A dog dressed in costume attends the annual Lagos Dog Carnival, with the theme "Splash of colours", in Lagos, Nigeria, Dec 10, 2022.  (PHOTO / REUTERS)

LAGOS — Dog lovers in Nigeria paraded their pets in traditional outfits at a canine festival in the commercial capital Lagos at the weekend, as organizers sought to showcase the country's diverse culture and encourage pet ownership.

Jackie Idimogu, chief organizer of the Lagos Dog Festival, said this year's event sought to foster national unity after a disputed presidential election in February exposed Nigeria's tribal faultlines as voting was largely along ethnic lines.

Pomeranians, Cane Corsos and Siberian Husky were among the dogs on show, parading their outfits at the festival

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"Because of that we decided to use Lagos Dog Carnival 2023 to celebrate the togetherness of Nigerians, to celebrate that Nigerians have different tribes, different ... cultures, but we are still one," Idimogu said.

Pomeranians, Cane Corsos and Siberian Husky were among the dogs on show, parading their outfits at the festival, which is in its fifth year.

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Dogs are seen on parade during the 3rd edition of Lagos Dog Carnival, in Nigeria Dec 11, 2021. (PHOTO / REUTERS)

Pasha, a Caucasian Shepherd mix who was crowned "Dog of the Year", attends the annual Lagos Dog Carnival, with the theme "Splash of colours", in Lagos, Nigeria, Dec 10, 2022. (PHOTO / REUTERS)

Dogs attend the annual Lagos Dog Carnival, with the theme "Splash of colours", in Lagos, Nigeria, Dec 10, 2022. (PHOTO / REUTERS)

Dogs dressed in costume attend the annual Lagos Dog Carnival, with the theme "Splash of colours", in Lagos, Nigeria, Dec 10, 2022. (PHOTO / REUTERS)

A Lhasa Apso, however, took the prize for the best dressed dog for its traditional Igbo attire.