Rear Admiral Okafor honoured with Alexander Dalrymple Award
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Rear Admiral Okafor honoured with Alexander Dalrymple Award

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has awarded Rear Admiral Chukwuemeka Ebenezer Okafor, former Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy, the 2023 Alexander Dalrymple Award for his exceptional services to international hydrography.

Rear Admiral Okafor received the award during a ceremony led by UK National Hydrographer Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh OBE at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization in London. The event was attended by the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Cyprian Heen, as well as close family and friends.

The Alexander Dalrymple Award committee recognized Rear Admiral Okafor’s significant contributions and advancements at the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO) during his tenure. Under his leadership, the NNHO became the first West African Hydrographic Office to operate its own hydrographic survey fleet.

Rear Admiral Okafor’s achievements have highlighted the strategic importance of hydrography in Nigeria, paving the way for substantial economic and social benefits, not only nationally but also regionally. His leadership serves as an example for other West African countries to follow.

Powerful hydrographic information

Commenting on the award, Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh, UK National Hydrographer, UKHO, said: “It is with great pleasure that we present this award to Rear Admiral Okafor for his lasting contributions to hydrography. We recognize his enduring influence on the Nigerian Navy through his leadership as Nigeria’s National Hydrographer for 32 years. He becomes the latest recipient in a long and illustrious list of some of the world’s most influential hydrographers.”

Rear Admiral Chukwuemeka Ebenezer Okafor added: “I am honoured to accept this award from the UK Hydrographic Office. The UKHO’s efforts are paramount to ensuring the safety of maritime operations and preserving the dynamic marine ecosystems upon which we depend. With 32 years of service in the Nigerian Navy, I have always believed passionately in Nigeria’s commitment to hydrography and charting. I have seen first-hand how powerful hydrographic information can be if it is placed in the right hands. I am convinced that sustainability of the current level of hydrographic development in Nigeria will unlock her blue economy potential for the common good of all her citizens.”

Alongside improved data collection capability, led by Rear Admiral Okafor, the NNHO has also started to produce electronic navigational charts (ENCs) and paper chart coverage of Nigerian waters, meeting stringent international standards to earn recognition as an INT chart producer – a globally recognized mark of competency. They started by producing charts in the Lagos Harbour Area and are now expanding to other parts of Nigeria.

With this impressive charting capability and two recent nautical publications, Nigeria is well placed to provide accurate and up-to-date hydrographic services across its waters. Notably, this encompasses a large project to survey and chart the Lower River Niger from Lokoja to Burutu.

The Alexander Dalrymple Award, named in honour of the inaugural Hydrographer of the British Admiralty, has been presented annually by the UK Hydrographic Office since 2006, acknowledging exceptional contributions to the field of hydrography. Recipients are chosen by the UKHO’s Executive Committee for their dedication to advancing hydrography, cartography and navigation standards worldwide.

Rear Admiral Chukwuemeka Ebenezer Okafor, former National Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy (left), receiving the 2023 Alexander Dalrymple Award from Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh, UK National Hydrographer (right).
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