After reading this article you will find out why. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. 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. To prevent this, it is important to control the formation of cultural values in a society. THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO NIGERIA. Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. In addition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Naija Invest Gateway, provide real-time information on the Nigerian business culture. February 13, 2023 They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. 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). It is basically what makes a person human. 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. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. 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). Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. 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. 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. Many religions are followed in Nigeria. This is due to the large number of ethnic groups that exist in the country. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. Renewing America, Backgrounder 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. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. They are fond of the expression, "When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations (with the exception of South Africa) catch cold.". The singer and social activist Fela Kuti was instrumental in Nigeria's musical development. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. Gifts are not always opened when received. Although this militant activity concerns the entire nation, these groups primarily impact the northeast region of Nigeria. Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. You invest in security. Nigerian People And Culture - All You Need To Know. 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. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. 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]. 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. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. Christians predominantly live in the south of the country, whereas Muslims live predominantly in the north. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. In the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). This overview of Nigerian culture has, hopefully, provided you with the insight you need to ensure the successful expansion of your business, as a new entrant in the Nigerian market. The app is highly secured, licensed by CBN and insured by NDIC which makes your money safe even if anything goes wrong. 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. The mode of dressing of Yoruba males includes wearing Bubba and Sokoto and also a large flowing gown called Agbada. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. 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 Nigeria, social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. [88] Hausa men wear barbarigas or kaftans (long flowing gowns) with tall decorated hats. [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. 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. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. 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. In this country, individuals usually become a part of one or more ethnic groups in Nigeria. 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? Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. [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. The bulk of the Hausa-Fulani population is mainly centered in and around the centres of Sokoto, Kano and Katsina, which are said to be important market centres on the southern area of the trans-Saharan caravan trade routes. Culture In Nigeria Essay. Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. In the pre-colonial period, they controlled a powerful empire. For men the loose-fitting shirt goes down to halfway down the thigh. It is a good idea to include any advanced university degree on your business card. Japanese culture places great value on respect, honor, discipline and personal growth. 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Academic and Higher Education Webinars, C.V. Starr & Co. More than 250 ethnic groups can be found in Nigeria today, each of which has its own traditions and customs. Some of the most prominent ethnic groups include the likes of the Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Ijaw. 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. It is a good idea to maintain a polite and somewhat reserved manner until the person you are meeting drops some of his formality. The women tie wrappers called Abaya and wear blouses, head ties, shawls, and hijabs. 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. 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. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. 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. The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. 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. Unfortunately, in our country, some subcultures oppose each other which lead to the spread of cultural differences in Nigeria. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. Igbo dominate in the south-central and southeastern parts of the country. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. However, none of the states in southern Nigeria allow this practice. It is basically what makes a person human. . 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. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. By entering your email and clicking subscribe, you're agreeing to receive announcements from CFR about our products and services, as well as invitations to CFR events. by Olivia Angelino, Thomas J. Bollyky, Elle Ruggiero and Isabella Turilli Annual Lecture on China: Frayed RelationsThe United States and China, Virtual Event Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. 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. The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. With so many different cultures and regions, food can vary greatly. Nigerians are very religious and spiritual people. The most important task for the government is to find ways to unite people, rather than divide them. 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. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. The highest position Nigeria ever reached on the ranking was 5th, in April 1994. Weekly. As its name indicates, Port Harcourt is another port city that also hosts an international airport. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. [40][41] Socially, the Igbos are led by monarchs who had limited power historically. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. It has become a common lingua franca as a result. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. 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. The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. 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 Yorubas are fun-loving people and are known for their eye-catching, colourful and rhythmic dance steps. ", "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. The Hausa group (majority of them are Muslims) prevail in the northern region of Nigeria. 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. If you're looking for expert help and advice on how to work effectively with Nigerians, then this is what we do! Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. When employees join a company, they are doing so in return for fair compensation, career development, and various benefits. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. Culture is that complex as it consists of belief, knowledge, art, law, morals, customs, traditions and any other capabilities and habits which is acquired by man as a member of the society (Edward B. Tylor 1871). Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash. The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. The population of Nigeria makes up 1/8 of the inhabitants of the African continent. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. Photo by Ayoola Salako on Unsplash. Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] [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. 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. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. The eastern part of Nigeria is the home of the Igbos, who are mostly Christians. Fashion is diverse and varies depending on the ethnic groups, culture, and religion. Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. Location: Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon, Ethnic Groups: over 250 ethnic groups including Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%, Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%, Business Culture: Ranked 50th in the Business Culture Complexity Index. The Hausa, who do not consider dancing to be an art, divide their dances into the categories of social dancing and ceremonial borii dances. 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. 1. 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. Movie theatres, showing mostly Indian and American films, are popular among the urban middle- and low-income groups. Kano Durbar. Every culture in Nigeria has unique diets, mode of dressing, mode of production, language, greetings, marriage, mode of socialization, political systems that could be annexed for development. 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. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. In Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. Present and receive business cards with two hands or the right hand, never with the left. In recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. by Lindsay Maizland www.commisceo-global.com. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. 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. Some more examples of their traditional dishes are eba, pounded yam, iyan, fufu and soups like okra, ogbono and egusi. Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. The Bini people are closely related to several other ethnic groups that usually speak Edoid languages, for example the Esan, however it is important to address the fact that the name "Benin" (and "Bini") is a Portuguese corruption, which came from the word "Ubinu", which came into use during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great, c. 1440. Quiz. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. 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. Several things go into greeting an elder in Nigeria, including ethnic background and gender. 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. Like many other aspects of life, food is a deeply rooted expression of identity, values, and way of life. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. Radio, television, and other forms of home entertainment (e.g., recorded music and movies) have also grown in popularity, though their use is dependent on the availability of electricity. 6. This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. 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. 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. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. 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. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. Silk (called tsamiya in Hausa, sanyan in Yoruba, and akpa-obubu in Igbo) is also used. Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. It is used for commemoration. Nigeria is the seventh-most populous country in the world, home to more than 200 million people. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. This policy document defined culture as " the totality of the way of life evolved by a people in their attempt to meet the challenges in their environment which gives order and meaning to their social, political, economic, aesthetic and religious . Nigerians typically hold a primary position of employment but are always on the lookout for other opportunities to generate supplemental income. The headquarter of Yorubaland is Ile-life where they believe creation started. The women wear their hair in native styles such as Suku. [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. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. Because so many Nigerians live outside the country, funerals for non-Muslims are often delayed for a month or more to allow all the family members to make plans to return home. 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.
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