Dog breeders hold first exhibition in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

As part of measure to promote breeding of dogs in Nigeria the Ikorodu dog breeders and lovers Association hold first exhibition in Lagos.

The event was IDBAL dog exhibition 2019 aimed at bringing together dog breeders across Lagos to showcase their different breeds of dogs and foster better relationship among members as well telling the world that there are good dogs in Nigeria that can be use by both Military, Police, other security agencies of government and individuals foster security.

In his opening remark the president of Ikorodu Dog Breeders and Lovers Association (IDBAL) Mr Adebayo Azeez said that the exhibition aimed at showcasing where dog breeders and lovers can converge, exhibit and assess their work during the course of the year.

According to him success is as a result of handwork, persistence and good people.

He added that 2019 has been an awesome year for the association not just as a group of exceptional individuals but because the group has also been deliberate in its action and inactions

In a separate interview with the president, he explained that dogs are meant to protect humans and their property hence the specie is expected to be friendly.

According to him any dog that is not friendly is the fault of the owner because dogs is not expected to be aggressive.

Another of the association, Mr Ogunmade Baba urge government to encourage dog breeders because it could serve as a source of revenue to the country.

He recalled that in the heat of insecurity federal government through its security agencies went out of the country to import dog with hard foreign currencies whereas there are better dogs that can do the security job better here in Nigeria .

Hence he call for better sensitization and robust awareness to let the world know more about the association.

The award for the best dog breeds of the year goes to Mr Bakare Olasunkanmi, a 26years old won the 2019 exhibition award for the dogs he present are exceptional in outlook.

Speaking to Sahara weekly Bakare who was excited said ”my dog is the best friend I have because when I was down financial friends left me only my dog stood by me, even when there is no food my dog bear with me and encourage me, he trust me and I trust the dog”.he said

The history of the dog association began in 2013 when Mr Seye,Mr Sammy, Bola Mr Alex and Mr Paul who now resides in Abuja decided to walk their dogs from Ikorodu to Majidun -Ogolonto with the purpose of exercising themselves and their pet friends in mind. This birthed a culture which lead to the convergence of dog breeders and lovers since then every third Saturday of the month was set aside as a day to exercise dogs as members

Then in 2014 one Mr Kenny Barbington also known as infinity invited Mr Udeocha(Aka)M/G kennel to join the pet workers on their monthly execerise along with the increase in number of viable participants came the need to discuss strategies on improving dog breeding and forming a recognised canine group and this led to the formation of the association with the name “Ikorodu Dog Breeders and Lovers Association (IDBAL).