By joshua CCKC invites the nation to 2nd Cane Corso Specialty Show, hosted by Nigeria’s only FCI-affiliated breed club
*Show holds on Ibadan October 1, 2026; Abuja Oct 3
Ayo Ola
President, Cane Corso Kennel Club, Nigeria, Mr Tito Osarumwense Obazee, has said that the forthcoming Cane Corso Dog Show will advance Nigeria.
While, inviting the nation at the 2nd Cane Corso Specialty Show, hosted by Nigeria’s only FCI-affiliated breed club, he stated that dog shows play an important role in improving breeding programs because they provide breeders with an opportunity to have their dogs evaluated against the official breed standard by qualified judges.
He said: “For the Cane Corso, shows help breeders assess important qualities such as structure, movement, temperament, breed type, overall balance and soundness. The results can help responsible breeders identify the strengths and weaknesses within their breeding programs and make better breeding decisions.
“However, showing alone does not determine breeding quality. Health testing, pedigree evaluation, temperament, genetic diversity and responsible selection must also be considered.
“As the mother club for the Cane Corso breed in Nigeria and the official FCI Breed Club in Nigeria, the Cane Corso Kennel Club, Nigeria (CCKC) uses specialty shows as part of its broader commitment to promoting responsible breeding and preservation of the correct Cane Corso,” he said:
He added: “The CCKC Cane Corso Specialty Show 2026, taking place on 1 October 2026 in Ibadan at Mingles resort ( Formerly CEDER RESORT) Beside NTC factory, Opposite Nigerian Bar Association IYAGANKU GRA Ibadan, Oyo State and 3 October 2026 at CCKC location in Abuja at Copa Cabana Garden, Plot 135, Cadastral Zone C10, Wumba District (along Ring Road 2 / Lokogoma Express), Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
“Participants should expect a professional breed-focused assessment where Cane Corsos are evaluated according to the FCI breed standard.
“For breeders, it is an opportunity to present the results of their breeding programs, compare their dogs with others and receive an independent assessment from an experienced judge.
“For exhibitors, it provides the excitement of competition and an opportunity to demonstrate the quality, temperament and presentation of their dogs.
“For spectators, it is also educational. They will have the opportunity to see different Cane Corsos, interact with breeders and learn more about responsible ownership, breeding, breed standards and preservation.
“Ultimately, the Specialty Show is not simply about winning trophies. It is about education, evaluation, responsible breeding and the future development of the Cane Corso in Nigeria.
He stated that CCKC welcomes responsible organizations, businesses, kennels and individuals who share our commitment to responsible dog ownership, ethical breeding and development of the canine industry in Nigeria.
According to him, sponsorship and partnership provide organizations with an opportunity to associate their brands with one of Nigeria’s major breed-specific canine events while reaching breeders, dog owners, enthusiasts and other stakeholders.
“Depending on the sponsorship arrangement, opportunities may include brand visibility, event recognition, promotional exposure and other partnership benefits.
“Beyond commercial visibility, sponsors are contributing directly to the development of organized canine activities, breeder education and responsible ownership in Nigeria.
“We therefore encourage corporate organizations and individuals to partner with CCKC and become part of the development of the Cane Corso community in Nigeria,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer, Silagreen International Agro Development Limited, Mr. Michael Akinruli said the events aren’t just exhibitions but that they’re platforms for education, standard-setting, and networking among breeders nationwide.
He said: “We welcome collaboration with government agencies, the private sector, the media, and the public to grow a credible, professional dog breeding culture in Nigeria.
“CCKC is the emblem of our club and the sole Nigerian club certified and affiliated to the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) the world body governing canine affairs and ENCI (Ente Nazionale Cinofilia Italiana). This affiliation means our breeding standards, judging, and show protocols align with recognized global practice.
General Secretary, Cane Corso Kennel club, Nigeria, Olukunle Oladepo, explained that for breeders, a specialty show provides an opportunity to compare their breeding stock against other Cane Corsos and receive an independent evaluation from a qualified judge.
He added that it helps breeders identify strengths and weaknesses and make better-informed breeding decisions for future generations.
According to him, ultimately, the purpose is not simply to determine which dog wins, but to determine how closely our breeding programs are moving toward the correct Cane Corso standard.
Oladepo said: “The Cane Corso Kennel Club, Nigeria (CCKC) is organizing the 2026 Specialty Show holding in Ibadan on October 1, and Abuja, October 03, to promote, preserve and improve the Cane Corso breed in Nigeria in accordance with the internationally recognized breed standard.
“As the mother club for the Cane Corso breed in Nigeria and the official FCI Cane Corso breed club in Nigeria, CCKC has a responsibility to provide a platform where Cane Corsos can be professionally evaluated, breeders can assess the progress of their breeding programs, and owners and enthusiasts can gain a better understanding of correct breed type, structure, temperament and health.
“The Specialty Show is therefore much more than a competition. It is an important tool for breed preservation, education and responsible breeding in Nigeria.
“The Cane Corso Specialty Show is different from a regular all-breed dog show as an all-breed show brings together many different breeds, while a Cane Corso Specialty Show is dedicated specifically to the Cane Corso.
“This allows for a much deeper assessment of the breed. Dogs are evaluated with particular attention to the characteristics that define a correct Cane Corso, including breed type, proportions, head, construction, movement, temperament and overall functionality.
“For breeders, a specialty show provides an opportunity to compare their breeding stock against other Cane Corsos and receive an independent evaluation from a qualified judge. It helps breeders identify strengths and weaknesses and make better-informed breeding decisions for future generations.
“Ultimately, the purpose is not simply to determine which dog wins, but to determine how closely our breeding programs are moving toward the correct Cane Corso standard.”
Oladepo explained that CCKC promotes ethical breeding through education, proper registration, pedigree documentation, responsible breeding practices, health awareness and adherence to the official breed standard.
He said that as the mother club and official FCI breed club for the Cane Corso in Nigeria, CCKC encourages breeders to look beyond producing puppies and focus instead on preserving the essential qualities of the breed—correct type, sound structure, stable temperament, functionality and genetic health.
According to him, through Specialty Shows, seminars, breeder education and club regulations, CCKC is creating an environment where breeders can continually evaluate and improve their breeding programs.
“Our objective is to build a strong and sustainable future for the Cane Corso in Nigeria, where quality, health, temperament and preservation of the breed standard take priority over quantity or commercial interest.”
Secretary General, COBA, Omoniyi Ewete, explained that COBA was founded in 2019 and registered as a non-profit organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria (CAC) and serves as an umbrella body for breed clubs in Nigeria.
He added that COBA is internationally recognized as the National Kennel Club affiliated with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) , American Kennel Club (AKC) & Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
He said: “COBA oversees dog registration, pedigree issuance, and licensing of breed clubs in Nigeria. It is responsible for certifying purebred and non-purebred dogs in accordance with global breeding standards.”