A former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Nsikak Eduok (retd.), has died at the age of 74.
The 12th CAS reportedly died on Wednesday evening at the Ibom Multi-Specialty Hospital, Uyo, in Akwa Ibom State, where he was being treated for undisclosed health challenges.
A statement signed by the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, said he died of end-stage kidney failure.
“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). He died yesterday, 6th January, 2021 in Uyo.
“The information from his doctors indicates 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.
“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,” Ekuwem stated.
He was born on July 11, 1947 in Mbak in Ibesikpo Asutan local government area of Akwa Ibom State, and enlisted into the NAF as a potential pilot on August 1, 1968.
Eduok had his initial military training at the Nigerian Defence Academy after which he went for primary flying training in 1970.
In 1971 after completing his principal training he went through the basic flying training course and emerged the best overall student.
In that same year, he was assigned Second Lieutenant.
Between 1971 and 1986 he attended several flying courses which included Advanced and Tactical Flying training course, Aircraft Accident Investigation course, MiG-21 Conversion Course in the Soviet Union, Advanced Staff Course in the United Kingdom.
Between 1975 and 1976, Eduok was the first Operations Officer of the Makurdi Strike Group.
In 1991, he attended USAF Air War College in Alabama and graduated in 1992.
He was Commanding Officer of NAF Station, Enugu and the first Commander of the 75th Fighter Squadron.
He was appointed the chief of air staff on August 27, 1993, but the appointment was reversed a week later by the then military government.
He was redeployed as Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command and also appointed a member of the Provisional Ruling Council.
On March 20, 1995, he was appointed a member of the Federal Executive Council as minister of aviation from where he was reappointed as the CAS on March 30, 1996by the late military head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha.
Eduok retired from the Nigerian military in 1999.
He was reputed to be one of the best trained combat pilots the Nigerian Air Force has produced.
Late Eduok won National, Defence, Independence and Republic Medals including, Distinguished Service Star and the Meritorious Service Star.
