Nigerians are very religious and spiritual people. Nigerian Food Culture and Customs: Three Yorb Sayings on It. Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. The most important task for the government is to find ways to unite people, rather than divide them. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. 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. 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. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. 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. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. Shared below is some helpful information about Nigerian culture. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Unfortunately, in our country, some subcultures oppose each other which lead to the spread of cultural differences in Nigeria. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. 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. Other clothing gear includes a gele, which is the woman's headgear. Lots of Yoruba people still practice the traditional religion but a large number have embraced Christianity and Islam. The Yorubas are a diverse group of people bound together by language, history, culture and a common sense of origin. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. Order via the button below to receive your Nigeria Insight in seconds or read more here before buying. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. Some more examples of their traditional dishes are eba, pounded yam, iyan, fufu and soups like okra, ogbono and egusi. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. Fufu is so emblematic of Nigeria that it figures in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, for example. Food and eating food is a universal experience, an element of common ground in terms of . 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. 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, even with the countrys infrastructural challenges, there are still quality hotels, restaurants, and innovative transportation options, such as Uber and Taxify that are available. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious. [40][41] Socially, the Igbos are led by monarchs who had limited power historically. It used for . In Igboland, both men and women tie wrappers. Minority ethnic groups live throughout the nation although higher concentrations of these groups live in the northern and the middle regions of Nigeria. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. 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. Academic and Higher Education Webinars, C.V. Starr & Co. Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. 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. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their larger-than-life celebrations, and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. It is basically what makes a person human. [8][9][10][11] There are many other ethnic groups with sizeable populations across the different parts of the country. This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. The number of ethnic groups and dialects stand at more than 1,150. 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. Dance for the Ubakala shows their value system, helps resolve conflicts, and also institutes change. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. by Lindsay Maizland PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! The yams can be mashed or fried in oil. 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. 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. 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 Lalli or henna paintings and drawings are a very popular and indispensable part of their makeup. Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures, Backgrounder Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. [56], Ever since the country's earliest centralization - under the Nokites at a time contemporaneous to the birth of Jesus Christ - Nigeria has been ruled by a class of titled potentates that are known as chiefs. Photo by IITA (CC BY-NC 2.0). 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. 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 . Nigerias culture is made up of several ethnic groups that speak 527 different languages. These figures are expected to confer subordinate titles upon men and women that are highly accomplished. Nigerias culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into enhanced international prestige. Rice is eaten throughout the country, and in the north grains such as millet and wheat are a large part of the diet. They have been able to preserve their cultural practices over time as a result of their strong native system of government. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. After radio and television stations were established in all the state capitals, they began broadcasting programs featuring traditional music and dance, folk operas, and storytelling; these programs are now available in some 25 languages. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. The dry, open grasslands of the savanna make cereal farming and herding a way of life for the Hausa and You must take the time to ask about the persons health, the health of their family, or other social niceties. When employees join a company, they are doing so in return for fair compensation, career development, and various benefits. 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. 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. It has become a common lingua franca as a result. The most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting. 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. [31] The Fulani practice the art of whipping a suitor before giving his bride to him as parts of their marriage obligation, this particular obligation has helped to increase the practice of monogamy among themselves and it is called sharo. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. The eastern part of Nigeria is the home of the Igbos, who are mostly Christians. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. Many use gestures when communicating. The fact that the Times chose to profile the heads of Nigerias lifestyle magazines on the front page of its business section is even more notable, as it illustrates the growth of Nigerias international cultural influence. Never use the left hand only. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. It is used for keeping records of important events, history and culture. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. 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. Wait for a woman to extend her hand first. [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). Nigeria is the seventh-most populous country in the world, home to more than 200 million people. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. There is a large variety of linguistic and ethnic groups in the country. In addition, they are also very good porters, weavers, and metalsmiths. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. The Igbo ethnic group, of which I belonged to, are mostly christian. It also explores some of the challenges faced (legal and extralegal) in the protection of cultural heritage and discloses recent legal developments. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. 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. Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world. 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. It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. by Olivia Angelino, Thomas J. Bollyky, Elle Ruggiero and Isabella Turilli [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. Middle Eastern culture: Middle Eastern culture is a fascinating mixture of religious and traditional beliefs. Men may place their left hand on the other persons shoulder while shaking hands. 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. 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. 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. Since the 1990s the Nigerian movie industry, sometimes called "Nollywood", has emerged as a fast-growing cultural force all over Africa. According to the book, which discussed generally about African American culture which Nigeria may belong. Culture creates favorable opportunities for acquiring knowledge and physical development. [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. Dance also has many varieties: Ishan stilt dancers in colourful costumes twist themselves in the air; one Tiv dance, called ajo, features male dancers who work in pairs, and another involves teams of women who perform a dance called icough while composing songs about current events. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. Backed by a suite of sophisticated services and solutions, KPA brings in-depth insights, diverse experiences, and genuine care to every client engagement to deliver the results you need to exceed your set business goals. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. 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. Since then, Nigerian and African patterns, colour schemes, and motifs have been incorporated into Vlisco's designs to become a staple of the brand. This group is predominantly Muslim as Islam was introduced into Nigeria by the Fulanis. 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 scores 60 on this dimension and is thus a masculine society. Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. 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. Things Fall Apart,[61] by Chinua Achebe, is an important book in African literature. [33][34], The Hausas, on the other hand, are said to be very good merchants. [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. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. It is used for communication. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); TYPES OF CULTURE IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPORTANCE (2023). 5. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO NIGERIA. 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]. 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. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. In the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). Always make time to share a tea with people you're doing business with. February 13, 2023 Even though most ethnic groups prefer to communicate in their own languages, English, being the official language, is widely used for education, business transactions and for official purposes. 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. Nigeria has the fastest growing economy in Africa and the highest GNP on the continent. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. 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. Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash. It is used for commemoration. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. The Ijaw people are said by some to be the descendants of the autochthonous people of Africa known as the (H) ORU. 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. 968 Words4 Pages. The headquarter of Yorubaland is Ile-life where they believe creation started. Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. The major native languages spoken in Nigeria represent three major families of African languages - the majority are Niger-Congo languages, such as Yoruba, Ibo, the Hausa language is Afro-Asiatic; and Kanuri, spoken in the northeast, primarily Borno State, is a member of the Nilo-Saharan family. 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. [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. 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. 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Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. 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. The people of ancient Nigeria were able to make their own weapons. According to the FIFA World Rankings, Nigeria ranks 31st and holds the second-highest place among the African nations behind Senegal (20th).