Mr. Daniel Chibueze Okafor

Born on the 20th of April, 1970 in Orumba North in Anambra state, Mr Okafor Daniel Chibueze started his educational journey in Nkwo, Nnewi Primary School, Nnewi. Anambra state, where he obtained his First School leaving Certificate and proceeded to Okongwu Memorial Grammar School, Nnewi and obtained his Senior Secondary School Certificate. Thereafter, he moved to Federal School of Arts and Science Lagos for his Higher School Certificate. His quest for further education then took him to University of Benin, Edo state, where he obtained a BSc. in Geology and later obtained an M.Sc. In Environmental Resource Management from Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Nasarawa State.

Mr Okafor did his mandatory NYSC in Akwa Ibom State where he served as a trainee Geologist during Geophysical surveys and borehole construction at various towns in Ikono Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State.

After his NYSC, Mr Okafor was immediately recruited as a student Geologist and trainee with the joint academic team (Geophysicists, Engineering Geologists and Engineers) that carried out Geophysical and Geotechnical investigation within the precinct of the land earmarked and proposed for the construction of lecture theatres and administrative buildings presently housing the Faculties of Education and Social Sciences at the University of Benin in Edo state.

Mr Okafor’s major working career stated as a Site Hydrologist with Prakla Geomechanik International Limited, a Water and Engineering firm in 1998. He acquired extensive experience in Borehole construction and rehabilitation, works in both Sedimentary and Basement terrains and rose through the ranks of a Site Hydrologist to a Project Manager, coordinating/supervising several Borehole Constructions, Rehabilitation, Environmental and Engineering Projects.

Mr Okafor whose work has spanned over 20 years has worked as Hydrologist/Project Manager for various projects including

  • The construction and completion of Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF), National Rural Water Supply Programme (NRWSP).
  • Supervised the construction of Independent Water Scheme for Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters at Mabushi, Abuja.
  • Construction of motorised boreholes for water supply for National Maritime Authority at their Junior Staff Housing Estate Area 1, Garki. Abuja.
  • Executed to completion the Perimeter Chain link fencing and Topographic survey cum Runway design of the 3km x 3km Federal Ministry of Aviation Proposed Air Strip at Wasinmi, Ewekoro Local Government Area. Ogun State
  • Geologist / Project Administrator for the joint venture (PRAKLAHYDROWORKS LTD) during the execution of the Small Earth Dam at Dutsi Town, Dutsi Local Government Area, Katsina State.  
  • Project Manager for the execution of new Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Terminal at Katsina State.
  • Project Manager, Lagan International Nigerian LTD. Managed and executed the Presidency MDG’s Semi Urban Zonal intervention water project at Shargarlle town in Dutsi Local Government Area, Katsina State.

 

In 2017 Mr. Daniel Okafor was appointed the General Manager, Directorate of Applied Meteorology where he coordinates the directorate’s staff to promote the services of meteorology in all sectors that are related to Hydrometeorology. He held this position until May 2023 when he was appointed by the Federal Government as the Director in the Directorate of Weather Forecasting Services. He oversees the daily operations of weather observation and prediction for all sectors of the of the economy.

 

He is a member of various professional associations including: –

  • Member, Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (MNMGS);
  • Member, Nigerian Association of Hydrologist (C-NAH).
  • Member, Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (MCOMEG)

A target-driven and result oriented person, Mr Okafor loves travelling and adventure and is happily married with children.