I was a young humble student of Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria, studying Sculpture in the 90s. Then one day, one of my lecturers, Sam Ovraiti, was passing by and stumbled on a work of mine. He was surprised at the extent of creativity of a young student that he had no choice but to exclaim in pidgin English ascent “Who be dis guy?!” he had asked. Some of the fellow students around told him that the work was mine, he exclaimed again by instructing the students around in pidgin English “tell dis guy to see me immediate, immediate!”

I eventually saw the amiable Sam Ovraiti and he told me how he fell in love with my work. The big boss was able to help me sell the piece of work for five thousand Naira in the 90s! I was all over the moon. And that was the day I realised the meaning of Yoruba proverb -“Ise logun Ise” – there is dignity in labour, hardwork pays.”

Fidelis Odogwu in conversation with Ireho Aito

Interview /words /Ireho Aito /images /Fidelis Odogwu archives