It is basically what makes a person human. Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions - WorldAtlas Wole Soyinka, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, was the first Black African to receive the award. In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. A curation of original analyses, data visualizations, and commentaries, examining the debates and efforts to improve health worldwide. 1. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. They are concentrated in the southwestern section of Nigeria, much smaller and scattered groups of Yoruba people live in Benin and northern Togo and they are numbered to be more than 20 million at the turn of the 21st century. THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO NIGERIA. 4. Other Nigerian men and women typically wear a traditional style called Buba. The kora and the kakaki are also important. Nollywood movies are beginning to reach audiences in Europe and the United States, with cities such as Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and Toronto now hosting Nollywood film festivals. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. "[67] Nigeria has other notable writers of English language literature. For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". Adam Valavanis is a volunteer intern in the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. 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February 13, 2023 One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. In this country, individuals usually become a part of one or more ethnic groups in Nigeria. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. Their towns eventually became more and more populated and grew into the present-day cities of Oyo, Ile-Ife, Ilesha, Ibadan, Ilorin, Ijebu-Ode, Ikere-Ekiti, and others. 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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. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. The Oshogbo movement, founded in the early 1960s, includes the artists Muraina Oyelami, Twins Seven-Seven (Prince Taiwo Osuntoki), Bisi Fabunmi, Tijani Mayakiri, Rufus Ogundele, and Ademola Onibonokuta. Types of Culture in Nigeria and Their Importance (2023) This is due to the large number of ethnic groups that exist in the country. Unfortunately, in our country, some subcultures oppose each other which lead to the spread of cultural differences in Nigeria. Culture In Nigeria Essay. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. According to the book, which discussed generally about African American culture which Nigeria may belong. , and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. Movie theatres, showing mostly Indian and American films, are popular among the urban middle- and low-income groups. In literature, Chinua Achebe, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and, more recently, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have significant readership in the United States. Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash, Catching a ride for the morning commute into work in Lagos. Prioritize employee satisfaction. This article presents a high-level introduction to Nigeria's cultural heritage. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. The Ijaw people are said by some to be the descendants of the autochthonous people of Africa known as the (H) ORU. 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. 5 Warning Signs of a Negative Organizational Culture | Organimi 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. Titles are important. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. 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. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. Language is the most important way of mastering the national culture. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. 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. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. English serves as a common language, used mainly as a means to bridge the communication gaps stemming from the presence so many languages, as well as a way to reach out and connect with the global business community. 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. [39] Their traditional religion is known as Omenani/Omenala. At the time of independence, many hoped that as a huge, democratic country, Nigeria would provide Africa with a seat at the table among the traditional international powers. 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. When employees join a company, they are doing so in return for fair compensation, career development, and various benefits. The headquarter of Yorubaland is Ile-life where they believe creation started. Four full-color images cover the page, each of the creators and editors of influential culture and fashion magazines based in Lagos. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. 5. 5 important Significance of Igbo-Ukwu Culture in Nigerian History With so many different cultures and regions, food can vary greatly. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. Along with South Africa, Nigeria is considered a super-power in the African continent and consequently Nigerians are generally proud of their country. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. Another major Nigerian city is Port Harcourt. Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. 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. While many artists still work in these traditions, more-contemporary artists, who combine African and Western traditions, also abound. Nigerias religious affiliations have recently made it into international news due to active, militant Islamic groups. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. With an increasingly cosmopolitan elite, Olanrewaju writes, luxury brands are eager to establish firmer footholds there. Although all of these magazines discuss the latest fashion trends, some also choose to take on taboo issues such as drug abuse and domestic violence. The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . The eastern part of Nigeria is the home of the Igbos, who are mostly Christians. The country has over 50 languages and over 250 dialects and ethnic groups. Commonly referred to as the giant of Africa, Nigeria is highly populated and unlike any other African country. Nigerian Food Culture and Customs: Three Yorb Sayings on It. Vast wealth has been generated by it, and it is currently the second-largest film industry in the world by output. Nigeria is the seventh-most populous country in the world, home to more than 200 million people. 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. Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures, Backgrounder Igbo, Hausa, Kanuri, Fulani, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio, and Tiv are some of the major groups that make up the maximum population of Nigeria. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. Japanese culture places great value on respect, honor, discipline and personal growth. 1. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] Such social niceties go a long way since. www.commisceo-global.com. Quiz. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. One of the main features of culture in Nigeria is its hierarchical system. The Palm Wine Drinkard, a popular novel by Amos Tutuola, was written in it. by Lindsay Maizland Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. Soups can be thickened by adding ground egusi (melon) seeds. 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. 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. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. 90 Nigerian Culture Facts That Shed Light On African Countries Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. In addition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Naija Invest Gateway, provide real-time information on the Nigerian business culture. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. You will frequently see colleagues gathering at a restaurant or local watering hole for after-work drinks to discuss the latest news in business, politics, or tabloid gossip. They shape and regulate his behavior. Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups with noticeable cultural differences among them. 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. Always make time to share a tea with people you're doing business with. 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 richer than all other West African nations and holds considerable power. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. The singer and social activist Fela Kuti was instrumental in Nigeria's musical development. Nigerians are generally, enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. There is an indefinite number of cultures around the world. 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]. February 22, 2023 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. Notable musicians include King Sunny Ade, who performed in a style called juju that combines the sounds of several guitars, vocals, and talking drums; and the politically charged Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, whose music is characterized by short songs and extended instrumental pieces. Photo by Ayoola Salako on Unsplash. 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 Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. Igbos are mostly farmers, traders, and craftsmen. This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. 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. 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. The Yorubas are a diverse group of people bound together by language, history, culture and a common sense of origin. 1 Jan. 2020 https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide, Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020, January 1) Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. C.V. Starr & Co. The Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. Nigeria's vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. The Cultural Dimensions Of Nigeria's Cultural Dimension 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. Can culture exist without society? Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. However, cultural differences should be perceived as wealth, not an obstacle. 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 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. Their religion, mode of dressing, food, marriage, and language are all unique. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. 'Odinana', on the contrary, is a code of life, handed down from Chukwu, God the Creator, to Eri, the patriarch of the Igbo race, to prevent chaos and confusion. He is assisted by a team of elders known as Enjoyed (Chiefs). Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN 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]. Cultural Policy in Nigeria Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. Gifts from a man to a woman must be said to come from the mans mother, wife, sister, or other female relative, never from the man himself. In cities like, Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south. You are already subscribed to our newsletter! Gifts are not always opened when received. Pidgin English is a creolized form of the language. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. 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]. Seven Indicators You Have A Culture That Values Security [8][9][10][11] There are many other ethnic groups with sizeable populations across the different parts of the country. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. Bushmeat, meat from wild game like antelope and duikers, is also popular. Although the role of the extended family is diminishing somewhat in urban areas, there remains a strong tradition of mutual caring and responsibility among the members. It is believed that the Igbo people originated in an area that is about 100 miles north of their current location at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers. In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. [19] The Fulani and the Hausa are mostly Muslim, while the Igbo are mostly Christian and so are the Bini and the Ibibio. Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. Whether in urban or rural areas, the family is the central institution. We can say that culture as a whole determines the framework in which a person can and should act. Funerals are also times when the family gathers. #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. It explores what is meant by the term 'cultural heritage', while providing examples of same in Nigeria. [79], Other traditional cultural expressions are found in the various masquerades of Nigeria, such as the Eyo masquerades of Lagos, the Ekpe and Ekpo masquerades of the Efik/Ibibio/Annang/Igbo peoples of coastal southeastern Nigeria, and the Northern masquerades of the Bini. [57] Led by the Nigerian traditional rulers (i.e. Nigeria - Daily life and social customs | Britannica This group is predominantly Muslim as Islam was introduced into Nigeria by the Fulanis. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. Successful Nigerians, such as businessmen and the said politicians, typically themselves aspire to the holding of chieftaincies, and the monarchs' control of the honours system that provides them to them serves as an important royal asset. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. [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. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. T, HOW TO GET A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN IN NIGERIA, THE LARGEST SEAPORTS IN NIGERIA LISTS Things To Know About Them, PROBLEMS OF ETHNICITY IN NIGERIA AND SOLUTIONS. Nigerian music is enjoyed throughout Africa. Ekpe masks and ikenga (personal shrines) from the Igbo in eastern Nigeria and ibeji (twin) sculptures from the Yoruba in western Nigeria are just three examples of the art produced in pre-colonial Nigeria. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Never use the left hand only. According to Yoruba Mythology, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Oduduwa. [23], The Binis, also called the Edo people,[25] are people of the South South region of modern Nigeria; they are said to be around 3.8 million as of the 21st Century. They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed. 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. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License. Renewing America, Backgrounder Like many other aspects of life, food is a deeply rooted expression of identity, values, and way of life. These figures are expected to confer subordinate titles upon men and women that are highly accomplished. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. The Igbo ethnic group, of which I belonged to, are mostly christian. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. Shared below is some helpful information about Nigerian culture. English as a first language, however, remains an exclusive preserve of a small minority of the country's urban elite, and is not spoken at all in some rural areas.