Omabegho, Billy, 1970 - 1973

Billy Omabegho was born in 1944 and received his formal art training in the United States at Cornell University and New York University. He has commissioned a number of major works including Zuma, which is a symbol of the Nigerian Mission to the United Nations in New York City, the sculpture memorial to the former Nigerian Head of State, Murtala Ramat Muhammed in Benin City, and the Lagos International Fair Trade Symbol. He has also been commissioned to do large-scale environmental sculpture in the United States. Omabegho has been acknowledged as the first Nigerian sculptor to design and execute modern large-scale monumental works for strategic public places in Nigeria. He was also commissioned to do the only sculpture garden of State House, Marina, Lagos. From 2010 to 2011, two of his designs were featured in the Global Africa Project, a major exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. His sculptures are rooted in African Symbols and a dedication to his own cultural and national heritage, which he has applied to his formal training and techniques.

[https://smocontemporaryart.com/artists/103-billy-omabegho/biography/ https://culturenow.org/entry&permalink=02663&seo=Zuma_Billy-Omabegho/ ]