Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. 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. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. The Palm Wine Drinkard, a popular novel by Amos Tutuola, was written in it. To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other persons general well-being. The pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, became internationally famous in the 1970s and 1980s and has inspired generations of Western artists, such as Talking Heads and Beyonc. 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. When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. 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. 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. 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. The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. The Ijaws were originally known by this name (Oru); at least it was what their immediate neighbours assumed them to be. However, cultural differences should be perceived as wealth, not an obstacle. Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. [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). The women tie wrappers called Abaya and wear blouses, head ties, shawls, and hijabs. Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . Drinks include traditional brews like palm wine. In the course of socialization the values, ideals, norms, patterns of behavior become a part of a person's self-awareness. [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. 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. They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed. 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. Such social niceties go a long way since. Traditionally, cultures such as the Yoruba used to wear clothing such as gele (a cloth wrapped around the head by women), afbada (a robe for formal functions), and other forms of attire. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. 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? It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. In masculine countries people "live in order to work", managers are expected to be decisive and assertive, the emphasis is on equity, competition and . Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. The Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria commonly called Ndi Igbo are a very cultural set of people. 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. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. Before looking at the importance and types of culture in Nigeria, its good to know the definition. [42][43], The Ijaw people are said to be a collection of people that are native to the Niger Delta area in Nigeria. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. It is said that it was at Ife that the gods descended from heaven and created the world. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. [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. 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. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and in-laws all work as a unit through life.Family relationships are guided by hierarchy and seniority. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. [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. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious. 'Omenana' is man-made; it is easily changed and is adaptable. 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. In addition, they are also very good porters, weavers, and metalsmiths. Yorubas have a strong political system with the Oba at the helm of affairs. Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. [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. 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]. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. You are also agreeing to our. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. You are already subscribed to our newsletter! This is due to the large number of ethnic groups that exist in the country. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. You must take the time to ask about the persons health, the health of their family, or other social niceties. 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. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. The Yorubas are fun-loving people and are known for their eye-catching, colourful and rhythmic dance steps. This article presents a high-level introduction to Nigeria's cultural heritage. 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . The Nigerian national football team,[73] nicknamed the "Super Eagles", is the national team of Nigeria, run by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. [88] Hausa men wear barbarigas or kaftans (long flowing gowns) with tall decorated hats. For this reason, newborns are regarded with joy and pride as they are the future. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. The Okays make up 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5% and Tiv 2.5%. '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. The women wear their hair in native styles such as Suku. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. [57] Led by the Nigerian traditional rulers (i.e. A little more than half of all Nigerians are of the Christian faith, while most of the rest are Islamic. Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures, Backgrounder [53] They eventually became the most urbanized Africans of precolonial times. Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. More than 250 ethnic groups can be found in Nigeria today, each of which has its own traditions and customs. 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. The most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. Team members should present a united front at meetings. We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. 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. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. [81] Southern Nigerian women choose to wear western-style clothing. 1. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. The mode of dressing of Yoruba males includes wearing Bubba and Sokoto and also a large flowing gown called Agbada. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate. These are also important aspects of our culture. 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. The most popular Yoruba manifestations of this custom are the Gelede masquerades.[80]. [19] The Fulani and the Hausa are mostly Muslim, while the Igbo are mostly Christian and so are the Bini and the Ibibio. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. It is basically what makes a person human. Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups with noticeable cultural differences among them. 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. It has become a common lingua franca as a result. Nigeria is a democratic country whose federal government resides in the countrys capital, Abuja, which is located in the middle of the country. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. 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. A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . Lagos is a bustling city that has become a melting pot of Nigerian tribes. If you're looking for expert help and advice on how to work effectively with Nigerians, then this is what we do! Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. 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. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. 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. Whether in urban or rural areas, the family is the central institution. 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. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. Anywhere you find yourself in the Nigerian territory, you will meet a unique group of people who are set in their ways and would blow your mind away with their ways of life. 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. Smiling and showing sincere pleasure at meeting the person is important. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. 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. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. Annual Lecture on China: Frayed RelationsThe United States and China, Virtual Event Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. November 4, 2022 The language they speak is called the Edo language. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. Supporters of English football clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea often segregate beyond the traditional tribal and even religious divide to share their common cause in Premier League teams. 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. Several things go into greeting an elder in Nigeria, including ethnic background and gender. 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. The number of ethnic groups and dialects stand at more than 1,150. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! As its name indicates, Port Harcourt is another port city that also hosts an international airport. Language is the most important way of mastering the national culture. Annual Lecture on China. In outlook, education, dress and taste, the Hausa people and their counterparts the Fulani have become a significant part of the Islamic world, this said influence still remains until the current day. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. 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. Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. 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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). 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. [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. 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. 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. Funerals are also times when the family gathers. It is used for communication. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. 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. Nigerias culture is made up of several ethnic groups that speak 527 different languages. 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. 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. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. 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. Fashion is diverse and varies depending on the ethnic groups, culture, and religion. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. [82] Perhaps the most popular fabric used in Nigerian fashion is Dutch wax print, produced in the Netherlands. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. February 22, 2023 Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. Different generations of Nigerians are closely connected due to their culture. The Yoruba culture is rich and unique drawing comparison with no other culture around. It is richer than all other West African nations and holds considerable power. Any attempt to bypass this protocol will hamper your business success. Nigeria's vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. The Bini people[15][16] are most frequent in the region between Yorubaland and Igboland. As stated above, the three most influential ethnic group in Nigeria are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. Men may place their left hand on the other persons shoulder while shaking hands. With improved learning and health, increased tolerance, and opportunities to come together with others, culture enhances our quality of life and increases overall well-being for both individuals and communities. 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. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. Some of these festivals include Odun Olojo, Iwude, and Osun-Osogbo amongst many others. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. [40][41] Socially, the Igbos are led by monarchs who had limited power historically. We live in a multi-faceted country. They have been able to preserve their cultural practices over time as a result of their strong native system of government. [17][18], Nigeria's other ethnic groups, sometimes called 'minorities', are found throughout the country but especially in the north and the middle belt. Nigerias religious affiliations have recently made it into international news due to active, militant Islamic groups. Let's appreciate and preserve our culture and traditions and use them as vehicles towards our development, growth, and unity. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. We're helping multinational clients adequately prepare to thrive in the African market. This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. Cultural conflicts can arise within large communities as a result. Kingdoms and empires of precolonial Nigeria, Controversies surrounding the 2007 presidential election, Nigeria under Umaru Musa YarAdua and Goodluck Jonathan, The 2015 elections and electorate concerns, Recession, fight against corruption, and insecurity, Which Country Is Larger By Population? 1. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. 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. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach However, even with the countrys infrastructural challenges, there are still quality, , and innovative transportation options, such as, Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. 4. Photo by IITA (CC BY-NC 2.0). 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. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. In Igboland, both men and women tie wrappers. 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). You invest in security. 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. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. Igbo dominate in the south-central and southeastern parts of the country. After reading this article you will find out why. In Nigeria, social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. In cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their. Kano Durbar. [33][34], The Hausas, on the other hand, are said to be very good merchants. Music is used to celebrate rulers and to accompany public assemblies, weddings and funerals, festivals, and storytelling. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. February 13, 2023 THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO NIGERIA. [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. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. Fermented palm products make a traditional liquor, palm wine, and also fermented cassava. [52] The Yoruba people are believed to have migrated from the east to their present lands west of the lower Niger River more than a millennium ago. Culture regulates the behavior of a person in his family, school, at work, home, etc., by putting forward a system of prescriptions and prohibitions. [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. Order via the button below to receive your Nigeria Insight in seconds or read more here before buying. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. 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. In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south.