Emmanuel Mbanefo, born in Jos, Nigeria, August 16, 1960, began his professional training in 1980 as an apprentice to an Onitsha local carver. Subsequently, he enrolled at Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State in 1982, graduating in 1985 with NCE in technical Education (Sculpture/Textiles Option), and had a brief stint as an art teacher. His first studio, Destiny Art Studio, Onitsha, was instrumental in nurturing the careers of such members of Olokoto as George Nwadiogbu and Arinze Ato. Mbanefo has had two solo exhibitions and taken part in eleven group shows. A Sculptor and painter, he has established a reputation for creating very bold and imaginative works.