In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. In cities like, Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. 968 Words4 Pages. 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. Culture. 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Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures, Backgrounder If the information has changed, have new cards printed. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. The Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. 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. [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. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. Academic and Higher Education Webinars, C.V. Starr & Co. [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. monarchs who have received definite authority from the official government and are recognized by the laws of Nigeria),[58] the chiefs come in various ranks and are of varied kinds - some monarchs are so powerful that they influence political and religious life outside their immediate domains (the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife, for example), while in contrast many local families around the country install their eldest members as titled chiefs in order for them to provide them with what is an essentially titular leadership. Nigerian music is enjoyed throughout Africa. Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. 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. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. , and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. [59], Although chiefs have few official powers today, they are widely respected, and prominent monarchs are often courted to endorse politicians during elections in the hopes of them conferring legitimacy to their campaigns by way of doing so. 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. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. Nigerias vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. 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. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. Whether in urban or rural areas, the family is the central institution. Although the role of the extended family is diminishing somewhat in urban areas, there remains a strong tradition of mutual caring and responsibility among the members. 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. [88] Hausa men wear barbarigas or kaftans (long flowing gowns) with tall decorated hats. Retrieved from https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide. The Palm Wine Drinkard, a popular novel by Amos Tutuola, was written in it. 4) Lots of oil, little electricity. The app is highly secured, licensed by CBN and insured by NDIC which makes your money safe even if anything goes wrong. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Their chiefs are therefore monarchs and titled individuals, with most of the latter group making up the membership of the Ogboni secret society. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. Accelerate your innovation and transformation with a fully integrated suite of capabilities that puts digital at the heart of everything. Yorubas have a strong political system with the Oba at the helm of affairs. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. Although this was a very long time ago, the Ijaws have, however, kept the ancient language and culture of the Orus. Cultural conflicts can arise within large communities as a result. 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. 'Omenana' is man-made; it is easily changed and is adaptable. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. The Igbos are renowned for their strong use of proverbs. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. 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. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. Present and receive business cards with two hands or the right hand, never with the left. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. 1. 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. 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. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash. Nigerian People And Culture - All You Need To Know. [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. With so many different cultures and regions, food can vary greatly. Japanese culture places great value on respect, honor, discipline and personal growth. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. '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. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . Fermented palm products make a traditional liquor, palm wine, and also fermented cassava. 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. The women wear their hair in native styles such as Suku. It used for . When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. [39] Their traditional religion is known as Omenani/Omenala. with Jeremi Suri They have been able to preserve their cultural practices over time as a result of their strong native system of government. Some more examples of their traditional dishes are eba, pounded yam, iyan, fufu and soups like okra, ogbono and egusi. The most important task for the government is to find ways to unite people, rather than divide them. At the same time, a harsh tone is considered unwelcoming and even hostile. Yam is the main staple food of the Igbos which is why they celebrate the new yam festival every year when the harvesting of yam starts. The singer and social activist Fela Kuti was instrumental in Nigeria's musical development. As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. Can culture exist without society? Some of these festivals include Odun Olojo, Iwude, and Osun-Osogbo amongst many others. Always make time to share a tea with people you're doing business with. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. 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). Some of the most prominent ethnic groups include the likes of the Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Ijaw. 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. The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. 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. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. Igbo dominate in the south-central and southeastern parts of the country. Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. [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. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. 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. 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. After reading this article you will find out why. 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. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. Soups can be thickened by adding ground egusi (melon) seeds. A gift for the children is always a nice touch. 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. Kanuri, Fulani, Hausa, Tiv - are the most densely populated groups that live in the north. Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. [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. The traditional Yoruba kingships still survive, but with only a hint of their former political power. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. A curation of original analyses, data visualizations, and commentaries, examining the debates and efforts to improve health worldwide. 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 headquarter of Yorubaland is Ile-life where they believe creation started. The Yoruba are predominantly of mixed Muslim and Christian backgrounds.The Yoruba make up about 21% of the country's population estimated to be over 225 million and about half of the Yoruba are Muslim, with the other half being Christian. 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. [37], The Igbo people, commonly and often referred to as Ibo people, are one of the largest ethnic groups to ever exist in Africa; they have a total population of about 20 million people. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their. English serves as a common language, used mainly as a means to bridge the communication gaps stemming from the presence so many languages, as well as a way to reach out and connect with the global business community. This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. If invited to dinner at someones home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host. Fashion is diverse and varies depending on the ethnic groups, culture, and religion. Therefore, old people are always granted respect. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. Nigeria itself is home to several textile industries that go towards clothing the Nigerian people. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. You invest in security. They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. To prevent this, it is important to control the formation of cultural values in a society. Helon Habila, Sefi Atta , Flora Nwapa, Iquo DianaAbasi Eke,[69] Zaynab Alkali and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,[70] among others, are notable Nigerian authors whose works are read widely within and outside the country.[71]. 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. 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. 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 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. The Bini people[15][16] are most frequent in the region between Yorubaland and Igboland. There is a large variety of linguistic and ethnic groups in the country. 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. Shared below is some helpful information about Nigerian culture. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. 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. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. The Igbo people share linguistic ties with their neighbours the Bini, Igala, Yoruba, and Idoma, with whom it is believed they were closely related until five to six thousand years ago. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. Nigerian Food Culture and Customs: Three Yorb Sayings on It. You are also agreeing to our. 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. The kora and the kakaki are also important. 4. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). The Okays make up 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5% and Tiv 2.5%. 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. 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. 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. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. The Nigerian Government in September, 1988, launched the "National Cultural Policy". Never use the left hand only. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. Like many other aspects of life, food is a deeply rooted expression of identity, values, and way of life. These figures are expected to confer subordinate titles upon men and women that are highly accomplished. The Hausa, who do not consider dancing to be an art, divide their dances into the categories of social dancing and ceremonial borii dances. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. 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. The culture of the country is diverse and tends to differ from north to south. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families.