Nigeria’s former Chief of Air Staff, Nsikak Eduok, is dead, the Akwa Ibom State government confirmed on Thursday.
A press release signed by Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Secretary to the State Government said he died on 7th January, 2021 in Uyo.
”The Government of Akwa Ibom State hereby formally announces the death of a former Chief of Air Staff and former Minister of Aviation, Air Marshall Nsikak Eduok(Rtd),” it said, adding that “The information from his doctors indicate that he died of end-stage kidney failure.
“The late elder statesman was a very respected Nigerian and Akwa Ibomite who contributed greatly to the development of our country and state.
”His Excellency the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, is greatly grieved by the news of his death and extends his condolences to the bereaved family.
“May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.”
The late Air Marshal enlisted into the Nigeria Air Force in 1968 and became the 12th Chief of Army Staff on August 27, 1993, an appointment that was reversed a week later by the then military government.
He was reappointed Chief of Air Staff on March 30, 1996 by General Sani Abacha.
Mr Eduok retired from the Nigerian military in 1999. He was reputed to be one of the best trained combat pilots the Nigerian Air Force had produced.
The only service chief ever produced by Akwa Ibom State, Eduok enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as a potential pilot on August 1, 1968.
He had his initial military training at the Nigerian Defence Academy after which he went for primary flying training in 1970.
On completion of his primary training, Eduok undertook the Basic Flying Training Course in 1971.
He emerged as the best-all-round student pilot in both phases and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in February 1971.
Air Marshal Eduok attended several professional and staff courses both at home and overseas.
He also served in various capacities in several units within the NAF and was appointed CAS on March 30, 1996, a position he held until the return of civilian rule on May 29, 1999.
Among other non-military related appointments, Eduok served as Chairman, Board of Trustees of the United Evangelical Church in his home state.
He was instrumental to the establishment of Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School, Okop Ndua Erong in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
The Nsikak Eduok Avenue in Uyo is named after him.
His death comes two weeks after that of the former military governor of Akwa Ibom, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (retd).