Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Nsikak Eduok has passed away on Wednesday at age 73.
Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem announced his death in a statement releaed on Thursday January 7, saying Eduok died in Uyo yesterday after battling kidney failure.
Ekuwem described Eduok as an elder statesman who would be missed because of his contribution to the development of the state and the nation at large.
The statement reads;
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.
Born on July 11, 1947, he enrolled in the Nigerian air force in 1968 as a probable pilot.
He trained at Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) before going for his principal flying training in 1970.
After completing his principal training in 1971, he proceeded for the basic flying training course and emerged the best overall student. In the same year he was decorated second lieutenant.
Between 1971 and 1986, Eduok attended several flying courses which included advanced and tactical flying training course, aircraft accident investigation course, MiG-21 conversion course in the Soviet Union, and advanced staff course in the United Kingdom.
He attended USAF Air War College in Alabama where he graduated in 1992.
Eduok became the 12th chief of air staff on August 27, 1993. The appointment was reversed a week later. However, he was reappointed air chief on March 30, 1996 by Sani Abacha, the late military dictator.
He retired from Nigerian military in 1999. He was reputed to be one of the best trained combat pilots the Nigerian Air Force has produced.
May his soul Rest In Peace.
