With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the Nigeria Labour Congress mourns the passing of a distinguished leader, Pa Comrade Ali Ciroma. He died in the early evening of the 2nd day of April 2024 after a brief illness at the ripe age of 91 at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital., Borno State.
His departure leaves a void in our hearts and in the annals of the labor movement that will be deeply felt for generations to come.
Pa Comrade Ali Ciroma, a stalwart and a veteran of the labor movement, served as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress from 1984 to 1988. During his tenure, he exhibited unwavering dedication, unyielding commitment, and exceptional leadership that steered the NLC through challenging times.
He played very active role in his primary constituency; the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) from where he was elected President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
A nationalist and a globalist who played active roles in building and strengthening the trade union network in Africa and the globe, Comrade Ali Ciroma was a two-term member of the Governing body of the International Labour Organisation and served on the committee of freedom of Association.
His contributions in these capacities remain indelible. He was a member of the Special Executive Course 5, 1983 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), and was an honoured recipient of the national honours of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
Comrade Ciroma was born on February 27th, 1933 in Yerwa in Borno state from where he began his education and trained as a Health technologist. He was once the Principal, School of Health Technology, Maidugiri and brought great changes to the training of future Health technologists and field operatives in the entire North East.
His legacy is woven into the fabric of the labor movement, marked by his tireless advocacy for the rights and welfare of workers across Nigeria. Pa Comrade Ali Ciroma stood as a beacon of hope for the downtrodden, tirelessly championing their cause in the face of adversity.
He never ceased to be actively involved in our activities as he refused to allow the disruptive challenges of old age to stop him from lending his strong voice and profound opinions to shaping issues affecting Nigerian workers and masses. He was a soldier to the very end. We will sorely miss him.
Under his astute leadership, the Nigeria Labour Congress witnessed remarkable progress and advancement. Pa Comrade Ali Ciroma played a pivotal role in shaping policies that safeguarded the interests of workers, ensuring fair wages, improved working conditions, and social justice for all.
The regime of IBB will not forget him in a hurry as he led workers to the various barricades to protest the undemocratic treatment of Nigerian workers by the military. His organized resistance against the military yielded profound results as he fiercely defended the independence of the Nigeria Labour Congress which the regime was trying to infiltrate and compromise.
Beyond his role as a labor leader, Pa Comrade Ali Ciroma was a symbol of integrity, courage, and compassion. His selfless service to humanity and unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice and equality have left an indelible mark on our collective conscience.
As we bid farewell to a true hero of the labor movement, we take solace in the enduring legacy of Pa Comrade Ali Ciroma. His life serves as a testament to the power of resilience, solidarity, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. He hated injustice and wOuld go to a great length to ensure that the rights of workers are protected at all times.
To his family, friends, and comrades, we extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time. Pa Comrade Ali Ciroma may have left this world, but his spirit will continue to inspire us as we carry forth the torch of his noble legacy. In him, we learnt strength and passion to continue pursuing the cause of Nigerian workers and the noble path of truth unwaveringly no matter the challenges that lay ahead.
Rest in Power, Pa Comrade Ali Ciroma. Your memory will forever be cherished, and your contributions to the greatness of the Nigeria Labour Congress and indeed the Labour movement in Nigeria and Africa will never be forgotten. Journey on great soldier! We salute you!
Comrade Joe Ajaero
President
