By Henry Aziengbe
Founder, Worldwide Art Advocacy
Waking up each day is a gift—and today, Sunday, April 13, 2025, I reflect not just on where I am, but where I’m going. A simple prompt—“Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”—stirred something deeper in me. It unearthed memories that still sting. Not out of bitterness, but of a journey that tested my spirit.
At the start of 2024, I received what seemed like a breakthrough. I traveled to Agbor, Delta State, on January 31 to install four majestic lion statues and two figures of Christ the Redeemer for a man I once deeply respected—Dr. George Uboh.
With passion and precision, I poured myself into the work. Each sculpture stood as a testament to my craft, dedication, and vision. But behind the art was a quiet suffering. Despite completing the job with excellence, I was never fully paid.
I left Agbor on June 1, 2024, empty-handed, emotionally drained, and deep in debt. What hurt more than the unpaid balance was the silence that followed. The man I had pledged loyalty to—who once called himself a king—ignored my calls, blocked me on all platforms, and left me stranded in a place far from home.
The initial agreement was clear: I was paid ₦2.1 million for a ₦2.4 million statue commission. Then came the rock bases—agreed to cost ₦7 million, which he told me to begin. He sent ₦1.4 million for installation, but stopped supporting me three weeks before completion. I starved for days. I borrowed to continue. I endured hostility and isolation from his site supervisor—all to finish what I started with honor.
When I finally begged for help to return home, he told me to wait until he visited the site. That visit never translated to a conversation or payment. Instead, he acted like nothing happened—like my blood, sweat, and sacrifice meant nothing.
The weight of the experience nearly broke me. I slept on the streets. I returned to Benin City in shame. But I am here. Alive. Strong. Creating.
When I imagine 10 years from now, I see something different:
I see a future where no one like me will be used and abandoned.
I see myself traveling the world with my art, empowered, not oppressed.
I see a world where artists are treated with dignity, not deceit.
To every client out there—remember, behind every artwork is a human being. A heartbeat. A family. A dream.
And to every artist who’s been through betrayal: Your gift is still valid. Your future still shines. Don’t let the cruelty of one person destroy your belief in the goodness of others.
I share this not for pity, but for purpose. Let my story speak for the silent ones. Let it ring a call for empathy in art business, and justice in creative industries.
The world must do better—and it starts with the truth.
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