Martins Aibangbe, has not only redefined the metal and fibre art form in Africa but has also woven together threads of cultural reverence and innovative solutions. Much like his globally acclaimed 15 – meter Nelson Mandela installation for Adron Homes and Property in Lagos which is obviously the tallest installation in contemporary art in Africa to be mounted by an artist, who rose to prominence with a legacy of resilience and elevation. Martins ascends with a profound impact on the art world. His work seamlessly blends the sacred creativity of Eyo, another 20ft high landmark installation infusing traditional aesthetics with modern interpretations. Additionally, his innovative technique of the Plain Plate Portraits, reflects a commitment to simplicity and authenticity in artistic expression through the power of technological solutions. From this unique perspective, Martins Aibangbe offers a refreshing and powerful contribution to the landscape of African art, inviting us to experience a brunch with his extraordinary vision. He spoke with iBAND Magazine Ireho Aito in Ogun State.

I received a WhatsApp message on the 1st of June, this year, from Tony Ikhide Evbodaghe, a thoroughbred metal sculptor and design consultant. Tony is mercurial. A Givenchy in modern art in Nigerian. He quickly send chats about Martins Aibangbe, another metal sculptor, in his words, “guy, this guy is on fire!” Tony remarked. “You need to meet him. His works are out of this world!” Tony affirmed again.

Honestly, Nigerian creative economy is blowing up African charts. From music, and not only the high tempo Afrobeats alone, but down to films and movies. Check the media space, many channels on Multichoice are owned by Nigerians. Ghanaian born Hiplife musician, Samini once remarked, that, if Africa, were to be America, then, Nigeria alone would have been the State of California and Lagos, probably would have been Los Angeles. The creative industry in Nigeria, is sincerely driving African economy towing behind minerals and natural resources.

Such is the drive when you meet the creatives and checking their portfolios in Nigeria, you get awestruck on the diligence and dedication such creatives imbibe in their careers.

Such is the drive when you meet the creatives and checking their portfolios in Nigeria, you get awestruck on the diligence and dedication such creatives imbibe in their careers.

Martins Aibangbe belongs to that class act with distinction. He is different. He is in fact, a Trojan. Martins is not a noise making creative but purposely driven art – auteur. His career trajectory is unbelievably commanding. You can’t stop cherishing his renowned odyssey.

We agreed to work using the soft media to navigate our interviews but all to no avail. Divinely speaking, heavens wanted us to meet and for me to appreciate the power and resilience of an avant-garde artist.

Only few days ago, at the height of fuel scarcity in the country, Lagos had been badly hit with the scarcity and it was telling on the populace. Movement became somehow remote. While I tried to get a modicum at all to work, I had already informed Martins of my visit to his studio. He was enthusiastic about the visit.

And pronto! Yours truly was on the way towards the outskirts of Lagos going towards Ibadan and disembarking at popular Magboro bus stop. Martins had sent a detailed information on how to get there and put a call across to him, the next action for him to come and pick me.

A typical Lagos commuter that I was, I quickly alerted the bus driver and his conductor about my destination and I got a positive response that calmed my nerves.

At the bus stop, I put a call across to Martins that I am waiting. Martins appeared with a genuine swag with a personality that is very attractive and creatively chiseled by nature. Martins beaming smiles command sophistication from a sculptor who knows his onions.

“I am so happy to see you,” Martins says, as we were walking towards his workshop cum studio. A large compound along the Magboro community. “We all live as one community here. There is no discrimination. Love is shared here.” While I asked if he is a godfather in the community with celebrity presence? Martins replied swiftly, “ no way here bro!” They only made themselves approachable and the community absorbed them with no inhibition.

He ushered me into the compound and the setting was looking macabre. Behold in the premises are five 20ft high Eyo Masquerade projects on fibre glass in process. Mouth agape! As the adage goes while growing up in Ibadan; ‘not until you visit another man father’s farmland, you don’t go boasting about the richness of your father’s farmland.’ Martins is a quite businessman. He loves his peace.

His sculptural pieces are not for the faint – hearted. He revealed, “just tell me it is impossible and I will make it possible.” Martins Guardian Angel must be proud of his presence and guard with Martins daily.

Martins Aibangbe explains; “these are Eyo Masquerade installations and they are five in total. Each representing the five deities of Eyo pre – existence.” The fibre glass work are about 20ft in height. “Even, the Nelson Mandela project was also done in this premises,” Martins reminisces.
He quickly reminded me of the devastating moments they experience always from erosion and how it slows their work progression.

The Eyo Masquerade creation was abandoned for a while. He explained, “this is the third month on the job. Our work time depends on so many factors. Inspiration is of high value in our daily process. And it equally dictates work hours. All the five Eyo Masquerades will be 20 ft in installation.”

According to Martins, one of the installations will be the ‘leaping one’ and will be about 25ft in height. After being a little curious about the client behind the job, Martins opened up by revealing that the five Eyo Masquerades are for Adron Homes Eko City. A property owned by Adron Homes and Property Limited.
Adron Homes is a behemoth in Real Estate and Property business in Nigeria and Africa. A top brand, gigantic enough to acquire top sculptor and brand leader like Martins Aibangbe services in designs. What a beautiful partnership!

Adron Homes and Property, a prominent real estate company in Nigeria, established by Aare Oba Adetola Emmanuel King, has a connection with the Eyo Masquerade through its architectural and cultural representations. Specifically, the five – 20-ft high installations crafted by Martins Aibangbe depict the five pillars of the Eyo Masquerade, an important cultural festival in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Eyo Masquerade, or Eyo Festival, is a traditional festival celebrating the memory of departed chiefs and is a significant part of the Yoruba cultural heritage. The festival features masqueraders who embody various aspects of the Yoruba belief system and its historical figures.

The statues by Martins Aibangbe are a modern artistic representation of these cultural pillars. By incorporating such statues, Adron Homes and Property showcases a commitment to preserving and honouring cultural heritage through their real estate developments, linking their modern projects with traditional values and historical significance.

“This is fibre glass installation. We are mostly into metals but Adron Homes and Property brought us back to fibre glass installation,” Martins reminded me.
Aligning with Adron’s homes and property philosophy and the ability to promote safe haven that rests at its heart. Adron remains haven whose durability, resilience and adaptability placed the property firm at the pinnacle of homes and property business in Nigeria.

This is fibre glass installation. We are mostly into metals but Adron Homes and Property brought us back to fibre glass installation,”

Martins Aibangbe is a product of Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Auchi, Edo State. A school known for its vibrant representation in global art space. For the discerning minds, if Yabatech is the Harvard for Art education in Nigeria, Auchi Polytechnic is the Cambridge version. Martins graduated in 1998 and majored in Sculpture. He voluntarily asked we move the interview to the studio – office in the next building across the street.

Despite his ebullient frame, Martins is a quintessential gentleman who loves his music while working on his numerous A – list projects or just musing on ideas. He is equally fierce while ruminating on ideas in his studio or with his clients in attendance. Martins Aibangbe has a global dominance through sheer discipline, consistency, passion and delivery. What a unique selling point for a mercurial product from Auchi famous art school.

“Music drives our work. Various genres propel our targets,” Martins explained while nodding to Bob Marley’s melodious ‘Stir it Up.’ “Make we go upstairs to relax talk more,” he pleaded in Pidgin – English for us to go to the studio upstairs.

Music drives our work. Various genres propel our targets,”

A game changer he readily admits. “My clients always put a task across thinking they are impossible until I pull up a surprise mode through my meticulous research on their type of projects.
The Adron boss, a cosmopolitan personality, gentleman and well travelled Nigerian, always take my USP mode seriously.”

“My clients always put a task across thinking they are impossible until I pull up a surprise mode through my meticulous research on their type of projects.

He had explained to his partners and staff about how industrious and ambitious Martins Aibangbe could be. Martins recalled that Aare Oba Adetola Emmanuel King, the Adron boss, wanted the 15 -metre Mandela installation to be produced outside Nigeria because he didn’t believe such a big project was achievable in Nigeria.

It was the replica of a 9 – meter version he saw while in South Africa.
Adron boss, believes Martins Unique Selling Proposition matches Adron’s business model and highly infectious.

And talking about Unique Selling Proposition of Martins Aibangbe business model which takes his clients to a Mount Everest – like summit, the 53-ft-high installation of one of Africa’s most celebrated icons, Nelson Mandela by Nigerian sculptor Martins Aibangbe, erected in front of the Cape Town City Estate in Lagos, serves as a powerful symbol of honour and respect.

At present, this is the tallest installation you can ever find in Nigeria. It is a phenomenon record set by two different industry giants.

Martins and Adron collaboration brought panache not only to visual art circle but also, construction, homes and property development sector. No one can beat such a team bond uniquely in creativity.

“The installation took a year to complete. Martins explained, “we encountered scarcity of materials, especially resin and other natural occurrences,” Martins informed me.

The installation took a year to complete

The sculptor admitted it was a challenge he defeated. “When we were erecting the job, someone came around and asked if I were a foreigner hired by Adron and brought in to do the job. I had to explain my nationality as a Nigerian and the school I attended before he was convinced,” Martins reiterated.

When we were erecting the job, someone came around and asked if I were a foreigner hired by Adron and brought in to do the job

The statue not only pays tribute to Mandela’s legacy and his fight against apartheid but also enhances the cultural and historical significance of the estate. It underscores the connection between African heritage and contemporary developments, promoting values of unity and resilience.

For residents and visitors, the statue is a prominent landmark that highlights the estate’s commitment to celebrating important historical figures and their contributions to society.

Martins Aibangbe in his elements loves his job. As he claims, “art found me. I didn’t look for it.” Martins continues, “All my life, I never failed! Life is beautiful!”
One outstanding component about Martins Aibangbe is his resolute and courageous strength, coupled with his visionary exploration that has put him in a different class among the stars. Martins is a bright star with noble crown.

art found me. I didn’t look for it.

The Plain Plate Portrait Master
He has single-handedly introduced a ground-breaking style of portraiture called Plain Plate Portrait, or ‘PPP.’ This innovative approach stands out due to his modest yet captivating work ethic. According to the sculptor, ‘PPP’ represents a new way of creating portraits, combining technological inspiration with a multidimensional technique. The uniqueness of this style is brought to life through dynamic spatial movement and the genuine admiration it evokes.

The first collector to admire the exquisite beauty of the new motif – ‘PPP’ was Rotimi Akeredolu, former Governor of Ondo State. The governor was marvelled when he saw his personal portrait. He couldn’t believe it and thought it was magical. He instantly ordered for Afrobeat musician’s portrait – Fela Kuti and stateman Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

When Fela’s daughter, Yeni, saw her father’s portrait through Plain Plate Portrait technique, she became dumbstruck!
Akeredolu, a great collector himself, ordered for more and a new version of Fela again. The Plain Plate Portrait technique of Fela Kuti is at the musician’s grave inside his Kalakuta residence in Ikeja.

The portrait rotates at Fela’s grave at the moment. Akeredolu wouldn’t stop ordering for the technique, as he kept commissioning for more. He placed orders for literary giant and Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka’s portrait. He also ordered for his beautiful wife and his parents. Such was the demand for Martins Aibangbe’s PPP.
Adron Homes and Property boss, also placed his orders. In fact he marvelled at the level of creativity and skill invested in creating the work. “He quickly told his team where to place his ordered portrait. When he was driving out, he was still calling if the beautiful was already adorning his preferred choice to be displayed.

Family is Everything
Martins Aibangbe was in Auchi in 1970. He quickly chipped in that his parents are disciplinarian. Martins mother was a practising nurse while the father was a police officer who later retired and moved into private business in oil and gas, owning a petrol station. When his parents were still working as public servants, they were at the same time, embarking on endless travels due to their careers. “Originally, my dad is from Igueben and mum is from Ekpoma with royal bloodline.

He actually grew up with his maternal uncle. “I have a cousin who was orphaned and he was lonely. I was asked to join him and be a companion. I am a year older than him.”

Martins said he grew in a family with love. “Holidays were always crazy moments in my home. My parents would gather all my cousins and other children, numbering more than fifteen under the same roof. Food are served by age factor. Older ones, including domestic workers were served according to age – factor. It was a rule that guided me throughout my childhood years.”

Holidays were always crazy moments in my home.

Martins attended prestigious schools such as Emotan Primary School in Benin City. He also did a liitle of Edo College until his second year and moved to Annunciation Catholic College Irrua, popularly known as ACC Irrua for the completion of his secondary school program. He had his valedictory in 1988.

At ACC Irrua, Martins initially was a boarding student until the father retired from Police Service Commission. “I was a boarding student for two years. And became a day – student because my father had a petrol station very close to the school,” Martins explained. “The family felt it was unwise to remain in boarding school, since my father drives to work very close to the school everyday,” he submitted.
“ ACC Irrua really paved the way for us to excel. And giving back is not enough. My 1988 set in ACC Irrua has been trying to give back to the school for a new turn – around. One of the founding principals, I mean the first principal’s statue, a Reverend Father’s was mounted. I was commissioned through our contribution to do the statue,” Martins revealed.

ACC Irrua really paved the way for us to excel. And giving back is not enough.

Life As An Enfant Terrible. A Rebel by Nature
After his secondary education, Martins father wanted him to be an engineer. And during the long holiday period, he was enrolled at Technical College known as Agbor – Tech for a year to study Auto – Tech. Martins recalled he had a good time academically and in co – curricula aspect of education. He ended up being among the top – three brilliant students throughout his stay at Agbor – Tech.

Martins Aibangbe had a complicated post – secondary period due to him, insisting on pursuing a degree program in art related courses because of his innate talent which his father refused and remained adamant.

It became a back and forth situation for the Aibangbes. Even, Martins uncles were not spared in what became an ‘academic imbroglio’ for Martins as a child.

Martins later found himself in Federal Polytechnic Auchi to study Art and Design. Though, initially, he was not offered admission but got to study Art Education, a national college of education program, NCE program at the time.

This period happened to be one of the most horrendous time for Martins, because his Dad, still insisted, he should study engineering courses. And the father decided not to pay his school fees. Martins Mum, started paying the school fees. Martins shared this period amid laughter during the interview. Eventually, Auchi Polytechnic, came calling.

My Auchi Polytechnic Days – The Survival Series
Determination pays always. And it eventually did for Martins too in his choice to study Art and Design at Federal Polytechnic Auchi. From his bird – eye view, Martins explained that Auchi, the town, as noble as it is, is a fun – place to be and experience. “In our days, we were rebels. We revolted against some of the ills in the school as well.”

In our days, we were rebels.

He later expressed it during the course of the interview that in his Higher Diploma Degree program, they were underserved by the school system. “We found out that free materials were provided for the students to subsidise their school program. But students were denied. “It took a certain action from one of our lecturers to correct that anomaly.”

While at Auchi Polytechnic, Martins revealed he was dubbed an ‘NFA’ which means a student with no future ambition by his teachers. “Honestly speaking, Auchi Polytechnic remains unparalleled in terms of total education. I passed through the school and the school passed through me,” Martins says in admiration of the impact the school had on him. He recounted one of the scenarios when he graduated from school. “When I graduated from Auchi, I did a crucifix work, one of earliest works and posted it on Facebook, out of the blues, one of my old lecturers responded with his rib – cracking bullet; ‘see this NFA boy wey I think say by now, e go don become yahoo boy dey give us this?’ See this no future ambition lad, a boy that I thought would have ended up in the scam business decided to give us this beautiful work?’ This was the impression of Martins by one of his erstwhile lecturers after graduation. Martins was known for his notoriety when it comes to school punctuality.

see this NFA boy wey I think say by now, e go don become yahoo boy dey give us this?

For Martins Aibangbe, life in the school was another life entirely. In his words, everything Auchi Polytechnic, was perfect. “Like the female hostels, we had accessed to visit the girls at anytime. Many guys slept in the female in my time while in school,” Martins recounted.

Like the female hostels, we had accessed to visit the girls at anytime.

He recalled a time, his team made a trip to one of the Northern schools and how they were barred from visiting the girls. “ We went on a trip to Zaria for an excursion and on alighting, we thought it was the same normal free entry to the female hostels there.

In the morning, we decided to visit the girls. Suddenly, we heard screams in Hausa language ‘Ba shiga!’ meaning, you cannot enter. That was the first time I heard such word in my life.” Martins also recounted that on their way back to the bus, some of the female students actually admired the presence of Auchi Polytechnic boys on their campus, as they were busy gossiping about their presence.

Suddenly, we heard screams in Hausa language ‘Ba shiga!’

The sculptor maintained that in Auchi Polytechnic, talents are polished to its finest to excel.

Martins who nurtured enterpreneurship very early, had his internship at Forum Newspapers in Benin City. He never wanted a regimented career life and becoming his own boss had always been there. “That official status that I observed at Forum Newspapers put me off.” The official protocols were just too much for him to tolerate. Though, he admitted that such system also gave him the neccessary structure he need to start his business. Martins graduated from Auchi Polytechnic in 1998 as a Sculptor graduate.

That official status that I observed at Forum Newspapers put me off.

Martins Aibangbe admit he would not complete his Auchi Polytechnic days without mentioning a bosom friend, Joseph Iluobe and the role he played in his surviving like a soldier. He met Joseph Iluobe during his art and design days at Auchi. Joseph is also a student and artist.
“I was in the Center A area of the Auchi Polytechnic cafe one night, and I saw Joseph painting with chalk pastel. I became inquisitive as it was puzzling to see. In my mind, it seems such skill was magical. Like a miracle worker! It was strange to see him painting with chalk!. At that time, I only know of pencils, ink, poster – colours and others. I wanted to touch it but Joseph yelled at me not to dare touch his painting,” Martins narrated amid laughter.

“I was in the Center A area of the Auchi Polytechnic cafe one night, and I saw Joseph painting with chalk pastel.

Joseph Iluobe encouraged Martins to start investing in portraitures using the medium. “I had to play a fast one on my parents to raise necessary funds to buy tools for the new adventure. I got what I wanted and started doing portraits in school.”

Impossible to Stop!
Martins did portraits all over the place. He never stopped. Works were done for students on campus. In the begining, he ventured into designing cards. “I recall Timi Aliyu taught me how to design cards. From customised cards, Valentine cards, birthdays and seasons greetings cards were all done. Timi also tutored me on how to do works using fibre.

I recall Timi Aliyu taught me how to design cards

According to Martins, they veered into portraitures. “Whenever you wanted to do portraits, you would lock yourself up working in your room. But for marketing sake, you present yourself and work at the to Cafe Centre, seeking for buyers. Students always were available at the Centre daily. They get attracted and patronised what you have to display. Students would normally approach you to do portraits for their loved ones on campus or elsewhere. My enterpreneurship journey actually started this way.”

Whenever you wanted to do portraits, you would lock yourself up working in your room.

One important attribute of Martins Aibangbe is his ability to not be creative but his marketing savvy is loaded. Conquering the fear of marketing he explained was due to his long stay with his uncle who was a highly respected politician in Nigeria.

“My uncle’s influence while growing up with him at a time in Benin City made me to conquer the fear of meeting people very early.” He still remembers like yesterday, how top government functionaries and seasoned politicians such as Tony Anenih, Adams Oshiomhole, and many more were major features in their home at the time.

My uncle’s influence while growing up with him at a time in Benin City made me to conquer the fear of meeting people very early.

After graduation, Martins stayed with one of his roommates back in school, Hassan Aidoreolor, a graphic design graduate, just as his wife. “I learned graphics along the line by understudying Hassan.”

His first commissions he recalled were the Lekki Concession Company LCC in Lekki – Epe. “I did most of their billboards when they started. I printed their first receipts booklets and tickets. I only learned graphics on the way and today, I work with it. Education will definitely alter your way of thinking.”

Books of My Life

It was amid sumptuous culinary that was set on the table for us and appreciating the positives of quality education in all ramifications that Martins revealed his library acquisitions and the books that shaped his level of thinking.

“I have always admired Mario Puzo – The Godfather. This book happened to be my best book. The intrigues were like a game of Chess. I enjoy reading Fiction and Adventures books, comics definitely added to my imagination. I still relish the Asterix comics series. Tintin adventures. Novels such as James Hadley Chase, Sydney Sheldon, Robert Ludlum, Jeffrey Archer, Agatha Christie and more, all added values to me and positioned me to where I am today.”

I have always admired Mario Puzo – The Godfather.

Hardwork played a prominent role for Martins career path. His first commission was a portrait of a child which took him a whole day to do. The client paid about One Hundred Naira Only at that time. He stated he was doing four portraits overnight. Martins actually enjoys working in the night with a whole lot of music. “When the work is a bit challenging, I switch to Reggae music, or find solace in Fela Kuti. And when I found myself at a crossroad, then, Eric Donaldson, the Roots, Rock Reggae legend comes on board.”

Jess Castellote’s View From His Corner
Jess Castellote is a Spanish architect who has lived and worked in Nigeria since 1984. He is an art collector and critic who has been a constant reference point in Nigeria’s art circle. Jess has always been there for mentorship and opinion about art direction. He keeps a blog – A View from My Corner.

Martins Aibangbe relocated to Lagos around 2006 from Ibadan where he had a stint with a friend called Frank. In Ibadan, he continued with his portraits and one of his clients was the late politician and former Governor of Oyo State, Lam Adesina.

Martins confessed he was introduced to Jess Castellote through a friend too. And he decided to seek Jess opinion and patronage of his work. “I was doing my metal sculpting and carried three impressive work to show Jess to buy. He rubbished the work. Jess challenged me to be more creative about my ideas. He showed me some works that I cringed about, but I learned from Jess to break the norm if I really wanted to stand out. It was an incredible life’s lesson.”

Jess challenged me to be more creative about my ideas

If You Touch That Work!
Martins eventually picked up from Jess’s reviews. He invested on the internet to know more about ideas and modern trends in visual art sector. “I work on metals with all sorts of components. I started my experimentation series. And I dabbled into Bolts and Nuts. This brought out the steel in me, he narrated.”

I started my experimentation series. And I dabbled into Bolts and Nuts

Martins found a new niche and constantly invested in his experiments on bolts and nuts. “I took one of my experiments to Engr. Yemisi Shyllon and he tried to undervalue the work. I wanted to pick my work and leave the room but the seasoned collector reacted sternly, ‘ìf you touch that work!’ Yemisi Shyllon remarked. The collector eventually paid for my work. I experienced this reaction from many patrons and Signature Beyond Gallery of Art in Ikoyi too. It was a reaction from an industry that ia constantly searching for new ideas from artists.”

‘ìf you touch that work!’ Yemisi Shyllon remarked

“Out of the blues, Jess Castellote started ordering for my works as his clients, patrons and community started placing their orders. I started nuts that they refer to junk art in this country.”

I started nuts that they refer to junk art in this country

Fate and Love Found Behind the Portrait
All work and no play makes Martins a dull boy too. Martins found love and married his long-time adorable sweetheart. “I met my wife in Ibadan through a friend. And we started the dating game too. Later, I moved to Lagos but we were still communicating affectionately, until we got separated, he confessed.”

And close to 10 years, the love interest waned. One day, Martins got a call from his former heartthrob who needed help on how to navigate her trip to Warri in Delta State. Then, she was working for International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, IITA in Ibadan. Martins opened up on how he solved the puzzle of her journey, “I was able to direct her on how to get to her destination. It was a safe journey for her. All of a sudden, our love life reopened again. I asked her to accompany me to Abuja for my birthday celebration in September which she obliged.”

Martins proposed to her, though she was surprised he wasn’t married at the time. Martins proposed a December wedding. By November, they ended up becoming a couple by having their marital vows. The couple is blessed with two children.

Future is the Key – Moving into Agriculture
Martins Aibangbe thinks investment in other sources is a beautiful way to work towards money working for you. And he has a lot of passion for Agriculture. This is the future for him. A new direction he explained. The plans are being set out already. “I want to retire in Ibadan, a very peaceful city. I have plans to venture into animal farm such as pig business and insect farming.”

I want to retire in Ibadan, a very peaceful city. I have plans to venture into animal farm such as pig business and insect farming

He maintains that Agriculture is the soul of any nation that wants development and reduce poverty.

“Diversifying into agriculture is key for me. Their is maggot farming or Black Fly Farming. Maggots are high in protein. Farmers rely on maggots farming for their fish farming and poultry feed. Very high in nutrients. If you are running it alongside poultry, it reduces the poultry feeding expenses by 50%.”

The sculptor reveals that the market for Black Fly Farming is very high and in demand. “The market is everywhere. You cannot even meet the demand. And the process is very simple to operate. Maggots are dehydrated by dehydrators before they complete their metamorphosis.”
While walking downstairs to meet his other team members who also include teenagers, Martins stated that the young ones need constant advice and guide to attain career freedom. Enterpreneurship involves self – discipline and focus which he tries to imbibe in his team.
He warned young people not to neglect the importance of technology for career development and aspirations. “I still remember the era of using chisels and hammers to cut plates. Today, their is laser and plasma cuts. Technology keeps evolving and investing quickly on it, keeps ones career alive.”

The market is everywhere. You cannot even meet the demand.

Interview/words/Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!
Photographs and images courtesy Martins Aibangbe