5 importance of culture in nigeria
It is used for decoration and beautification. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. [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. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. The Kanuri people[12] are located in the northeast part of Nigeria, the Tiv people[13] of north central and the Efik-Ibibio[14] are in the south south. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. A Nigerian generally waits for the woman to extend her hand. 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. The larger number of families is because a higher number of children improves the social standing of a man. 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. 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. 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. The principal exports are palm oil and palm kernels. The people of ancient Nigeria were able to make their own weapons. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. 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. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. Such social niceties go a long way since. When employees join a company, they are doing so in return for fair compensation, career development, and various benefits. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious. Nigeria is a democratic country whose federal government resides in the countrys capital, Abuja, which is located in the middle of the country. 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. 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. 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. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. English as a first language, however, remains an exclusive preserve of a small minority of the country's urban elite, and is not spoken at all in some rural areas. His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. 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. Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. 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. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. 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. Discover w. 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. Nigerias vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. Wole Soyinka, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, was the first Black African to receive the award. Traditional instruments include various types of flutes, trumpets, musical bows, xylophones, and wooden clappers, as well as many varieties of drums. In Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. [23], The Binis, also called the Edo people,[25] are people of the South South region of modern Nigeria; they are said to be around 3.8 million as of the 21st Century. They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. Trading, local crafts, and wage labour also are important in the Igbo economy, and a high literacy rate has helped many Igbo to become civil servants and business entrepreneurs in the decades after Nigeria gained independence. [40][41] Socially, the Igbos are led by monarchs who had limited power historically. It is used for expressing one's feelings. The Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. Some of these festivals include Odun Olojo, Iwude, and Osun-Osogbo amongst many others. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. 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. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. Movie theatres, showing mostly Indian and American films, are popular among the urban middle- and low-income groups. The Hausa/Fulani people are known for their unique cultural practices most of which have stood the test of time. Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. Drinks include traditional brews like palm wine. Silk (called tsamiya in Hausa, sanyan in Yoruba, and akpa-obubu in Igbo) is also used. 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 Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. 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. Weekly. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. 56 Likes, 1 Comments - Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (@kccnigeria_) on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN "Introduce Your Korea" Event 5 " ' " The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. Nollywood movies are beginning to reach audiences in Europe and the United States, with cities such as Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and Toronto now hosting Nollywood film festivals. 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. [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. For those needing a more detailed and comprehensive overview of Nigeria we have published an expert, Report on Nigerian Society, Culture & Business, here to learn more about our customized cultural training. Some of the most prominent ethnic groups include the likes of the Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Ijaw. Many religions are followed in Nigeria. You must take the time to ask about the persons health, the health of their family, or other social niceties. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. 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. Kano Durbar. 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. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. Although this group is found throughout the grasslands of West Africa, the bulk of the population is found in Northern Nigeria in states like Sokoto, Kano, and Katsina. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. Nigerians are very religious and spiritual people. , and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. Christians predominantly live in the south of the country, whereas Muslims live predominantly in the north. The importance of culture in Nigeria cannot be overestimated. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. 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. 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. 1. Although this was a very long time ago, the Ijaws have, however, kept the ancient language and culture of the Orus. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. The ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. It is basically what makes a person human. However, none of the states in southern Nigeria allow this practice. We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world according to this 2013 Pew Research study. This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. [32] The Fulani people are also nomadic in nature; this nomadic lifestyle spread them into virtually all of West Africa. 5. As stated above, the three most influential ethnic group in Nigeria are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. 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. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. 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. Nigeria's most important. 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. Igbos are mostly farmers, traders, and craftsmen. There is a large variety of linguistic and ethnic groups in the country. The Yoruba language has several versions of it spoken by different units within this ethnic group. 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. In the pre-colonial period, they controlled a powerful empire. [39] Their traditional religion is known as Omenani/Omenala. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government. 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. After reading this article you will find out why. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. The number of ethnic groups and dialects stand at more than 1,150. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. Being the first to find a settlement in the Lower Niger and Niger Delta, it is possible that they may have started inhabiting this region as far back as 500 BC. 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. Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. In the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). 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. Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. [42][43], The Ijaw people are said to be a collection of people that are native to the Niger Delta area in Nigeria. In literature, Chinua Achebe, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and, more recently, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have significant readership in the United States. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. 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. February 1, 2023 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. 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. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. 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. 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. 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. Culturally, Nigeria is like a coat of many colours. Nigeria is the most important country politically and economically in West Africa. With so many different cultures and regions, food can vary greatly. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. 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 . Other clothing gear includes a gele, which is the woman's headgear. 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. 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. 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. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. Music is used to celebrate rulers and to accompany public assemblies, weddings and funerals, festivals, and storytelling. With nearly 200 million inhabitants, it also happens to be one of the world's largest countries by population. Fufu is so emblematic of Nigeria that it figures in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, for example. 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. [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. You put your proverbial (and actual) money where your mouth is in the form of budget and staff . In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. 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. 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. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. Nigerian Food Culture and Customs: Three Yorb Sayings on It. In cities like, Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. The dry, open grasslands of the savanna make cereal farming and herding a way of life for the Hausa and This group is predominantly Muslim as Islam was introduced into Nigeria by the Fulanis. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. If invited to dinner at someones home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host. 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? The Dynastic Origins of Western Yorb Kingdoms", "In pictures: Country of kings, Nigeria's many monarchs", "Things Fall Apart | Summary, Themes, & Facts | Britannica", "Contemporary African Poetry: A Postcolonial Reading of Iquo Eke's Symphony of Becoming and Ifeanyi Nwaeboh's Stampede of Voiceless Ants", "Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie comes to terms with global fame", "From Achebe To Adichie: Top Ten Nigerian Authors", "Nollywood: The Influence of the Nigerian Movie Industry on African Culture", "Carbonhydrate intake Among Urbanized Adult Nigerians", "Nigerian Food: 16 Popular and Traditional Dishes to Try - Nomad Paradise", "Gelede | African ritual festival | Britannica", "distinctive African print fabrics | The true original dutch wax prints", "The Yoruba tribe of Nigeria and their clothes rich in colors and textures", "Interesting Facts About Nigerian People and Culture", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Culture_of_Nigeria&oldid=1141605451, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2022, Pages using multiple image with auto scaled images, Articles lacking in-text citations from December 2013, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 22:16.
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