They are fond of the expression, "When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations (with the exception of South Africa) catch cold.". 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. 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. 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 . This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. According to Yoruba Mythology, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Oduduwa. People in urban regions of Nigeria dress in western style, the youth mainly wearing jeans and T-shirts. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. Nigeria's most important. 6. Nigeria is the most important country politically and economically in West Africa. 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). Always wait until invited before using someones first name. There is a large variety of linguistic and ethnic groups in the country. [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. You are also agreeing to our. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. The Hausa and Fulani people live primarily in the North, the Igbo reside in the Southeast, and the Yoruba inhabit the Southwest. Order via the button below to receive your Nigeria Insight in seconds or read more here before buying. 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. Such social niceties go a long way since. In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. In addition, Nigeria is home to an influential music scene, notably Afrobeat, which combines West African music styles with American funk and jazz. From the farmers in the rural areas to the bankers in the city, work is a central and important part of daily life in Nigeria. The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). It is used for communication. The Nigerian Government in September, 1988, launched the "National Cultural Policy". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); TYPES OF CULTURE IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPORTANCE (2023). The women wear a puffed sleeved blouse, two wrappers and a headwrap. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. Shared below is some helpful information about Nigerian culture. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. 5. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. The principal exports are palm oil and palm kernels. Nigerias vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. Igbo dominate in the south-central and southeastern parts of the country. The way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). Apart from the main three languages, the cultures of other tribes in Nigeria are equally unique and important. It used for . [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. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. 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. 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). [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. [57] Led by the Nigerian traditional rulers (i.e. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. Nigerian literature is known throughout the world. This ethnic group is well known for their colourful but modest dress due to their strong religious beliefs. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. Cultural conflicts can arise within large communities as a result. 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. In Nigeria, there are more than 500 languages that are spoken. Annual Lecture on China. [40][41] Socially, the Igbos are led by monarchs who had limited power historically. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. For men their traditional cap is called fila. 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]. This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. The dry, open grasslands of the savanna make cereal farming and herding a way of life for the Hausa and At Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to give gifts of food and fruit. Kano Durbar. 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. Adam Valavanis is a volunteer intern in the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Fashion is diverse and varies depending on the ethnic groups, culture, and religion. It is used for keeping records of important events, history and culture. [39] Their traditional religion is known as Omenani/Omenala. You invest in security. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. It is basically what makes a person human. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. 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. Nigeria has the fastest growing economy in Africa and the highest GNP on the continent. 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. by Lindsay Maizland The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. Wole Soyinka, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, was the first Black African to receive the award. They shape and regulate his behavior. 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. 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 Due to the ethnic make-up of the country, communication styles vary. 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. A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. The Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. It is used for commemoration. [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 most important task for the government is to find ways to unite people, rather than divide them. [62] With over eight million copies sold worldwide, it has been translated into 50 languages, making Achebe the most translated African writer of all time. February 1, 2023 [19] The Fulani and the Hausa are mostly Muslim, while the Igbo are mostly Christian and so are the Bini and the Ibibio. Annual Lecture on China: Frayed RelationsThe United States and China, Virtual Event 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. 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. [86] The men wear buba (long shirt), sokoto (baggy trousers), agbada (flowing robe with wide sleeves) and fila (a hat). The most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile. In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. 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. In Igboland, both men and women tie wrappers. . Christians predominantly live in the south of the country, whereas Muslims live predominantly in the north. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. Culture creates favorable opportunities for acquiring knowledge and physical development. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. Soups can be thickened by adding ground egusi (melon) seeds. ", "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. Men may place their left hand on the other persons shoulder while shaking hands. 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. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. [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. Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. This article presents a high-level introduction to Nigeria's cultural heritage. They have been able to preserve their cultural practices over time as a result of their strong native system of government. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. 1. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south. The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. The population of Nigeria makes up 1/8 of the inhabitants of the African continent. There is an indefinite number of cultures around the world. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. Minority ethnic groups live throughout the nation although higher concentrations of these groups live in the northern and the middle regions of Nigeria. 1. The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausas that are predominantly in the north, the Yorubas who predominate in the southwest, and the Igbos in the southeast. Food is an important part of Nigerian life. As its name indicates, Port Harcourt is another port city that also hosts an international airport. Before looking at the importance and types of culture in Nigeria, its good to know the definition. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. Nigerians are generally, enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Things arent perfect, but Im grateful for what I have., Factors to be Aware of When Visiting Nigeria for Business. The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. 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Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. 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. Other groups worthy of mention are Ijaw, Edo, Itshekiri, Kanuri, Efik, and Tiv. In the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). This is not a first name culture, although that may be changing with people under the age of 35. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. A gift for the children is always a nice touch. The yams can be mashed or fried in oil. A high value on Performance Orientation means the culture would ideally highly encourage and reward improvement and excellence (GLOBE, 2004). Some of these festivals include Odun Olojo, Iwude, and Osun-Osogbo amongst many others. Long before the arrival of the Fulani people, the Hausa had already formed and made well-organised city states; some of these states include Katsina, Daura, Kano Zazzau (Zaria), Biram, Gobir and Borno. C.V. Starr & Co. 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. More than 250 ethnic groups can be found in Nigeria today, each of which has its own traditions and customs. Things Fall Apart,[61] by Chinua Achebe, is an important book in African literature. Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . 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 why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. LESSON 2 - IMPORTANCE/USES OF ART. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. You must take the time to ask about the persons health, the health of their family, or other social niceties. 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. Other clothing gear includes a gele, which is the woman's headgear. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. Apart from culture, society does not have any other mechanisms with which to concentrate and gather the wealth of the experience that has been accumulated by previous generations. Like many other aspects of life, food is a deeply rooted expression of identity, values, and way of life. Meat is also popular and Nigerian suyaa barbecue-like roasted meatis a well-known delicacy. 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. As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. [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. 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 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. Japanese culture places great value on respect, honor, discipline and personal growth. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. The Yoruba culture is rich and unique drawing comparison with no other culture around. With so many different cultures and regions, food can vary greatly. 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. 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. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of 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 is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. The Lalli or henna paintings and drawings are a very popular and indispensable part of their makeup. Renewing America, Backgrounder 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. Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. Nigeria is the seventh-most populous country in the world, home to more than 200 million people. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. 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. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. 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. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. The importance of culture in Nigeria cannot be overestimated. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. The Hausa, who do not consider dancing to be an art, divide their dances into the categories of social dancing and ceremonial borii dances. 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. Gifts are not always opened when received. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. 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. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. Quiz. 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. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. Therefore, old people are always granted respect. The Ijaw people are said by some to be the descendants of the autochthonous people of Africa known as the (H) ORU. 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. Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. Artefacts stolen from Benin sit on shelves of many foreign museums and in the private homes of foreigners. The ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. Nigerian cities tend to be highly populated as many people flock to urban environments for better employment opportunities. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. Nigerian food is mostly made up of meals that are high in carbohydrates, such as cassavas, rice, maize, yams, and plenty of vegetables. They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. The Yoruba language is pleasing to the ear as it places a lot of emphasis on intonation. 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. Opay.ng - Every transaction made on this app is very fast; the delivery rate is 99%, which means you don't need to worry anytime you make a payment on this platform.Plus, every transaction on the app is free. From the farmers in the rural areas to the bankers in the city, work is a central and important part of daily life in Nigeria. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. 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.