"The art that we create is helping to give our people self-identity. For one to call himself an artist, one has to take a leadership role. Not just merely producing art works, but producing art works which are backed by ideas and philosophies which are calculated to help upgrade and uplift the life of the people”
Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya (phd, mfr) was born in Oghara, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State on August 30, 1932. He studied art at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology (now Ahmadu Bello University) Zaria, and graduated in 1962 with a degree in painting. Before proceeding to Zaria, he was already recognised as having the potentials of a great artist, and was made the art teacher in various secondary schools such as the old Western Boys’ High School, Benin City and Ondo Boys’ High School, Ondo.