Nigeria’s former Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Nsikak Eduok has died at the age of 73.

Veteran journalist Nsikak Essien disclosed in a Facebook post on Thursday that the former Voice of Nigeria (VON) studio manager died on Wednesday at Ibom Multi-Specialty Hospital, Uyo after a protracted illness.

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.

The Nsikak Eduok Avenue in Uyo is named after him.

His death comes two weeks after that of the first indigenous military governor of Akwa Ibom Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga.

Nkanga died on December 24 from COVID-19 related complications.