A’ Ibom Government Announces Death of AVM Nsikak Eduok
Akwa Ibom state government has formally announced the death of a former Chief of Air Staff and former Minister of Aviation, Air Marshall Nsikak Eduok (Rtd.).
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the state government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem and made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday, he died as a result of end-stage kidney failure.
The statement in part read, “The information from his doctors indicate that he died of end-stage kidney failure. He died yesterday, 6th January, 2021 in Uyo.
“The late elder statesman was a highly respected Nigerian and Akwa Ibomite who contributed greatly to the development of our country and state. His Excellency the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel is grieved by the news of his death and extends his condolences to the bereaved family”.
Late Nsikak Eduok was born on the 11th of July 1947 at Mbak, Ibesikpo/Asutan local government, Akwa Ibom State. He had his primary education in Uyo, the state capital and his secondary school at the Lutheran High School, Obot Idim. Eduok worked for a short period with the Voice of Nigeria as a Studio Manager.
He joined the Nigerian Air Force on 1st August, 1968 as a trainee pilot being his initial training. He was at the Nigerian Defence Academy and thereafter attended the Primary Flying Training School, Kano in 1970 as well as the Basic Flying Training Course in 1971 at the Basic and Advanced Flying School, also in Kano. In the two courses, Eduok finished as the best all-round student pilot.
In February 1971, Eduok was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. After that, he attended various professional and staff courses in Nigeria and oversees.
Advanced and Tactical Flying Training Course, 1971 – 1973, Aircraft Accident Investigation Course, USA, 1974 – 1975, MiG-21 Conversion Course, 1975, USSR, Advanced Staff Course, United Kingdom, 1976, Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State, 1981. Eduok finished as the Best Eagle Writer of the Command and Staff Course II, 1981, MB-339 Flight Training Course, Italy, 1983 – 1986, Command and Staff College Dagger (+).
As a trained combat pilot, he was a pilot in various aircraft types within and outside Nigeria, these include the L-29, L-39, MiG 15, MiG 17, MiG 21 and the MB-339.
Eduok retired in 1999 to Uyo where he has been engaged in farming, charity work, business and religious activities. He was an ordained elder of the United Evangelical Church.