FORMER Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Nsikak Eduok (retd), is dead.
Eduok, who was also a former Minister of Aviation, reportedly died at the Ibom Multi-Specialty Hospital, Uyo, in Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday evening, from health complications relating to what the Akwa Ibom State Government described as end-stage kidney failure.
A statement announcing his death, signed by the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Emmanuel Ekuwem, said, “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(retd). 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.”
The late CAS was born on July 11, 1947, at Mbak in Akwa Ibom State, and enlisted into the 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.
Eduok was appointed as the CAS on August 27, 1993, but his 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, 1996.
