The author was born in Lagos, Nigeria, shortly after independence. His childhood was split between the city and his native village, Ikot Ekong, a division that deepened his cultural roots. Early artistic influences came naturally from his family’s craftsmanship and his father's photography. A pivotal moment occurred during the Nigerian Civil War in 1967, when a three-year separation from his father and memories of village life became powerful inspirations for his future art.

Although his parents wanted him to be a doctor, his passion for art was undeniable, evidenced by his success in external art exams. Initially enrolled in Biochemistry at a polytechnic, his life changed upon discovering architectural sketches. He successfully transferred to Architecture, finding immense joy in formal artistic assessment. After a diploma, he earned a scholarship to the Soviet Union, completing an MSc and Ph.D.

While in Moscow in 1995, interest from galleries in his paintings ignited his artistic ambition. Returning to Kazakhstan, he organized his first exhibition, "The Return," symbolizing his full commitment to becoming a professional artist. This marked the culmination of his journey back to his innate artistic self.