As a child growing up in Nigeria, Sunday Agbonika always had dogs, including a German shepherd named Skipper who was a trained dog. This sparked his interest in how animals can help people, leading him to attend veterinary school. After graduation, he came across a video of Nathan Serov talking about the benefits of having a service dog for autism. This inspired Agbonika to use his background in animals to help children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Agbonika founded Dogalov Human Assistance Initiative in Nigeria, which uses animals to aid children with neurodevelopmental disorders. He also studies animal welfare and behavior at the University of Pennsylvania. In an interview with Science News Explores, Agbonika shares his journey.
How did you get to where you are today?
Despite initially wanting to study medicine, Agbonika pursued veterinary medicine in Nigeria. His passion for training animals and the impact it can have on human lives led him to stick with his chosen path. He never submitted an application to change his program and instead focused on studying dog training to help others.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Agbonika faced challenges in pursuing a course in dog training in the US but overcame this by self-educating through books and videos. The biggest challenge he encountered was reaching children who could benefit from animal-assisted therapy due to the stigma against autism. However, through perseverance, they were able to connect with centers willing to support their cause.
How is autism perceived in Nigeria?
In the past, children with neurodevelopmental disorders in Nigeria were misunderstood and often viewed as being connected to witchcraft. While this perception has improved, the stigma against autism persists, leading families to hide affected children. Agbonika’s nephew faced similar challenges due to negative perceptions of autism, but progress is being made through accessible treatment services and education.
What is the current state of pet ownership in Nigeria?
Pet ownership in Nigeria is gradually increasing, with more people interested in having trained dogs. The influence of Western cultures, cartoons, and media is raising awareness about animals in the country. However, some individuals may own guard dogs for security reasons and may not develop a bond with them due to safety concerns. Negative experiences with dogs in the media can further fuel fear of owning pets.
What is one of your greatest successes?
Agbonika’s notable achievement was being awarded the Mandela Washington Fellowship in 2019 after multiple unsuccessful attempts. This fellowship enabled him to learn leadership skills in the US and build international relationships. As a result, more people in Nigeria are recognizing his work and are more receptive to his initiatives.
Source: www.snexplores.org
