers, horns and so on to made the initiated boy looks great and strong against the challenges of Life. 

On the day of circumcision the whole community accompany the boys to Circumcision ground all under the orders of sarkin tsafi. Ironically knifes are used for the action. Unlike the modern way where clean, shape and well preserve materials are used 

The boys are separated and taken one by one. After a successful cutting his Mother and her relatives  accompany him with dance and sharing of gifts to the guest in thanks giving. 

celebrating Nyonepah circumcision  festival at Mumbake village Adamawa, Nigeria 


The occasion is being graced by family, friends and well wishers and is observe once in three years. And any Chamba Leko man that didn’t bring his child for tradition circumcision will be disregarded as member of the community no matter how highly place he is. If a guinea reason is given he will be find to either pay with a cow or certain bags of grain for community development. 

Nyonepah is one among many Circumcision festivals in Adamawa state. If it can be properly utilize many Tourists from within and outside the country will like to witness. And that will increase the state IGR. 

 

Hylellatsamda Usman
sct/mc/nd/19/267
writes from Mass Communication Department
Federal Polytechnic Mubi
Adamawa State 
Nigeria


   

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