By; MD ABDULLAHI KACHIA In the heart of Nigeria's Kaduna State, where communities often struggle with basic needs like water and electricity, o
By; MD ABDULLAHI KACHIA
In the heart of Nigeria’s Kaduna State, where communities often struggle with basic needs like water and electricity, one man stands out as a true champion of change. Engr. Joseph Almajiri Ciroma, a retired power sector expert and philanthropist, has touched countless lives across Southern Kaduna. From Jemaa to Sanga Local Government Areas (LGAs), his work in providing clean water, reliable power, and education support has earned him nicknames like “Hasken Southern Kaduna” (Light of Southern Kaduna) and “Ciroma Mai Transformer.” As he steps into a new chapter after retiring from civil service, Ciroma remains a symbol of integrity, hard work, and unbiased love for his people.
Born on September 4, 1963, in Tanda-Kagoma, Gwong Chiefdom, Ciroma grew up in a region rich in culture but facing many challenges. His early life shaped his commitment to uplifting others. He started his education at Primary School Asso from 1970 to 1975, then moved to Government Secondary School Funtua (1975-1980). He continued at the College of Art & Science in Zaria (1980-1982) before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1986.Not stopping there, he returned to ABU for a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy in 2004, and recently completed another Master’s in Finance and Administration at Abuja Business School in 2024. These strong academic credentials prepared him for a stellar career in Nigeria’s power industry.
Ciroma’s professional journey began with the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), which later became the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and then the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Over decades, he gained deep expertise in power generation, transmission, and distribution. He rose through the ranks to become Business Manager and Chief Accounting Officer for NEPA/PHCN districts in Northern Nigeria. Later, he served as Special Assistant (Technical) to the Honourable Minister of State for Power, and finally as General Manager and Program Coordinator at TCN.Retiring in 2023 after a distinguished service, Ciroma is now a private consultant in the power sector, sharing his international repute as an engineer. His fellowships and memberships – including FNSE (Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers), FCAI, MNIMC, MNISP, MIAD, and IEEE
But Ciroma is more than his titles; he is a man who believes “a deal is a deal” and honors every commitment. In Southern Kaduna’s Zone III, covering Jemaa, Jaba, Kagarko, Kachia, Kauru, Kaura, and Sanga LGAs, his impact is felt everywhere. He has rehabilitated over 120 damaged boreholes and installed new ones, bringing clean water to thirsty communities. Electricity restoration projects under his watch lit up towns like Kachia, Gora Gan, Kadarko, Daddu, Chori, Kurmin Musa, and Gidan Waya. He repaired faulty transformers and installed new ones in more than 30 communities, replaced vandalized cables, and fixed overhead lines that had left areas in darkness for years.
Education and youth empowerment are close to his heart. Ciroma has paid WAEC, NECO, and JAMB fees for over 520 students and given scholarships to 15 underprivileged children. He has secured job opportunities for young people and even built or rehabilitated checkpoint huts in strategic areas for better security. To boost the local economy, he helped establish more than seven filling stations, reducing long queues for fuel and creating jobs.His work in women empowerment and peace-building has united ethnic and religious groups, earning him respect far beyond his community.
A soft-spoken, kind-hearted leader, Ciroma mentors ambitious youth and serves as a role model in his profession. He is involved in philanthropy through relief materials for crisis-affected areas and vehicles for community use. His love for Kaduna State Governor Malam Uba Sani is shown not just in words but in actions – like donating vehicles to the governor’s campaign and creating enablers to amplify the administration’s impact.
Recently, voices in Southern Kaduna have called for him to run for senate in 2027, seeing him as a voice for youth empowerment and grassroots development.
Engr. Ciroma bestrides Southern Kaduna like a colossus, carrying people along with wisdom and humanity. He believes everyone should enjoy life’s privileges without bias. As a “Tornado of Southern Kaduna,” “Mai Ruwa” (Man of Water), “Mai Ilimin Boko” (Man of Education), and “KUGA Ambassador,” he puts smiles on faces and hope in hearts.
In a world where leaders often disappoint, Ciroma proves that one good person’s spirit can uplift a nation. His story reminds us: true governance is about service, not show. As Nigeria faces power and development challenges, figures like him offer a shining path forward.
MD Abdullahi Kachia is a public affairs commentator
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