The Legacy of Pastor Salisu Aloaye Marughu (1949–2020)

Pastor Salisu Aloaye Marughu was born on December 23, 1949, to Alhaji Izelaakhu Ikhanade Marughu and Ahlaja Medina O. Marughu in South Ibie Iyakpi, located in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Born into an orthodox Muslim family, Salisu’s childhood was shaped by discipline, cultural pride, and strong community values.

He began his education at EDC Elementary School, Sabo Quarters, in Iyakpi South Ibie, attending from 1956 to 1961. He continued at Our Lady of Fatima Boys High School, earning his West African School Certificate (WASC) Grade 2 between 1962 and 1966.

Even as a young man, Salisu demonstrated intelligence, leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility.

In January 1967, Salisu began his professional journey as an Elementary School Teacher, employed by the Etsako Local Education Department and posted to Iyoghe Village, 35 miles from his hometown. His commitment to education and community upliftment was evident from the start.

In January 1978, he joined the Mid-West Public Service Commission as a Clerical Officer. His diligence led to a transfer in 1969 to the Mid-West Judicial Department (High Court), where he worked in the Accounts Department, managing financial operations for courts across Bendel State.

In 1974, he was transferred to the High Court in Sapele, first serving as a Librarian — a role that connected him with legal professionals across the region. Later that year, Justice Ogbobieneh appointed him as a Court Clerk, recognizing his discipline, intelligence, and reliability.

It was in Sapele that destiny intervened.

A young Christian lawyer, noticing Salisu’s potential, asked him daily: “Do you want to remain a court clerk all your life?”

Salisu confided that he wished to study abroad but needed a sponsor. The lawyer — whom Salisu later described as his divine helper — offered to sign any documents needed to support his dream. At the time, Salisu was still a Muslim, yet God was already guiding his path.

In 1975, Salisu received his visa to study in the United States. On January 6, 1976, he left Nigeria for Florida Memorial College in Opa‑Locka, Florida.

His academic achievements include:

• Miami-Dade Community College Associate Degree, May 1977
• Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Business, May 1979
• St. John’s University, Staten Island Campus, New York MBA in Finance, Graduated with Honors, May 1982

His educational journey reflected discipline, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

After completing his MBA, Pastor Salisu worked as a Sales Associate at Rickels Home Center in West Orange, New Jersey (June–December 1982).

In January 1983, he returned to Nigeria to serve in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He was posted to Ajaokuta Steel Company, working in the Accounting Department.

In 1984, he relocated to Lagos and joined the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as an Administrative Officer. Although there were no vacancies in Accounting, his administrative expertise flourished. He developed the Pension Fund Document for NTA — a major contribution to the organization’s financial structure.

Over time, Salisu embraced Christianity, marking a profound spiritual transformation. His faith journey led him to Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), where he served faithfully for 16 years as a Regional Overseer.

His ministry was marked by:

• Deep spiritual discipline
• Compassionate pastoral care
• Deliverance and prayer leadership
• Mentorship of youth and families
• Community strengthening through faith

He touched countless lives with his humility, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to God.

Upon returning to the U.S., Pastor Salisu continued serving communities through multiple roles:

• Realtor with Exit Realty Lucky in Newark, NJ
• Certified Substitute Teacher in Essex County
• Social Worker with Newark Transitional (two group homes)
• Youth Mentor with Newark Youth Advocate Program

He guided boys and girls ages 11–17, offering stability, encouragement, and hope.

Pastor Salisu was a loving husband to Ms. Patricia Marughu, a proud father of six wonderful sons, and a joyful grandfather of eight beautiful grandchildren, to the glory of God. His family was his ministry, his strength, and his greatest earthly blessing.

When Pastor Salisu transitioned on February 17, 2020, after a courageous battle with stage 4 colon cancer, his passing left a deep void — but it also ignited a powerful purpose.

His wife, Ms. Patricia Marughu, transformed grief into mission, founding Aloaye International Foundation Inc. to continue the work he began:

• Empowering widows
• Supporting orphaned children
• Strengthening families
• Uplifting communities
• Building bridges between the U.S. and Africa

Every program, every act of kindness, every life touched through the Foundation is a continuation of Pastor Salisu’s heart and calling.