They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. Their chiefs are therefore monarchs and titled individuals, with most of the latter group making up the membership of the Ogboni secret society. In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. Although Lagos is located in the southwest region of Nigeria, Lagos is a port city with an International Airport and is considered to be Nigerias center of commerce. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. 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. It is a good idea to include any advanced university degree on your business card. They are ruled by monarchs, and are famous for their Benin Bronzes. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. Its members amassed great wealth while serving as middlemen, and the preponderance of English names among them today is a testament to the trade names adopted by their ancestors at this time. 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. In the pre-colonial period, they controlled a powerful empire. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. The Ijaw people are said by some to be the descendants of the autochthonous people of Africa known as the (H) ORU. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. [82] Perhaps the most popular fabric used in Nigerian fashion is Dutch wax print, produced in the Netherlands. Nigeria's most important. 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. You will gain an understanding of a number of key areas including: For those needing a more detailed and comprehensive overview of Nigeria we have published an expert Report on Nigerian Society, Culture & Business. Some would argue that the real soundtrack of Nigeria is not Afrobeats, but the din of diesel generators as most Nigerians, even if they are connected to mains . 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. according to this 2013 Pew Research study. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. The Hausa and Fulani people live primarily in the North, the Igbo reside in the Southeast, and the Yoruba inhabit the Southwest. The Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups are said to be one of the largest ethnic groupings in Nigeria, if not the largest, with a population of over 20 million people.The Hausa and Fulani live in the northern part of Nigeria. Therefore, understanding Nigerian culture and way of life can seem like a daunting task, however, gaining this understanding will help you develop a robust action plan to build your business in the region. A gift for the children is always a nice touch. Meat is also popular and Nigerian suyaa barbecue-like roasted meatis a well-known delicacy. After reading this article you will find out why. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. Nigeria itself is home to several textile industries that go towards clothing the Nigerian people. The number of ethnic groups and dialects stand at more than 1,150. At one time the Edo of the kingdom of Benin distinguished between urban music that was performed at the palace and less complex music that was played in rural areas. The most important issue of cultural development is certainly the issue of creation of either national Nigerian, or affirmation of ethnic cultural identity. Ekiti Yoruba dancers wear head masks so heavy that they can do only processional dances. Order via the button below to receive your Nigeria Insight in seconds or read more here before buying. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. 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. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. Bushmeat, meat from wild game like antelope and duikers, is also popular. Igbo, Hausa, Kanuri, Fulani, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio, and Tiv are some of the major groups that make up the maximum population of Nigeria. 2. The Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria commonly called Ndi Igbo are a very cultural set of people. Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. 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. Movie theatres, showing mostly Indian and American films, are popular among the urban middle- and low-income groups. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. by Lindsay Maizland Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. [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. 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. 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. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Things Fall Apart,[61] by Chinua Achebe, is an important book in African literature. 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. 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. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their larger-than-life celebrations, and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. The mode of dressing of Yoruba males includes wearing Bubba and Sokoto and also a large flowing gown called Agbada. [57] Led by the Nigerian traditional rulers (i.e. Igbos are mostly farmers, traders, and craftsmen. 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. The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. Although this militant activity concerns the entire nation, these groups primarily impact the northeast region of Nigeria. The word "Ubinu" was later corrupted to Bini by a number of mixed ethnicities staying together at the centre, and it was then further corrupted to Benin around the year 1485 at the time when the Portuguese people started making trade relations with Oba Ewuare.[28][29]. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. Such social niceties go a long way since. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government. Traditional instruments include various types of flutes, trumpets, musical bows, xylophones, and wooden clappers, as well as many varieties of drums. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. [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. November 4, 2022 Adam Valavanis is a volunteer intern in the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. Dance also has many varieties: Ishan stilt dancers in colourful costumes twist themselves in the air; one Tiv dance, called ajo, features male dancers who work in pairs, and another involves teams of women who perform a dance called icough while composing songs about current events. Hausa/Fulani ethnic group is made up of two hitherto different ethnic groups that have now intermixed to the extent that they are regarded as one inseparable ethnic nation. The Bini people[15][16] are most frequent in the region between Yorubaland and Igboland. Firstly, Nigeria's scores on the Cultural Dimension scale reveal that Nigerians place great value on Performance Orientation, Future Orientation, and In-group Collectivism. 3. [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. Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. It is used for expressing one's feelings. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. [19] The Fulani and the Hausa are mostly Muslim, while the Igbo are mostly Christian and so are the Bini and the Ibibio. Individuals turn to members of the extended family for financial aid and guidance, and the family is expected to provide for the welfare of every member. According to the FIFA World Rankings, Nigeria ranks 31st and holds the second-highest place among the African nations behind Senegal (20th). Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. However some of these states were conquered, taken over and re-established by the Fulani people which then led to the formation of a few other kingdoms such as Katagum, Hadejia and Gombe. The headquarter of Yorubaland is Ile-life where they believe creation started. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. 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. LESSON 2 - IMPORTANCE/USES OF ART. Nigerians are generally, enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. Lots of Yoruba people still practice the traditional religion but a large number have embraced Christianity and Islam. [20][21][22] Indigenous religious practices remain important to all of Nigeria's ethnic groups however, and frequently these beliefs are blended with Christian or Muslim beliefs, a practice known as syncretism. It is used for commemoration. Never use the left hand only. These include Femi Osofisan,[68] whose first published novel, Kolera Kolej, was produced in 1975; Ben Okri, whose first work, The Famished Road, was published in 1991, and Buchi Emecheta, who wrote stories drawn from her personal experiences of gender inequity that promote viewing women through a single prism of the ability to marry and have children. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. a powdered cassava grain that can be readily eaten as a meal and is quite inexpensive. The Nigerian national football team,[73] nicknamed the "Super Eagles", is the national team of Nigeria, run by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). 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). C.V. Starr & Co. 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. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and in-laws all work as a unit through life.Family relationships are guided by hierarchy and seniority. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. A little more than half of all Nigerians are of the Christian faith, while most of the rest are Islamic. This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. Nigeria is a democratic country whose federal government resides in the countrys capital, Abuja, which is located in the middle of the country. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. 5. 5. His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. Culturally, Nigeria is like a coat of many colours. Nigerians are very religious and spiritual people. 'Odinana', as the immutable customary rites and traditions of the Igbo world, is enduring and cuts across indigenous Igbo people, while 'omenana' is rather relative from one section of the Igbo to the other. Nigeria has the fastest growing economy in Africa and the highest GNP on the continent. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. Age and position always demand great respect. 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. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). Since the 1990s the Nigerian movie industry, sometimes called "Nollywood", has emerged as a fast-growing cultural force all over Africa. The Yoruba language is pleasing to the ear as it places a lot of emphasis on intonation. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. 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. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. 56 Likes, 1 Comments - Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (@kccnigeria_) on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN "Introduce Your Korea" Event 5 " ' " Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. [44] With a population of over ten million, the Ijaws are arguably the most populous tribe inhabiting the Niger Delta section and arguably the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria occupying about 10% of Nigeria's population. 'Omenana' is man-made; it is easily changed and is adaptable. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious. 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. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. However In November 2015, Ministry of Culture and Tourism was later merged with ministry of information, which is now known as Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. 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. The difference in the way we work, live and interact with each other is as a result of the culture we have come to be a part of. Kanuri, Fulani, Hausa, Tiv - are the most densely populated groups that live in the north. The Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. It is richer than all other West African nations and holds considerable power. 968 Words4 Pages. Many use gestures when communicating. In the course of socialization the values, ideals, norms, patterns of behavior become a part of a person's self-awareness. The Hausa, who do not consider dancing to be an art, divide their dances into the categories of social dancing and ceremonial borii dances. January 31, 2022, How Tobacco Laws Could Help Close the Racial Gap on Cancer, Interactive Silk (called tsamiya in Hausa, sanyan in Yoruba, and akpa-obubu in Igbo) is also used. It is basically what makes a person human. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. Language is the most important way of mastering the national culture. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. In recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. If you're looking for expert help and advice on how to work effectively with Nigerians, then this is what we do! [40][41] Socially, the Igbos are led by monarchs who had limited power historically. [86] The men wear buba (long shirt), sokoto (baggy trousers), agbada (flowing robe with wide sleeves) and fila (a hat). They are extremely tolerant of the languages of other people around them, leading to the suppression of theirs - especially in northern Nigeria by Hausa. At Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to give gifts of food and fruit. Each musician organized a large band with a horn section, a variety of drummers, and many guitar players. A Hausa farmer. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. A complimentary cap called Fila may be added to the dressing. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. Other cultures, such as the Igbo used to wear clothes only for modesty in past times, which is unlike other cultures where clothing has always been a symbol of status. February 13, 2023 This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Our culture determines the way we communicate with others. Their religion, mode of dressing, food, marriage, and language are all unique. As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. [26][27] They are an ethnic group that is primarily found in Edo State, and spread across the Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states of Nigeria in smaller concentrations. This ethnic group is well known for their colourful but modest dress due to their strong religious beliefs. Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. [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. Other clothing gear includes a gele, which is the woman's headgear. Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. 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. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. Japanese culture places great value on respect, honor, discipline and personal growth. [51] The Yoruba people have always shared a common language called the Yoruba language and the same culture for hundreds of years now but they were less likely to be a single political unit. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. The principal exports are palm oil and palm kernels. However, even with the countrys infrastructural challenges, there are still quality hotels, restaurants, and innovative transportation options, such as Uber and Taxify that are available. Wole Soyinka, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, was the first Black African to receive the award. Global Health Program, Higher Education Webinar: Teaching the History of American Democracy, Webinar The traditionally nomadic Fulani can be found all over West and Central Africa. 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. [53] They eventually became the most urbanized Africans of precolonial times. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. [46], Language and cultural studies suggest that they are related to the founders of the Great Nile Valley civilization complex (and possibly the lake Chad complex). They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. [8][9][10][11] There are many other ethnic groups with sizeable populations across the different parts of the country. The Benin people of present-day Edo state had a culture that amazed the colonial masters when they first got to the ancient Benin kingdom. Therefore, foreigners who take the time to get to know the Nigerian as a person are considered friends and welcomed into a Nigerians inner circle of family and close friends.Nigerian communication can also be indirect and may rely on non-verbal cues. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. These are also important aspects of our culture. In Nigeria, social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. Several things go into greeting an elder in Nigeria, including ethnic background and gender. 1. 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. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. February 1, 2023 Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training. The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. It is basically what makes a person human. 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. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. The importance of culture in Nigeria cannot be overestimated. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. monarchs who have received definite authority from the official government and are recognized by the laws of Nigeria),[58] the chiefs come in various ranks and are of varied kinds - some monarchs are so powerful that they influence political and religious life outside their immediate domains (the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife, for example), while in contrast many local families around the country install their eldest members as titled chiefs in order for them to provide them with what is an essentially titular leadership. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their. Cultural conflicts can arise within large communities as a result. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. Being the first to find a settlement in the Lower Niger and Niger Delta, it is possible that they may have started inhabiting this region as far back as 500 BC. This article presents a high-level introduction to Nigeria's cultural heritage. In cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. 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. 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. [33][34], The Hausas, on the other hand, are said to be very good merchants. One of the main features of culture in Nigeria is its hierarchical system. Igbos are overwhelming Christians of Catholic extraction although a minority of them practice other religions such as Islam, Judaism, and the traditional Igbo religion. Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. Like many other aspects of life, food is a deeply rooted expression of identity, values, and way of life. According to the book, which discussed generally about African American culture which Nigeria may belong. 4. Four full-color images cover the page, each of the creators and editors of influential culture and fashion magazines based in Lagos. Therefore, culture serves as a social memory for mankind. Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. Although this was a very long time ago, the Ijaws have, however, kept the ancient language and culture of the Orus. Maize is another crop that is commonly grown in Nigeria. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. 1. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. Photo by Ayoola Salako on Unsplash. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Some of these dialects include Egba, Ekiti, Ijesha, Egun etc. 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. Titles are important. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community.
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