Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world. The most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile. Photo by Ayoola Salako on Unsplash. [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. The Yoruba people live in the southwestern and north-central parts of Nigeria. C.V. Starr & Co. For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". Igbos are overwhelming Christians of Catholic extraction although a minority of them practice other religions such as Islam, Judaism, and the traditional Igbo religion. Nigeria's vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. The three main ethnic groups are the Yorubas of South Western Nigeria, the Igbos of Eastern Nigeria and the Hausa/Fulani ethnic group which dominates the North. The early mosques built by men of this tribe were bright and colourful often including intricate engravings and elaborate designs. A very important source of information on modern Nigerian art is the Virtual Museum of Modern Nigerian Art operated by the Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos. Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. The most important task for the government is to find ways to unite people, rather than divide them. The most popular Yoruba manifestations of this custom are the Gelede masquerades.[80]. In masculine countries people "live in order to work", managers are expected to be decisive and assertive, the emphasis is on equity, competition and . The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. Nigerian playwright and musician Hubert Ogunde, founder of Nigerias first professional theatrical company (the Ogunde Concert Party), incorporated traditional instruments into his musical dramas of the 1940s in an effort to revive interest in indigenous culture. Since the southern part of the country is closer to the coasts, the climate tends to be more humid and tropical, while the northern part of Nigeria tends to be more arid and dry. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. . Things Fall Apart,[61] by Chinua Achebe, is an important book in African literature. Things arent perfect, but Im grateful for what I have., Factors to be Aware of When Visiting Nigeria for Business. They are well known for their energetic dance steps, colourful attires, and masquerades. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. [88] Hausa men wear barbarigas or kaftans (long flowing gowns) with tall decorated hats. Anywhere you find yourself in the Nigerian territory, you will meet a unique group of people who are set in their ways and would blow your mind away with their ways of life. According to the book, which discussed generally about African American culture which Nigeria may belong. Nigeria As A Country In Africa; The country Nigeria never come into existence not until the British empire colonies Nigeria and a named for the country was named after the dominating Niger river as put forward in the year 1980s by a journalist from British whose name is Flora Shaw and later . "[67] Nigeria has other notable writers of English language literature. The earth spirit, Ana, is 'odinana', as is the sacred role of yam in the Igbo world, the right of inheritance, and the place of the elder. The women wear wrappers and shirts and cover their heads with hijabs (veils).[89]. [35] They have monarchs, are known for celebrating the Hawan Sallah festival,[36] and are also followers of the religious teachings of Sheikh Usman dan Fodio. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach February 13, 2023 Due to the ethnic make-up of the country, communication styles vary. These are the three main tribes in Nigeria, followed closely by the Edo people (southwest region), tribes in the Delta region (southernmost region), and the Benue State (Middle Belt region). Since then, Nigerian and African patterns, colour schemes, and motifs have been incorporated into Vlisco's designs to become a staple of the brand. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate. [63][64], Nigerian Nobel laureate[65] Wole Soyinka[66] described the work as "the first novel in English which spoke from the interior of the African character, rather than portraying the African as an exotic, as the white man would see him. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. Violation of these laws will lead to certain sanctions that are established by the community and are supported by the power of public opinion. Academic and Higher Education Webinars, C.V. Starr & Co. Supporters of English football clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea often segregate beyond the traditional tribal and even religious divide to share their common cause in Premier League teams. The Nigerian national football team,[73] nicknamed the "Super Eagles", is the national team of Nigeria, run by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). It is used for communication. Helon Habila, Sefi Atta , Flora Nwapa, Iquo DianaAbasi Eke,[69] Zaynab Alkali and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,[70] among others, are notable Nigerian authors whose works are read widely within and outside the country.[71]. The Hausa and Fulani people live primarily in the North, the Igbo reside in the Southeast, and the Yoruba inhabit the Southwest. Pidgin English is a creolized form of the language. masterpiece of the oral tradition of Humanity, all of whom have been titled chiefs of various ethnic groups, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Nigerian cultural values are under threat, Toyin Falola, US scholar, warns", "Culture Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria", "Culture Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Korea", "Nigeria: most common languages spoken at home 2020", "There are 27 languages close to extinction in Nigeria", "Igbos, Yorubas have historical ties - Ooni of Ife", "Nigeria: The politics of religion in a transitional society, By Rotimi Akeredolu", "Major tribes in Nigeria and their states with all the details", "Full list of all 371 tribes in Nigeria, states where they originate", "Tooth Dyeing Tradition among the Kanuri Speaking People of Borno, Nigeria", "Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Enugu: Tale of four cities The Nation Newspaper", "Fulani | People, Religion, & Nigeria | Britannica", "Islam has a small presence in Nigeria's Igbo region: what a new Quran translation offers", "Chrislam: Defying Nigeria's Religious Boundaries", "The Oba of Benin Kingdom: A history of the monarchy", "Benin: The hallowed culture of one of the world's most ancient people", "Fulani and Hausa: What's the difference? To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. The culture of the country is diverse and tends to differ from north to south. From the naturalistic statues produced at Ife to the bronzes made for the king of Benin, Nigerian artists have crafted art that is world famous. It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. Annual Lecture on China. His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. Owing to the affinity they have with water, a significant number of the Ijaw people are discovered as migrant fishermen in camps that are as far west as Sierra Leone and as far east as Gabon. Before looking at the importance and types of culture in Nigeria, its good to know the definition. 6. A Hausa farmer. [55] Oyo and the other kingdoms declined in the late 18th and 19th centuries owing to disputes among minor Yoruba rulers and invasions by the Fon of Dahomey (now Benin) and the Muslim Fulani. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. Artefacts stolen from Benin sit on shelves of many foreign museums and in the private homes of foreigners. With so many different cultures and regions, food can vary greatly. Shared below is some helpful information about Nigerian culture. The Great Wall of Benin was a great structural and architectural piece that was way ahead of time and stood to protect the ancient Benin kingdom. The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. Men from this tribe are known to wear large flowing gowns known as Babban Riga and also a robe-like dress called Jalabia or Juanni. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. Traditionally, cultures such as the Yoruba used to wear clothing such as gele (a cloth wrapped around the head by women), afbada (a robe for formal functions), and other forms of attire. by Lindsay Maizland In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. These are also important aspects of our culture. Trading, local crafts, and wage labour also are important in the Igbo economy, and a high literacy rate has helped many Igbo to become civil servants and business entrepreneurs in the decades after Nigeria gained independence. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. #1: A land of over 200 million smiles Home to over 200 million inhabitants, Nigeria has one of the largest populations of youth, and is the sixth most populous country in the world. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. The Efiks, Ibibios, Kanuris, Itsekiris, Ijaws, Igalas, Igedes, Idomas, Nupe etc all have beautiful cultures that stand them out and make them distinct and important in Nigeria. [87] In the Igbo tradition, the men's cultural attire is Isiagu (a patterned shirt), which is worn with trousers and the traditional Igbo men's hat called Okpu Agwu. Other traditions include the mother-in-law helping the daughter-in-law after giving birth and younger men going for apprenticeships with older and wealthier men. Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training. The Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. Such social niceties go a long way since. Having worked in North America and Europe, attended business excursions in China, and even worked in neighboring West African countries, it is safe to say that Nigeria definitely has a unique culture and way of life. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. To prevent this, it is important to control the formation of cultural values in a society. Titles are important. The headquarter of Yorubaland is Ile-life where they believe creation started. Other groups worthy of mention are Ijaw, Edo, Itshekiri, Kanuri, Efik, and Tiv. Although this group is found throughout the grasslands of West Africa, the bulk of the population is found in Northern Nigeria in states like Sokoto, Kano, and Katsina. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. A Nigerian generally waits for the woman to extend her hand. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. Dance for the Ubakala shows their value system, helps resolve conflicts, and also institutes change. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. One of the main features of culture in Nigeria is its hierarchical system. Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. This shows that reading culture is a prerequisite foracquisition of knowledge and skills needed by all people in a rapidly changing world and catalyst for participation in social, cultural, political and economic activities of the show more content. We can say that culture as a whole determines the framework in which a person can and should act. Both concepts, each an aspect of a single whole, aspire to protect and preserve the purity, sanctity and sacredness of the land and the people therein. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. Along with South Africa, Nigeria is considered a super-power in the African continent and consequently Nigerians are generally proud of their country. Firstly, Nigeria's scores on the Cultural Dimension scale reveal that Nigerians place great value on Performance Orientation, Future Orientation, and In-group Collectivism. Even though most ethnic groups prefer to communicate in their own languages, English, being the official language, is widely used for education, business transactions and for official purposes. You invest in security. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. Other Nigerian writers with a worldwide audience include Chinua Achebe, Buchi Emecheta, Flora Nwapa, Amos Tutuola, Gabriel Okara, Kole Omotoso, John Pepper Clark, Ben Okri, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It is used for keeping records of important events, history and culture. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. The larger number of families is because a higher number of children improves the social standing of a man. People in urban regions of Nigeria dress in western style, the youth mainly wearing jeans and T-shirts. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. Most people who are a part of this ethnic group are based in the southeastern part of Nigeria, they contribute to about 17 percent of the country's population. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. Meat is another delicacy that is prepared into something known as suya (a form of meat resembling barbecue meat) and wild meat (from giraffes and antelopes). They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. Because of the movies, western influences such as music, casual dressing and methods of speaking are to be found all across Nigeria, even in the highly conservative north of the country.[72]. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); TYPES OF CULTURE IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPORTANCE (2023). Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. The Nigerian Government in September, 1988, launched the "National Cultural Policy". LESSON 2 - IMPORTANCE/USES OF ART. 56 Likes, 1 Comments - Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (@kccnigeria_) on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN "Introduce Your Korea" Event 5 " ' " Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious. From the farmers in the rural areas to the bankers in the city, work is a central and important part of daily life in Nigeria. Four Aboriginal spears taken by British explorer James Cook in 1770, thought to be some of the oldest surviving artifacts collected by any European from Australia, will be repatriated to Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. It explores what is meant by the term 'cultural heritage', while providing examples of same in Nigeria. In the course of socialization the values, ideals, norms, patterns of behavior become a part of a person's self-awareness. The Yoruba people eventually formed many kingdoms of various different sizes, each of which was centered on a capital city or town and that was being ruled by a hereditary king known as an oba. They are extremely tolerant of the languages of other people around them, leading to the suppression of theirs - especially in northern Nigeria by Hausa. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. Igbo, Hausa, Kanuri, Fulani, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio, and Tiv are some of the major groups that make up the maximum population of Nigeria. Ekiti Yoruba dancers wear head masks so heavy that they can do only processional dances. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. Present and receive business cards with two hands or the right hand, never with the left. The ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. [48][49], The Yoruba people are said to be one of the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, alongside the Igbo and the Hausa-Fulani peoples. [60], Nigeria is famous for its English language literature. Backed by a suite of sophisticated services and solutions, KPA brings in-depth insights, diverse experiences, and genuine care to every client engagement to deliver the results you need to exceed your set business goals. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . Nigerias culture is made up of several ethnic groups that speak 527 different languages. In Nigeria, social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. January 31, 2022, How Tobacco Laws Could Help Close the Racial Gap on Cancer, Interactive They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. The traditional Yoruba kingships still survive, but with only a hint of their former political power. Here are seven signs indicating you have a culture that values security. Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Some of these dialects include Egba, Ekiti, Ijesha, Egun etc. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. Igbos are mostly farmers, traders, and craftsmen. They have been able to preserve their cultural practices over time as a result of their strong native system of government. Nigerias vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. Wole Soyinka, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, was the first Black African to receive the award. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. This may take as long as two hours for an initial meeting. 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. The singer and social activist Fela Kuti was instrumental in Nigeria's musical development. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. [31] The Fulani practice the art of whipping a suitor before giving his bride to him as parts of their marriage obligation, this particular obligation has helped to increase the practice of monogamy among themselves and it is called sharo. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. 2. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. In the southern areas a variety of soups containing a base of tomatoes, onions, red pepper, and palm oil are prepared with vegetables such as okra and meat or fish. In fact, a businesss success as a new entrant in a market often hinges on the understanding of the cultural landscape of the country in question. It is said that it was at Ife that the gods descended from heaven and created the world. In the southwest, where the people are from the Yoruba tribe, peoples communication employs proverbs, sayings and even songs to enrich the meaning of what they say. However, cultural differences should be perceived as wealth, not an obstacle. You put your proverbial (and actual) money where your mouth is in the form of budget and staff . Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. As stated above, the three most influential ethnic group in Nigeria are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. A complimentary cap called Fila may be added to the dressing. Investing in your people is an investment in a healthy culture, and so it follows that a lack of investment is one of the biggest cultural risk factors. Since the southern part of the country is closer to the coasts, the climate tends to be more humid and tropical, while the northern part of Nigeria tends to be more arid and dry. Apart from the speakers of standard English, a large portion of the population, roughly a third, speaks Nigerian pidgin, which has a primarily English lexicon. The Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. Can culture exist without society? Let's appreciate and preserve our culture and traditions and use them as vehicles towards our development, growth, and unity. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. It is basically what makes a person human. On November 5, the New York Times ran on the first page of its business section a long piece on the emergence of luxury lifestyle publications in Nigeria. February 1, 2023 Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. by Olivia Angelino, Thomas J. Bollyky, Elle Ruggiero and Isabella Turilli That the Igbos were prospering long before the colonial masters came The Igbo-Ukwu culture's place in Nigerian history also demonstrates that the indigenous inhabitants of Nigeria had a stable way of life and were prospering long before the arrival of the colonial rulers. [45] From a historical perspective, it is almost impossible to give a precise and accurate account as to when and where the Ijaws originated, numerous different accounts have been given by many historians regarding this issue but what is certain is that the Ijaws are one of the world's most ancient peoples. Men may place their left hand on the other persons shoulder while shaking hands. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. The Hausa, who do not consider dancing to be an art, divide their dances into the categories of social dancing and ceremonial borii dances. However, even with the countrys infrastructural challenges, there are still quality, , and innovative transportation options, such as, Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. The Kanuri people[12] are located in the northeast part of Nigeria, the Tiv people[13] of north central and the Efik-Ibibio[14] are in the south south. Ethnically, the population of the country is estimated to be made up of 29% Hausa/Fulani, the Yorubas make up 21% while the Igbos are believed to be about 18% of the entire population. Opay.ng - Every transaction made on this app is very fast; the delivery rate is 99%, which means you don't need to worry anytime you make a payment on this platform.Plus, every transaction on the app is free. Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. The Yoruba are predominantly of mixed Muslim and Christian backgrounds.The Yoruba make up about 21% of the country's population estimated to be over 225 million and about half of the Yoruba are Muslim, with the other half being Christian. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Nigeria is a democratic country whose federal government resides in the countrys capital, Abuja, which is located in the middle of the country. For men their traditional cap is called fila. by Lindsay Maizland Nigerian cities tend to be highly populated as many people flock to urban environments for better employment opportunities. Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. After reading this article you will find out why. The Dynastic Origins of Western Yorb Kingdoms", "In pictures: Country of kings, Nigeria's many monarchs", "Things Fall Apart | Summary, Themes, & Facts | Britannica", "Contemporary African Poetry: A Postcolonial Reading of Iquo Eke's Symphony of Becoming and Ifeanyi Nwaeboh's Stampede of Voiceless Ants", "Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie comes to terms with global fame", "From Achebe To Adichie: Top Ten Nigerian Authors", "Nollywood: The Influence of the Nigerian Movie Industry on African Culture", "Carbonhydrate intake Among Urbanized Adult Nigerians", "Nigerian Food: 16 Popular and Traditional Dishes to Try - Nomad Paradise", "Gelede | African ritual festival | Britannica", "distinctive African print fabrics | The true original dutch wax prints", "The Yoruba tribe of Nigeria and their clothes rich in colors and textures", "Interesting Facts About Nigerian People and Culture", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Culture_of_Nigeria&oldid=1141605451, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2022, Pages using multiple image with auto scaled images, Articles lacking in-text citations from December 2013, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 22:16.
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