UNA Strengthens Board with Appointment of Mrs Chiaka Ben-Obi
United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has taken another decisive step in strengthening its strategic leadership and governance framework with the appointment of seasoned corporate executive, Mrs Chiaka Ben-Obi, as a Director on its Board. Her appointment took effect from 1 November 2025.
According to the airline, the appointment is part of its structured corporate governance development plan and its broader expansion agenda. UNA noted that bringing in Mrs Ben-Obi is expected to reinforce the organisation’s strategic direction as it continues to scale up operations within Nigeria and across regional routes.
Mrs Ben-Obi brings over three decades of high-level cross-sector experience to the Board, more than 20 of which have been spent in senior and executive leadership roles.
She is the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Proven Performance Limited, and until recently served as Coordinating Director of the Digital and Innovation Support Group at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), where she led the agency’s major digital transformation initiatives.
Her professional journey cuts across technology, public administration, corporate transformation, and executive consulting. She has also become known nationally and internationally for her advocacy for women in leadership, especially in the technology space.
Over the years, she has earned multiple awards including “Corporate Woman of Excellence”, “SheLeadsTech”, and Technology & Innovation Personality of the Year in Public Service.
Mrs Ben-Obi is academically grounded, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Maiduguri, an MBA from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems Development from London Guildhall University.
She has also undertaken executive education at Lagos Business School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS).
Speaking on the appointment, the airline stated: “In our continued efforts to strengthen our corporate governance structure and broaden the membership of our Board in line with our strategic expansion programme, we are pleased to welcome Mrs Chiaka Ben-Obi to the Board of United Nigeria Airlines.
Her breadth of experience, leadership depth, and strong record in driving transformation make her a valuable addition to the UNA leadership. We look forward to the strategic insight she will bring to the organisation as we continue to expand and evolve.”
Accepting her new role, Mrs Ben-Obi expressed confidence in the airline’s mission and future direction.
“I am deeply honoured to join the Board of United Nigeria Airlines. I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board and Management to contribute to the continued growth, operational excellence, and strategic vision of the airline. United Nigeria Airlines has a clear mission of ‘Flying to Unite,’ and I am committed to supporting the achievement of its objectives and delivering lasting value.”
The appointment marks another deliberate step by UNA towards deepening leadership diversity, strengthening board capacity, and positioning itself more competitively within Nigeria’s increasingly dynamic aviation market.
