Chiaka Ben-Obi Marks 60th Birthday in Grand Style

The Los Angeles Hall in Abuja came alive on Friday, November 14, as dignitaries, families, friends, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond gathered to honour one of the nation’s most accomplished women, Mrs. Chiaka Ben-Obi, on her 60th birthday. The event blended elegance and emotion, a fitting tribute to a woman whose career and […]

The Los Angeles Hall in Abuja came alive on Friday, November 14, as dignitaries, families, friends, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond gathered to honour one of the nation’s most accomplished women, Mrs. Chiaka Ben-Obi, on her 60th birthday.

The event blended elegance and emotion, a fitting tribute to a woman whose career and character have inspired many home and abroad. Cultural performances, glowing speeches, and moments of gratitude punctuated the event, making it as much a celebration of legacy as of longevity.

While the evening’s atmosphere radiated warmth and admiration, colleagues, family members, and mentees paid heartfelt tributes. They recounted how Ben-Obi’s mentorship and professionalism have shaped their own paths.
Known for her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, Ben-Obi currently serves as the Managing Partner and CEO of Proven Performance Limited, a firm widely recognized for its innovative contributions to business and leadership development.

Her career achievements extend deep into the public sector, most notably through her tenure as Coordinating Director of the Digital and Innovation Support Group (DISG) at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), where she championed forward-thinking digital transformation initiatives.

Dancing to the traditional drum beat before her guests, Ben-Obi expressed deep appreciation for her journey thus far, making no secret of the emotional significance of the occasion.

“I’m grateful to God for this special day in my life. It’s a very big milestone in my life because it gives me an opportunity to reflect on the past and determine the way forward. I pray for another opportunity to do it better and not to disappoint,” she shared with a smile, her sincerity resonating with all present.
When speaking with reporters, Ben-Obi didn’t shy away from acknowledging her achievements, but made it clear where she believed the credit belonged. “I am proud of my achievements and I owe it to God for being able to do them. It is good to show kindness and compassion to mankind. And I hope to do more,” she said.

The celebration was not only a demonstration of Ben-Obi’s professional accomplishments but also a moving portrait of her role as a mother.

Her daughter, Adaeze Obi, beaming with pride, recounted her mother’s remarkable influence: “I’m so proud of her and love her dearly,” Adaeze shared. She noted that her mother’s compassion and dedication have touched the lives of her children and countless others.

Her son, Chuka Obi, also echoed these sentiments. He highlighted her impact on both their family and the larger Nigerian society. “She is my role model in life and inspiration. She is remarkable,” he said, emphasizing qualities he believes everyone should strive to embody.

And in the words of Ikaay Obi, her son, “I have enjoyed the greatest privilege of my life being raised by a woman of such profound kindness, intelligence, discernment, dedication, and strength. Even as caring for us during our formative years must have demanded much from her, she never faltered in her commitment. Her generosity was never limited to our family; she willingly extended her care and support to friends and countless others in need.
“As we mark six decades of her extraordinary journey, we honor a woman who stands as a pillar and visionary, an individual defined by her unwavering service, devotion to family, and relentless pursuit of knowledge.
“May this milestone bring you every joy, rest, and adventure that your heart desires. I look forward to many more years together. From all of us, your children, know that you are truly loved.”

Indeed, the presence of prominent guests like the Chairman of United Nigeria Airline, Obiora Okonkwo, underscored the high regard in which Ben-Obi is held. Okonkwo described her as “an intelligent and meticulous lady,” while her former colleagues at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) reflected on her time as Coordinating Director.

“She did everything in her power to help us in the management team to make a difference for Nigeria,” they noted with admiration.

From her innovative leadership as CEO of Proven Performance Limited to her enduring legacy at FIRS, Mrs. Chiaka Ben-Obi’s milestone birthday became both a celebration of enduring achievements and a promise to do even more for humanity. As guests departed, the resounding message was clear: hers is a life marked not only by success, but by service, humility, and unwavering faith
During her time as the Coordinating DISG at FIRS, Ben-Obi engineered sweeping modernization and drove the agency towards a future powered by digitalization and efficiency. Through her innovative work, key departments including business analysis, eBusiness, project management, ICT, and change management.

She went on to lead major digital transformation projects at FIRS and implemented automation and tech-driven solutions for tax administration. Her approach is grounded in the power of soft skills and hands-on technical acumen, empowering individuals to become problem-solvers and global citizens.
Her leadership as an ambassador for SheLeadsTech and her ongoing involvement in coding and digital literacy initiatives for girls, including summer coding classes for children, reflects her unyielding commitment to opening doors for the next generation of innovators. This is because Ben-Obi believes in equipping the girl child with the tools to succeed, fostering skills such as coding, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration, all essential for thriving in today’s technology-driven world.

Owing to her impressive track record, she has received some prestigious awards under her belt. They include the ISACA Technology for Humanity Award (2023), the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Medal (Ghana), Corporate Woman of Excellence in Information Technology, among multiple honours from ISACA Abuja, international organizations and the US in recognition of her transformative leadership.

While affecting lives across the country and the globe, Ben-Obi is improving her professional skills. Her academic record sets the momentum for her multidisciplinary approach. She has a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. She also holds an MBA from the University of Hull, United Kingdom and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems Development from London Guildhall University, UK.

She is an Alumna of Lagos Business School, certified Project Management Professional and Certified Information Systems Auditor, a testament to her expertise in both leadership and technology.

As she steps into a new chapter of life, Ben-Obi is not only a role model for aspiring female technologists but a driving force behind digital literacy, modern governance, and equitable access to technology for Nigeria’s youth. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and the relentless pursuit of a more inclusive future for all.