A former minister of petroleum and mines in the first Republic of Nigeria, Ali Monguno has passed on at the ripe old age of 95.
His passing was announced by the governor of Borno state Kashim Shetisha in a statement which said,
“It is with a deep sense of loss and profound sadness that we announce, on behalf of His Excellency the Executive Governor of Borno State and the Borno State Government, the passage of our father and distinguished Statesman, Alhaji (Dr.) Shettima Ali Monguno.He died this evening, Friday, 8th July, 2016.
“His burial will, Insha Allah (by the grace of God) take place tomorrow, Saturday, 9th July, 2016 at 2 p.m at his residence, near Government House, Old GRA, Maiduguri.
“May Allah (SWA) forgive his sins and grant him abode in Aljanat Firdaus, and may Allah grant his family and the entire people of Borno State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
He was head of the Borno elders forum before his retirement from public life.
He also witnessed firsthand the horrors of Boko Haram when he was abducted by them. He was freed and returned unharmed.
He was born in 1926 and is survived by his wife, children and many grand children.