Nigerian literature is known throughout the world. Nigerias religious affiliations have recently made it into international news due to active, militant Islamic groups. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. 4) Lots of oil, little electricity. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. One of the earliest of these was Ben Ewonwu, who painted in oils as well as producing sculptures; to commemorate the visit to Nigeria of Queen Elizabeth II of England in 1956, Ewonwu made a bronze statue of her, later displayed at the Nigerian House of Representatives in Lagos. Their origins are steeped in great traditions of religious obeisance, traditional games, folklore, dance and drama. In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. The Palm Wine Drinkard, a popular novel by Amos Tutuola, was written in it. Music is used to celebrate rulers and to accompany public assemblies, weddings and funerals, festivals, and storytelling. The most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile. Yam is the main staple food of the Igbos which is why they celebrate the new yam festival every year when the harvesting of yam starts. Igbo, Hausa, Kanuri, Fulani, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio, and Tiv are some of the major groups that make up the maximum population of Nigeria. The Lalli or henna paintings and drawings are a very popular and indispensable part of their makeup. 4. The Yoruba culture is rich and unique drawing comparison with no other culture around. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. You invest in security. It is used for keeping records of important events, history and culture. The Nigerian Government in September, 1988, launched the "National Cultural Policy". Stay up to date on the latest insights we have to offer. Fashion is diverse and varies depending on the ethnic groups, culture, and religion. [53] They eventually became the most urbanized Africans of precolonial times. Nigeria has a rich culture. Nigerians are a group of people who are so different but still united as one in the quest to achieve a common purpose of nation-building. 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. Some of these festivals include Odun Olojo, Iwude, and Osun-Osogbo amongst many others. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. Yorubas have a strong political system with the Oba at the helm of affairs. [42][43], The Ijaw people are said to be a collection of people that are native to the Niger Delta area in Nigeria. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. The Igbo ethnic group, of which I belonged to, are mostly christian. Ekiti Yoruba dancers wear head masks so heavy that they can do only processional dances. As mentioned above, Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. Nigerian music is enjoyed throughout Africa. The Yoruba people live in the southwestern and north-central parts of Nigeria. When employees join a company, they are doing so in return for fair compensation, career development, and various benefits. The eastern part of Nigeria is the home of the Igbos, who are mostly Christians. Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. The number of ethnic groups and dialects stand at more than 1,150. Let's appreciate and preserve our culture and traditions and use them as vehicles towards our development, growth, and unity. This is not a first name culture, although that may be changing with people under the age of 35. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual. THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO NIGERIA. The Okays make up 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5% and Tiv 2.5%. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach, Nigerians Growing Cultural Influence Around the World, Conflict at the Root of Food Insecurity in Africa, Swift Response to Open Letter Alleging Gender-Based Corruption in Rwandan Cycling. In addition, they are also very good porters, weavers, and metalsmiths. Apart from culture, society does not have any other mechanisms with which to concentrate and gather the wealth of the experience that has been accumulated by previous generations. Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. 5. They are extremely tolerant of the languages of other people around them, leading to the suppression of theirs - especially in northern Nigeria by Hausa. by Lindsay Maizland However, cultural differences should be perceived as wealth, not an obstacle. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. Nigeria's rich cultural heritage boasts of huge eclectic and colourful festivals that are full of rhythm, brilliant colours, fun and great pace. 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 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. ", "The Fulani - A Nomadic Tribe in Northern Nigeria", "Usman dan Fodio | Fulani leader | Britannica", "Igbo | Culture, Lifestyle, & Facts | Britannica", "Omenana and Odinana in the Igbo World: A Philosophical Appraisal", "ODINANI (OMENALA)- IGBO CONCEPT OF LAW AND MORALITY-signed.pdf", "NZE NA OZO TITLE IN IGBO CULTURE: A PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION ON ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN A CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY", "Ozo Title: An Indigenous Institution In Traditional Religion That Upholds Patriarchy In Igbo Land South-Eastern Nigeria", "Ijaw Culture: A brief walk into the lives of one of the world's most ancient people", "ijaw people - ethnic group - gospelflavour", "Showcasing The Ijaw Culture and People of Bayelsa from South-South Nigeria - Courtesy The Scout Association of Nigeria | World Scouting", "BRIEF HISTORY OF THE IJO PEOPLE Ijaw (IZON) World Studies", "The Traditional Political System of the Yoruba", "The kl (Yorb, Nigeria) Migration Theories and Insignia", "3. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. July 2, 2022 Odiraa 0 Comments 36 states in nigeria and their ethnic groups, 5 importance of culture in nigeria, ethnic groups in nigeria and their culture, interesting facts about nigerian culture, nigerian culture and tradition . As stated above, the three most influential ethnic group in Nigeria are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. We can say that culture as a whole determines the framework in which a person can and should act. The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. according to this 2013 Pew Research study. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. Things arent perfect, but Im grateful for what I have., Factors to be Aware of When Visiting Nigeria for Business. Language is the most important way of mastering the national culture. 1950 W. Corporate Way PMB 25615, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA.+44 0330 027 0207 or +1 (818) 532-6908, 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK.1950 W. Corporate Way PMB 25615, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA.+44 0330 027 0207+1 (818) 532-6908. Nigerian People And Culture - All You Need To Know. We live in a multi-faceted country. Funerals are also times when the family gathers. 1. The significance of Ife culture in Nigerian history will be discussed below: The Origin of Ife Culture in Nigeria In Yoruba land, Ife is considered the place of creation. Their religion, mode of dressing, food, marriage, and language are all unique. February 22, 2023 After radio and television stations were established in all the state capitals, they began broadcasting programs featuring traditional music and dance, folk operas, and storytelling; these programs are now available in some 25 languages. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups with noticeable cultural differences among them. The most popular Yoruba manifestations of this custom are the Gelede masquerades.[80]. Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. [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. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. They are well known for their energetic dance steps, colourful attires, and masquerades. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. The app is highly secured, licensed by CBN and insured by NDIC which makes your money safe even if anything goes wrong. [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. Culture. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. [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. [37], The Igbo people, commonly and often referred to as Ibo people, are one of the largest ethnic groups to ever exist in Africa; they have a total population of about 20 million people. Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. 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. 5. 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). Beautifully crafted sculptures of wood, brass, and terracotta are common things among the Yoruba. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. Nigeria scores 60 on this dimension and is thus a masculine society. Different generations of Nigerians are closely connected due to their culture. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. Bushmeat, meat from wild game like antelope and duikers, is also popular. [59], Although chiefs have few official powers today, they are widely respected, and prominent monarchs are often courted to endorse politicians during elections in the hopes of them conferring legitimacy to their campaigns by way of doing so. 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. Wait for a woman to extend her hand first. If invited to dinner at someones home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host. Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. At Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to give gifts of food and fruit. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. They are ruled by monarchs, and are famous for their Benin Bronzes. Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . 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. The most important task for the government is to find ways to unite people, rather than divide them. Other Nigerian artists include the Nsukka group, formed at the University of Nigeria at Nsukka in the early 1970s, consisting of Uche Okeke, Chike Aniakor, Obiora Udechukwu, El Anatsui, Tayo Adenaike, Ada Udechukwu, and Olu Oguibe. As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. Maize is another crop that is commonly grown in Nigeria. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. Accelerate your innovation and transformation with a fully integrated suite of capabilities that puts digital at the heart of everything. 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. Although this was a very long time ago, the Ijaws have, however, kept the ancient language and culture of the Orus. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. Culture regulates the behavior of a person in his family, school, at work, home, etc., by putting forward a system of prescriptions and prohibitions. Therefore, if this is the first time you are meeting with a Nigerian company, you should expect to devote a decent period of time to getting to know people on a personal level. Minority ethnic groups live throughout the nation although higher concentrations of these groups live in the northern and the middle regions of Nigeria. Their logic is often contextual. The Yorubas are fun-loving people and are known for their eye-catching, colourful and rhythmic dance steps. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. The import market for this fabric is dominated by the Dutch company Vlisco,[83] which has been selling its Dutch wax print fabric to Nigerians since the late 1800s, when the fabric was sold along the company's oceanic trading route to Indonesia. You may also find their tone slightly louder than elsewhere. 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. 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. 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. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. Igbos are overwhelming Christians of Catholic extraction although a minority of them practice other religions such as Islam, Judaism, and the traditional Igbo religion. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. February 13, 2023 Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash. The architectural mastery of the Hausas is perhaps one of the least known buys the most beautiful of the medieval age. Vast wealth has been generated by it, and it is currently the second-largest film industry in the world by output. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. Cultures and indigenous values must evolve bottom-up policies and approaches to growth and development in the country. 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). Importance of culture Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. It is basically what makes a person human. The language they speak is called the Edo language. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. Soups can be thickened by adding ground egusi (melon) seeds. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash, Catching a ride for the morning commute into work in Lagos. Quiz. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. Culture In Nigeria Essay. Many religions are followed in Nigeria. Global Health Program, Higher Education Webinar: Teaching the History of American Democracy, Webinar Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . Nigerian food is mostly made up of meals that are high in carbohydrates, such as cassavas, rice, maize, yams, and plenty of vegetables. Wole Soyinka, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, was the first Black African to receive the award. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. 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. 3. Some of the most prominent ethnic groups include the likes of the Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Ijaw. Igbo dominate in the south-central and southeastern parts of the country. Friends may address each other in a variety of ways: the title and the first name, the first name alone, the surname alone, or a nickname. Their chiefs are therefore monarchs and titled individuals, with most of the latter group making up the membership of the Ogboni secret society. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. 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. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. An person's immersion in a culture is determined by his/her socialization, familiarity with cultural heritage, as well as the development of his individual abilities.All these are usually achieved in the process of upbringing and education. Nigerian contemporary music, which combines Western popular music with indigenous forms, has been exported throughout the world and has had wide influence (see also African popular music). It is used for expressing one's feelings. People in urban regions of Nigeria dress in western style, the youth mainly wearing jeans and T-shirts. Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash. [54] Oyo developed in the medieval and early modern periods into the largest of the Yoruba kingdoms, while Ile-Ife still remained a town of very strong religious significance as the site of the earth's creation according to Yoruba mythology. This is also an important political issue, as the Nigerian federalism tried to put together the achievements of the modern democratic West European state and the local cultural traditions. Other groups worthy of mention are Ijaw, Edo, Itshekiri, Kanuri, Efik, and Tiv. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed. Other Nigerian men and women typically wear a traditional style called Buba. According to the FIFA World Rankings, Nigeria ranks 31st and holds the second-highest place among the African nations behind Senegal (20th). Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. There is also a rich nightlife, complete with live music events, and celebrations around personal milestones such as birthdays and weddings, in Nigerias bustling cities. The women tie wrappers called Abaya and wear blouses, head ties, shawls, and hijabs. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate. Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world according to this 2013 Pew Research study. Men may place their left hand on the other persons shoulder while shaking hands. It has become a common lingua franca as a result. A Hausa farmer. This group is predominantly Muslim as Islam was introduced into Nigeria by the Fulanis. This may take as long as two hours for an initial meeting. Nigerian food offers a rich blend of traditionally African carbohydrates such as yam and cassava as well as the vegetable soups with which they are often served. This article presents a high-level introduction to Nigeria's cultural heritage. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. The Igbo people share linguistic ties with their neighbours the Bini, Igala, Yoruba, and Idoma, with whom it is believed they were closely related until five to six thousand years ago. For those needing a more detailed and comprehensive overview of Nigeria we have published an expert, Report on Nigerian Society, Culture & Business, here to learn more about our customized cultural training. Nigerian Food Culture and Customs: Three Yorb Sayings on It. Nigerias culture is made up of several ethnic groups that speak 527 different languages. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. Curtis shares a powerful quote from Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, about the importance of the first 100 hires in shaping a company's culture. 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. [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. It is used for commemoration. It can be argued that the intellectual level of a society depends on how adequately that particular society can use its richest knowledge embedded in history and generations past. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); TYPES OF CULTURE IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPORTANCE (2023).