Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. They are extremely tolerant of the languages of other people around them, leading to the suppression of theirs - especially in northern Nigeria by Hausa. The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. 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. Gifts are not always opened when received. . For this reason, newborns are regarded with joy and pride as they are the future. Photo by Ayoola Salako on Unsplash. Never use the left hand only. As stated above, the three most influential ethnic group in Nigeria are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. Maize is another crop that is commonly grown in Nigeria. The architectural mastery of the Hausas is perhaps one of the least known buys the most beautiful of the medieval age. It is a good idea to maintain a polite and somewhat reserved manner until the person you are meeting drops some of his formality. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. 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. Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . Commonly referred to as the giant of Africa, Nigeria is highly populated and unlike any other African country. Let's appreciate and preserve our culture and traditions and use them as vehicles towards our development, growth, and unity. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. 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. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. Nigeria's rich cultural heritage boasts of huge eclectic and colourful festivals that are full of rhythm, brilliant colours, fun and great pace. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. #1: A land of over 200 million smiles Home to over 200 million inhabitants, Nigeria has one of the largest populations of youth, and is the sixth most populous country in the world. 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 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. While many artists still work in these traditions, more-contemporary artists, who combine African and Western traditions, also abound. Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. It is used for keeping records of important events, history and culture. 5. by Lindsay Maizland You will gain an understanding of a number of key areas including: For those needing a more detailed and comprehensive overview of Nigeria we have published an expert Report on Nigerian Society, Culture & Business. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. [20][21][22] Indigenous religious practices remain important to all of Nigeria's ethnic groups however, and frequently these beliefs are blended with Christian or Muslim beliefs, a practice known as syncretism. 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). 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . Quiz. Soups can be thickened by adding ground egusi (melon) seeds. Each musician organized a large band with a horn section, a variety of drummers, and many guitar players. The Okays make up 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5% and Tiv 2.5%. It is used for expressing one's feelings. [39] Their traditional religion is known as Omenani/Omenala. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. It is basically what makes a person human. 3. Since then, Nigerian and African patterns, colour schemes, and motifs have been incorporated into Vlisco's designs to become a staple of the brand. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. with Jeremi Suri Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. In cities like, Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. The Igbos are renowned for their strong use of proverbs. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. They are ruled by monarchs, and are famous for their Benin Bronzes. [8][9][10][11] There are many other ethnic groups with sizeable populations across the different parts of the country. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. While Nigeria has always been politically and culturally influential on the African continent thanks to its large population and enormous oil wealth, the Times coverage is the latest example of growing Western interest in Nigerian culture. 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. , and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. The Yoruba people eventually formed many kingdoms of various different sizes, each of which was centered on a capital city or town and that was being ruled by a hereditary king known as an oba. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. Smiling and showing sincere pleasure at meeting the person is important. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. Yorubas have a strong political system with the Oba at the helm of affairs. In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. July 2, 2022 Odiraa 0 Comments 36 states in nigeria and their ethnic groups, 5 importance of culture in nigeria, ethnic groups in nigeria and their culture, interesting facts about nigerian culture, nigerian culture and tradition . Therefore, culture serves as a social memory for mankind. In addition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Naija Invest Gateway, provide real-time information on the Nigerian business culture. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. The women wear a puffed sleeved blouse, two wrappers and a headwrap. 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. It has the largest population in Africa and the land is endowed with vast quantities of natural resources. They are well known for their energetic dance steps, colourful attires, and masquerades. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. The Yorubas are fun-loving people and are known for their eye-catching, colourful and rhythmic dance steps. These are also important aspects of our culture. It is used for commemoration. [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. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. 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. 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 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. Cultures and indigenous values must evolve bottom-up policies and approaches to growth and development in the country. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. Although this militant activity concerns the entire nation, these groups primarily impact the northeast region of Nigeria. For men their traditional cap is called fila. C.V. Starr & Co. Fufu is so emblematic of Nigeria that it figures in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, for example. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. 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. After reading this article you will find out why. Discover w. Nigeria itself is home to several textile industries that go towards clothing the Nigerian people. Location: Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon, Ethnic Groups: over 250 ethnic groups including Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%, Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%, Business Culture: Ranked 50th in the Business Culture Complexity Index. 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. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. [60], Nigeria is famous for its English language literature. 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. Nigerian cities tend to be highly populated as many people flock to urban environments for better employment opportunities. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Team members should present a united front at meetings. The women tie wrappers called Abaya and wear blouses, head ties, shawls, and hijabs. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. The culture of the country is diverse and tends to differ from north to south. 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. They are fond of the expression, "When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations (with the exception of South Africa) catch cold.". [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. [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. The 41-page PDF document has been authored by one of our Nigeria country specialists and provides readers with much more detail that our free guide above. Nigeria scores 60 on this dimension and is thus a masculine society. [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] According to Yoruba Mythology, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Oduduwa. Kanuri, Fulani, Hausa, Tiv - are the most densely populated groups that live in the north. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. In Igboland, both men and women tie wrappers. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. [17][18], Nigeria's other ethnic groups, sometimes called 'minorities', are found throughout the country but especially in the north and the middle belt. 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. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south. This then ended up playing a significant role in the social life and culture of the Hausa people. Lots of Yoruba people still practice the traditional religion but a large number have embraced Christianity and Islam. 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. 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. In cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. Nigerias religious affiliations have recently made it into international news due to active, militant Islamic groups. Such social niceties go a long way since. 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. Nigeria As A Country In Africa; The country Nigeria never come into existence not until the British empire colonies Nigeria and a named for the country was named after the dominating Niger river as put forward in the year 1980s by a journalist from British whose name is Flora Shaw and later . [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. February 22, 2023 In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. 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. 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. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. Some of these festivals include Odun Olojo, Iwude, and Osun-Osogbo amongst many others. This group is predominantly Muslim as Islam was introduced into Nigeria by the Fulanis. Igbo, Hausa, Kanuri, Fulani, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio, and Tiv are some of the major groups that make up the maximum population of Nigeria. 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. Accelerate your innovation and transformation with a fully integrated suite of capabilities that puts digital at the heart of everything. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. Some of these dialects include Egba, Ekiti, Ijesha, Egun etc. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. [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. While that may be a lot of people, population . 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. The dry, open grasslands of the savanna make cereal farming and herding a way of life for the Hausa and 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. 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. Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. Vast wealth has been generated by it, and it is currently the second-largest film industry in the world by output. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. It also explores some of the challenges faced (legal and extralegal) in the protection of cultural heritage and discloses recent legal developments. . Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Gifts from a man to a woman must be said to come from the mans mother, wife, sister, or other female relative, never from the man himself. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. 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. The Hausa and Fulani people live primarily in the North, the Igbo reside in the Southeast, and the Yoruba inhabit the Southwest. Always wait until invited before using someones first name. Although this was a very long time ago, the Ijaws have, however, kept the ancient language and culture of the Orus. 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. 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. Nigeria's vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. They have a strong culture of colourful masquerades that entertain people during festivals and other important functions. The app is highly secured, licensed by CBN and insured by NDIC which makes your money safe even if anything goes wrong. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. 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. The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. The kora and the kakaki are also important. 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 . 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. 968 Words4 Pages. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate. The three main ethnic groups are the Yorubas of South Western Nigeria, the Igbos of Eastern Nigeria and the Hausa/Fulani ethnic group which dominates the North. Therefore, foreigners who take the time to get to know the Nigerian as a person are considered friends and welcomed into a Nigerians inner circle of family and close friends.Nigerian communication can also be indirect and may rely on non-verbal cues. November 4, 2022 The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. 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. Try to avoid using hyperbole or making exaggerated claims when presenting a business case as Nigerians are naturally suspicious of a deal that sounds too good to be true. A curation of original analyses, data visualizations, and commentaries, examining the debates and efforts to improve health worldwide. Meat is also popular and Nigerian suyaa barbecue-like roasted meatis a well-known delicacy. Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. Prior to conducting business in a foreign country, understanding the countrys cultural landscape, people, beliefs, and cultural nuances are imperative. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . [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. These figures are expected to confer subordinate titles upon men and women that are highly accomplished. 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. A high value on Performance Orientation means the culture would ideally highly encourage and reward improvement and excellence (GLOBE, 2004). 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 In addition, they are also very good porters, weavers, and metalsmiths. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. Global Health Program, Higher Education Webinar: Teaching the History of American Democracy, Webinar Fermented palm products make a traditional liquor, palm wine, and also fermented cassava. Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. He is assisted by a team of elders known as Enjoyed (Chiefs). 2. It is said that it was at Ife that the gods descended from heaven and created the world. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. It is richer than all other West African nations and holds considerable power. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. The Nigerian national football team,[73] nicknamed the "Super Eagles", is the national team of Nigeria, run by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). 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. Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. Nigerian music is enjoyed throughout Africa. Their origins are steeped in great traditions of religious obeisance, traditional games, folklore, dance and drama. 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. [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. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. 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. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. Dance for the Ubakala shows their value system, helps resolve conflicts, and also institutes change. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. Therefore, old people are always granted respect. Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. According to the book, which discussed generally about African American culture which Nigeria may belong. The Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. Along with South Africa, Nigeria is considered a super-power in the African continent and consequently Nigerians are generally proud of their country. 4. 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.
5 importance of culture in nigeria