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. Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. Nigerian cities tend to be highly populated as many people flock to urban environments for better employment opportunities. Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups with noticeable cultural differences among them. 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. a powdered cassava grain that can be readily eaten as a meal and is quite inexpensive. Academic and Higher Education Webinars, C.V. Starr & Co. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. [48][49], The Yoruba people are said to be one of the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, alongside the Igbo and the Hausa-Fulani peoples. Nigeria has the fastest growing economy in Africa and the highest GNP on the continent. February 22, 2023 Different generations of Nigerians are closely connected due to their culture. Fashion is diverse and varies depending on the ethnic groups, culture, and religion. Always make time to share a tea with people you're doing business with. Notable musicians include King Sunny Ade, who performed in a style called juju that combines the sounds of several guitars, vocals, and talking drums; and the politically charged Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, whose music is characterized by short songs and extended instrumental pieces. The Oshogbo movement, founded in the early 1960s, includes the artists Muraina Oyelami, Twins Seven-Seven (Prince Taiwo Osuntoki), Bisi Fabunmi, Tijani Mayakiri, Rufus Ogundele, and Ademola Onibonokuta. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. In Igboland, both men and women tie wrappers. Although this was a very long time ago, the Ijaws have, however, kept the ancient language and culture of the Orus. 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. 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. A Nigerian generally waits for the woman to extend her hand. 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. In Nigeria, there are more than 500 languages that are spoken. Nigeria itself is home to several textile industries that go towards clothing the Nigerian people. 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. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. 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 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. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. [62] With over eight million copies sold worldwide, it has been translated into 50 languages, making Achebe the most translated African writer of all time. 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 . Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash. Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. 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. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. Renewing America, Backgrounder The kora and the kakaki are also important. However, none of the states in southern Nigeria allow this practice. 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? Igbo, Hausa, Kanuri, Fulani, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio, and Tiv are some of the major groups that make up the maximum population of Nigeria. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. [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. Many Muslims and Christians may also intertwine their beliefs with more unorthodox indigenous ones. Kano Durbar. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. The Igbos are renowned for their strong use of proverbs. 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. 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. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. by Lindsay Maizland On November 5, the New York Times ran on the first page of its business section a long piece on the emergence of luxury lifestyle publications in Nigeria. The most popular Yoruba manifestations of this custom are the Gelede masquerades.[80]. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. The women wear wrappers and shirts and cover their heads with hijabs (veils).[89]. The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. The country has over 50 languages and over 250 dialects and ethnic groups. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. The yams can be mashed or fried in oil. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. According to Yoruba Mythology, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Oduduwa. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. 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. The traditional Yoruba kingships still survive, but with only a hint of their former political power. Several things go into greeting an elder in Nigeria, including ethnic background and gender. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. Many religions are followed in Nigeria. [81] Southern Nigerian women choose to wear western-style clothing. 56 Likes, 1 Comments - Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (@kccnigeria_) on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN "Introduce Your Korea" Event 5 " ' " This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. 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. 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. Other groups worthy of mention are Ijaw, Edo, Itshekiri, Kanuri, Efik, and Tiv. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. 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. 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. The Nigerian Government in September, 1988, launched the "National Cultural Policy". Team members should present a united front at meetings. Since the 1990s the Nigerian movie industry, sometimes called "Nollywood", has emerged as a fast-growing cultural force all over Africa. Annual Lecture on China. However, even with the countrys infrastructural challenges, there are still quality hotels, restaurants, and innovative transportation options, such as Uber and Taxify that are available. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. 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. Fermented palm products make a traditional liquor, palm wine, and also fermented cassava. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. 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. The population of Nigeria makes up 1/8 of the inhabitants of the African continent. 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. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south. The import market for this fabric is dominated by the Dutch company Vlisco,[83] which has been selling its Dutch wax print fabric to Nigerians since the late 1800s, when the fabric was sold along the company's oceanic trading route to Indonesia. 5. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. Some of the most prominent ethnic groups include the likes of the Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Ijaw. [39] Their traditional religion is known as Omenani/Omenala. Culture In Nigeria Essay. In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. 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Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. The women tie wrappers called Abaya and wear blouses, head ties, shawls, and hijabs. The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. 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. To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other persons general well-being. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); TYPES OF CULTURE IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPORTANCE (2023). Artefacts stolen from Benin sit on shelves of many foreign museums and in the private homes of foreigners. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. The most important task for the government is to find ways to unite people, rather than divide them. Therefore, if this is the first time you are meeting with a Nigerian company, you should expect to devote a decent period of time to getting to know people on a personal level. 'Odinana', as the immutable customary rites and traditions of the Igbo world, is enduring and cuts across indigenous Igbo people, while 'omenana' is rather relative from one section of the Igbo to the other. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. Igbos are overwhelming Christians of Catholic extraction although a minority of them practice other religions such as Islam, Judaism, and the traditional Igbo religion. Let's appreciate and preserve our culture and traditions and use them as vehicles towards our development, growth, and unity. The pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, became internationally famous in the 1970s and 1980s and has inspired generations of Western artists, such as Talking Heads and Beyonc. Another major Nigerian city is Port Harcourt. 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. Firstly, Nigeria's scores on the Cultural Dimension scale reveal that Nigerians place great value on Performance Orientation, Future Orientation, and In-group Collectivism. It is used for keeping records of important events, history and culture. Rice is eaten throughout the country, and in the north grains such as millet and wheat are a large part of the diet. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. The way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). To prevent this, it is important to control the formation of cultural values in a society. Christians predominantly live in the south of the country, whereas Muslims live predominantly in the north. Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash. 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. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. Titles are important. Both concepts, each an aspect of a single whole, aspire to protect and preserve the purity, sanctity and sacredness of the land and the people therein. The women wear a puffed sleeved blouse, two wrappers and a headwrap. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. The difference in the way we work, live and interact with each other is as a result of the culture we have come to be a part of. We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. Our culture determines the way we communicate with others. Nigeria's vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. 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. After reading this article you will find out why. 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. . In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. 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 women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. 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 its name indicates, Port Harcourt is another port city that also hosts an international airport. Nigeria's rich cultural heritage boasts of huge eclectic and colourful festivals that are full of rhythm, brilliant colours, fun and great pace. Quiz. Various other minor ethnic groups make up the rest of the country. Men may place their left hand on the other persons shoulder while shaking hands. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. Can culture exist without society? Lots of Yoruba people still practice the traditional religion but a large number have embraced Christianity and Islam. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. November 4, 2022 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. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach 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. 968 Words4 Pages. 5. If invited to dinner at someones home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host. The eastern part of Nigeria is the home of the Igbos, who are mostly Christians. [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. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. You put your proverbial (and actual) money where your mouth is in the form of budget and staff . The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. Hausa/Fulani ethnic group is made up of two hitherto different ethnic groups that have now intermixed to the extent that they are regarded as one inseparable ethnic nation. The Palm Wine Drinkard, a popular novel by Amos Tutuola, was written in it. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. 5. Food is an important part of Nigerian life. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. 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. [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. This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. Igbo dominate in the south-central and southeastern parts of the country. Fufu is so emblematic of Nigeria that it figures in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, for example. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. This ethnic group is well known for their colourful but modest dress due to their strong religious beliefs. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. For men their traditional cap is called fila. The ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. Culture. Culture regulates the behavior of a person in his family, school, at work, home, etc., by putting forward a system of prescriptions and prohibitions. The Igbo ethnic group, of which I belonged to, are mostly christian. Some of these dialects include Egba, Ekiti, Ijesha, Egun etc. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Language is the most important way of mastering the national culture. [79], Other traditional cultural expressions are found in the various masquerades of Nigeria, such as the Eyo masquerades of Lagos, the Ekpe and Ekpo masquerades of the Efik/Ibibio/Annang/Igbo peoples of coastal southeastern Nigeria, and the Northern masquerades of the Bini. 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. Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. 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. Vast wealth has been generated by it, and it is currently the second-largest film industry in the world by output. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. In cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. 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. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. 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. The Yoruba people live in the southwestern and north-central parts of Nigeria. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. 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. Age and position always demand great respect. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. [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.