5 importance of culture in nigeria

Nigerian contemporary music, which combines Western popular music with indigenous forms, has been exported throughout the world and has had wide influence (see also African popular music). The Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria commonly called Ndi Igbo are a very cultural set of people. 56 Likes, 1 Comments - Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (@kccnigeria_) on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN "Introduce Your Korea" Event 5 " ' " In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. 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. THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO NIGERIA. Kano Durbar. 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 The early mosques built by men of this tribe were bright and colourful often including intricate engravings and elaborate designs. In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. according to this 2013 Pew Research study. Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. Nigerias religious affiliations have recently made it into international news due to active, militant Islamic groups. 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. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Individuals turn to members of the extended family for financial aid and guidance, and the family is expected to provide for the welfare of every member. Accelerate your innovation and transformation with a fully integrated suite of capabilities that puts digital at the heart of everything. The most important issue of cultural development is certainly the issue of creation of either national Nigerian, or affirmation of ethnic cultural identity. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. February 1, 2023 Nigerians are generally, enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. In Igboland, both men and women tie wrappers. 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. Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname. Traditional instruments include various types of flutes, trumpets, musical bows, xylophones, and wooden clappers, as well as many varieties of drums. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. Several things go into greeting an elder in Nigeria, including ethnic background and gender. Many religions are followed in Nigeria. Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. The most popular Yoruba manifestations of this custom are the Gelede masquerades.[80]. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. The Benin people of present-day Edo state had a culture that amazed the colonial masters when they first got to the ancient Benin kingdom. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training. Cultural conflicts can arise within large communities as a result. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. 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. 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. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. 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. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. 'Odinana', on the contrary, is a code of life, handed down from Chukwu, God the Creator, to Eri, the patriarch of the Igbo race, to prevent chaos and confusion. It is used for keeping records of important events, history and culture. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. 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. 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. 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . Rice is eaten throughout the country, and in the north grains such as millet and wheat are a large part of the diet. The Hausa/Fulani people are known for their unique cultural practices most of which have stood the test of time. Academic and Higher Education Webinars, C.V. Starr & Co. The Igbos are renowned for their strong use of proverbs. 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. January 31, 2022, How Tobacco Laws Could Help Close the Racial Gap on Cancer, Interactive 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. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. For this reason, newborns are regarded with joy and pride as they are the future. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. Many Muslims and Christians may also intertwine their beliefs with more unorthodox indigenous ones. 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. 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. Wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. [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. 5. The people of ancient Nigeria were able to make their own weapons. C.V. Starr & Co. These figures are expected to confer subordinate titles upon men and women that are highly accomplished. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. One of the main features of culture in Nigeria is its hierarchical system. [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. 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). Nigeria scores 60 on this dimension and is thus a masculine society. by Lindsay Maizland 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. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. In recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. 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. 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. They shape and regulate his behavior. The ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. Language is the most important way of mastering the national culture. It is used for expressing one's feelings. Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. 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. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. [51] The Yoruba people have always shared a common language called the Yoruba language and the same culture for hundreds of years now but they were less likely to be a single political unit. 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. 'Omenana' is man-made; it is easily changed and is adaptable. The dry, open grasslands of the savanna make cereal farming and herding a way of life for the Hausa and Photo by Ayoola Salako on Unsplash. Movie theatres, showing mostly Indian and American films, are popular among the urban middle- and low-income groups. It has become a common lingua franca as a result. 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. Men may place their left hand on the other persons shoulder while shaking hands. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. They may raise their voices even more and become emotionally excited when they feel passionately about a topic. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. This shows that reading culture is a prerequisite foracquisition of knowledge and skills needed by all people in a rapidly changing world and catalyst for participation in social, cultural, political and economic activities of the show more content. The Ijaw people are said by some to be the descendants of the autochthonous people of Africa known as the (H) ORU. Nigerian literature is known throughout the world. LESSON 2 - IMPORTANCE/USES OF ART. 4. 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. Ekiti Yoruba dancers wear head masks so heavy that they can do only processional dances. His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. The Yoruba culture emphasizes respect for elders which is why ladies kneel and men prostrate to greet their elders. 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. 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. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. The earth spirit, Ana, is 'odinana', as is the sacred role of yam in the Igbo world, the right of inheritance, and the place of the elder. Working hours in the north often vary from those in the south so that Muslims do not work on their holy day, which is Friday. Lagos is a bustling city that has become a melting pot of Nigerian tribes. Team members should present a united front at meetings. He is assisted by a team of elders known as Enjoyed (Chiefs). We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. At the time of independence, many hoped that as a huge, democratic country, Nigeria would provide Africa with a seat at the table among the traditional international powers. Yams are frequently eaten either fried in oil or pounded to make a mashed potato-like yam pottage. 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 Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. 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. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. The importance of culture in Nigeria cannot be overestimated. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their. 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. The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. 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. Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. [54] Oyo developed in the medieval and early modern periods into the largest of the Yoruba kingdoms, while Ile-Ife still remained a town of very strong religious significance as the site of the earth's creation according to Yoruba mythology. 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. Due to the ethnic make-up of the country, communication styles vary. The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. In the course of socialization the values, ideals, norms, patterns of behavior become a part of a person's self-awareness. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. These are the three main tribes in Nigeria, followed closely by the Edo people (southwest region), tribes in the Delta region (southernmost region), and the Benue State (Middle Belt region). Japanese culture places great value on respect, honor, discipline and personal growth. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. February 22, 2023 Whether in urban or rural areas, the family is the central institution. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. In the pre-colonial period, they controlled a powerful empire. November 4, 2022 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. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. 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. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. The mode of dressing of Yoruba males includes wearing Bubba and Sokoto and also a large flowing gown called Agbada. They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. The Nigerian Government in September, 1988, launched the "National Cultural Policy". Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. It is used for decoration and beautification. The women wear wrappers and shirts and cover their heads with hijabs (veils).[89]. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. ", "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. 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. [87] In the Igbo tradition, the men's cultural attire is Isiagu (a patterned shirt), which is worn with trousers and the traditional Igbo men's hat called Okpu Agwu. 4) Lots of oil, little electricity. 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. 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. 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. For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". Different generations of Nigerians are closely connected due to their culture. Silk (called tsamiya in Hausa, sanyan in Yoruba, and akpa-obubu in Igbo) is also used. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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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. The women tie wrappers called Abaya and wear blouses, head ties, shawls, and hijabs. Food is an important part of Nigerian life. 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. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. They are extremely tolerant of the languages of other people around them, leading to the suppression of theirs - especially in northern Nigeria by Hausa. Music is used to celebrate rulers and to accompany public assemblies, weddings and funerals, festivals, and storytelling. Shared below is some helpful information about Nigerian culture. 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. The Yorubas are a diverse group of people bound together by language, history, culture and a common sense of origin. 1. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. [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. The Lalli or henna paintings and drawings are a very popular and indispensable part of their makeup. Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. Weekly. Nigerian music is enjoyed throughout Africa. 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. Violation of these laws will lead to certain sanctions that are established by the community and are supported by the power of public opinion. The Okays make up 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5% and Tiv 2.5%. The language they speak is called the Edo language. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. In the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] 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. With so many different cultures and regions, food can vary greatly. It explores what is meant by the term 'cultural heritage', while providing examples of same in Nigeria. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. [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. with Jeremi Suri This then ended up playing a significant role in the social life and culture of the Hausa people. 5. Stay up to date on the latest insights we have to offer. [81] Southern Nigerian women choose to wear western-style clothing. This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. According to the book, which discussed generally about African American culture which Nigeria may belong. Annual Lecture on China. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. A Hausa farmer. 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. Various other minor ethnic groups make up the rest of the country. Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. According to Yoruba Mythology, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Oduduwa. If invited to dinner at someones home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. 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. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. Here are seven signs indicating you have a culture that values security. A curation of original analyses, data visualizations, and commentaries, examining the debates and efforts to improve health worldwide. Minority ethnic groups live throughout the nation although higher concentrations of these groups live in the northern and the middle regions of Nigeria.