Rising up in Nigeria, Sunday Agbonika all the time had a canine. Certainly one of these was a German shepherd named Skipper. Skipper did every thing together with his household, says Agbonika. However his expertise was uncommon. “[Pet] canines weren’t such a factor in Nigeria on the time,” says Agbonika. “[Let alone] having a skilled canine.” Skipper impressed him to be taught extra about how animals will help individuals.
Agbonika went to veterinary college. After graduating, he got here throughout a video by Nathan Selove, who provides talks about dwelling with autism. Within the video, Selove explains how he struggled with college and was usually bullied. After getting a service canine, although, his grades and relationships improved.
Agbonika considered his nephew, who had handed away a couple of years earlier. He suspected the boy might have had autism. Certainly one of Agbonika’s mentors advised his background with animals might assist help neurodivergent youngsters. Agbonika cherished the thought. “Why not search for methods to assist different youngsters like [my nephew]?”
At present, Agbonika runs the Dogalov HumAn Help Initiative. Based mostly in Nigeria, Dogalov makes use of animals to assist help neurodivergent youngsters. Agbonika additionally research animal welfare and habits by way of the College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Right here, Agbonika shares his experiences and recommendation with Science Information Explores. (This interview has been edited for content material and readability.)
How did you get to the place you’re at this time?
After I bought into vet college, veterinary medication wasn’t well-liked in Nigeria. I didn’t even know what veterinary medication was after I noticed it on my admission letter. I had utilized for medication, however I used to be provided a spot within the vet medication program.
My mother and father didn’t understand that I’d in all probability have good alternatives after commencement. They fought with me to alter my diploma. I went by way of the complete strategy of switching from veterinary medication to biochemistry. All that was left was for me to submit the shape.
My expertise with Skipper, although, bought me excited about what I wished to do. I grew up fascinated with how an animal may very well be skilled. I wished to see how that would affect the lives of people. I by no means submitted the shape to change packages.
That was what led me to be taught canine coaching. I wished to see how I might get others to expertise what I did as a baby.
What was one in all your largest challenges?
I used to be presupposed to journey to the U.S. to take a dog-learning course, however I used to be denied a visa. So I turned to the subsequent greatest method to be taught. I learn as many books as I might and watched YouTube movies. I might additionally soak up canines from purchasers and practice them. By the point I discovered about how animals will help an individual’s well-being, I felt like this was one thing I might do as a vet and canine coach. So I simply jumped straight into [using] it to assist neurodivergent youngsters.
Our first problem was reaching youngsters who may benefit from animal-assisted remedy. We thought-about working with youngsters of their houses. However the stigma surrounding autism made it a frightening expertise. As an alternative, we tried connecting with facilities that work with these youngsters. It took some time earlier than any of them would hearken to us, however one cherished the thought. They provided to have us come discuss to oldsters and stakeholders at an occasion. One other heart gave us the prospect to run a trial to see if it could work. We ended up getting great outcomes. That permit us get our message on the market. Many different individuals have now began exhibiting curiosity.
How is autism seen in Nigeria?
Many a long time in the past, Nigerian youngsters who have been neurodivergent have been seen with restricted understanding. It was thought that both the kid or the mother and father have been witches. That led to some detrimental views of autism and different neurodivergent circumstances.
That concept involving witchcraft doesn’t maintain any longer. However we nonetheless see the results of it in our society. The common Nigerian who notices that their youngster could also be autistic would possibly first go into denial. The household would possibly attempt to cover the kid from the neighborhood and never affiliate with the kid publicly.
With my nephew, it was arduous. Folks instructed us all types of issues. They’d say his situation was brought on by a religious assault. They’d recommend that we take him to a religious chief for therapeutic. That stigma has led to numerous denial and so many detrimental perceptions. The primary therapy in Nigeria and far of Africa proper now’s by way of accessible colleges. The kids obtain therapeutic companies and an training.
What’s pet possession like in Nigeria now?
There are extra canines and pet lovers in Nigeria than after I was a baby. I nonetheless wouldn’t say the typical Nigerian is a canine individual and even an animal individual simply but. However extra persons are rising to like the thought of getting a skilled canine. Extra persons are touring west and returning with these experiences. Extra youngsters are additionally watching cartoons and exhibits about animals. That builds an consciousness right here about animals.
Folks might personal a guard canine however don’t need to construct a relationship with it. With every thing happening in Nigeria, they might really feel a guard canine is the most effective safety obtainable. However some [people] find yourself having unhealthy experiences. When lined by the media, these tales could make individuals extra afraid of proudly owning canines.
What was one in all your largest successes?
Certainly one of my largest successes was receiving the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Younger African Leaders in 2019. I utilized for 3 years with out getting accepted. If I wasn’t accepted in 2019, I wouldn’t have been capable of apply once more due to my age. Every year, this system selects 700 Africans to go to numerous universities within the U.S. to be taught management and team-building abilities. The fellowship helped us construct a relationship with the worldwide neighborhood. Folks at the moment are attending to see the work we’re doing. I now have individuals right here in Nigeria who’re extra keen to listen to what now we have to say.
