Their religion, mode of dressing, food, marriage, and language are all unique. The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. 2. The women wear a puffed sleeved blouse, two wrappers and a headwrap. Nigerians are generally, enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Adam Valavanis is a volunteer intern in the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. 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. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. The women wear wrappers and shirts and cover their heads with hijabs (veils).[89]. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. The Lalli or henna paintings and drawings are a very popular and indispensable part of their makeup. A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . Cultural conflicts can arise within large communities as a result. Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. Age and position always demand great respect. The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. 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. 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. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. In addition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Naija Invest Gateway, provide real-time information on the Nigerian business culture. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. 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. Having worked in North America and Europe, attended business excursions in China, and even worked in neighboring West African countries, it is safe to say that Nigeria definitely has a unique culture and way of life. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. It is used for communication. 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. [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. 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. 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. February 13, 2023 Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government. [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 most popular Yoruba manifestations of this custom are the Gelede masquerades.[80]. Music is used to celebrate rulers and to accompany public assemblies, weddings and funerals, festivals, and storytelling. somethings gotta give I dont have what I need now, but I will have it eventually., I shouldnt complain because I should be grateful, Im fine. [60], Nigeria is famous for its English language literature. Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. Culture. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. The kora and the kakaki are also important. In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. 968 Words4 Pages. The traditional Yoruba kingships still survive, but with only a hint of their former political power. Nigeria is the seventh-most populous country in the world, home to more than 200 million people. Meat is also popular and Nigerian suyaa barbecue-like roasted meatis a well-known delicacy. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. 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. 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. [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. You put your proverbial (and actual) money where your mouth is in the form of budget and staff . 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. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. As its name indicates, Port Harcourt is another port city that also hosts an international airport. Kano Durbar. The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. The traditionally nomadic Fulani can be found all over West and Central Africa. Nigerias vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. Nigeria itself is home to several textile industries that go towards clothing the Nigerian people. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. For this reason, newborns are regarded with joy and pride as they are the future. For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. 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. The Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria commonly called Ndi Igbo are a very cultural set of people. 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. A complimentary cap called Fila may be added to the dressing. Photo by Ayoola Salako on Unsplash. Their logic is often contextual. Apart from culture, society does not have any other mechanisms with which to concentrate and gather the wealth of the experience that has been accumulated by previous generations. 5. [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. The Nigerian national football team,[73] nicknamed the "Super Eagles", is the national team of Nigeria, run by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The Ijaws were originally known by this name (Oru); at least it was what their immediate neighbours assumed them to be. Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. Never use the left hand only. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. 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. Beautifully crafted sculptures of wood, brass, and terracotta are common things among the Yoruba. 4) Lots of oil, little electricity. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. That the Igbos were prospering long before the colonial masters came The Igbo-Ukwu culture's place in Nigerian history also demonstrates that the indigenous inhabitants of Nigeria had a stable way of life and were prospering long before the arrival of the colonial rulers. [82] Perhaps the most popular fabric used in Nigerian fashion is Dutch wax print, produced in the Netherlands. Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting. 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 . If the information has changed, have new cards printed. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. Shared below is some helpful information about Nigerian culture. Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. 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. [53] They eventually became the most urbanized Africans of precolonial times. The Nigerian Government in September, 1988, launched the "National Cultural Policy". Other groups worthy of mention are Ijaw, Edo, Itshekiri, Kanuri, Efik, and Tiv. Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. Nigerias culture is made up of several ethnic groups that speak 527 different languages. 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. [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. 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 architectural mastery of the Hausas is perhaps one of the least known buys the most beautiful of the medieval age. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach 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. Therefore, old people are always granted respect. The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. The principal exports are palm oil and palm kernels. Nigerian Food Culture and Customs: Three Yorb Sayings on It. Artefacts stolen from Benin sit on shelves of many foreign museums and in the private homes of foreigners. Most people who are a part of this ethnic group are based in the southeastern part of Nigeria, they contribute to about 17 percent of the country's population. A Nigerian generally waits for the woman to extend her hand. [8][9][10][11] There are many other ethnic groups with sizeable populations across the different parts of the country. Nigeria's rich cultural heritage boasts of huge eclectic and colourful festivals that are full of rhythm, brilliant colours, fun and great pace. 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 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. For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". 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. Nigerias culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into enhanced international prestige. Most weekdays. [81] Southern Nigerian women choose to wear western-style clothing. Always make time to share a tea with people you're doing business with. Most people who are a part of this ethnic group are based in the southeastern part of Nigeria, they contribute to about 17 percent of the country's population. 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. 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. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. 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. Nigeria is the most important country politically and economically in West Africa. 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. 1. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. 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 way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. November 4, 2022 The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. Firstly, Nigeria's scores on the Cultural Dimension scale reveal that Nigerians place great value on Performance Orientation, Future Orientation, and In-group Collectivism. 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). 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. 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. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. 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. At the same time, a harsh tone is considered unwelcoming and even hostile. According to Yoruba Mythology, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Oduduwa. A little more than half of all Nigerians are of the Christian faith, while most of the rest are Islamic. In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. Apart from the speakers of standard English, a large portion of the population, roughly a third, speaks Nigerian pidgin, which has a primarily English lexicon. It is basically what makes a person human. Bushmeat, meat from wild game like antelope and duikers, is also popular. 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. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. Team members should present a united front at meetings. The bulk of the Hausa-Fulani population is mainly centered in and around the centres of Sokoto, Kano and Katsina, which are said to be important market centres on the southern area of the trans-Saharan caravan trade routes. The most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile. . Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. The word "Ubinu" was later corrupted to Bini by a number of mixed ethnicities staying together at the centre, and it was then further corrupted to Benin around the year 1485 at the time when the Portuguese people started making trade relations with Oba Ewuare.[28][29]. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. Ekpe masks and ikenga (personal shrines) from the Igbo in eastern Nigeria and ibeji (twin) sculptures from the Yoruba in western Nigeria are just three examples of the art produced in pre-colonial Nigeria. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. Things Fall Apart,[61] by Chinua Achebe, is an important book in African literature. January 31, 2022, How Tobacco Laws Could Help Close the Racial Gap on Cancer, Interactive Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. Many use gestures when communicating. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Discover w. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. 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. People in urban regions of Nigeria dress in western style, the youth mainly wearing jeans and T-shirts. It explores what is meant by the term 'cultural heritage', while providing examples of same in Nigeria. 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. [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. They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. 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. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. #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. It is used for decoration and beautification. 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. Nigeria has the fastest growing economy in Africa and the highest GNP on the continent. One of the main features of culture in Nigeria is its hierarchical system. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. 5. 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. While that may be a lot of people, population . Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. It is a good idea to include any advanced university degree on your business card. 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. In masculine countries people "live in order to work", managers are expected to be decisive and assertive, the emphasis is on equity, competition and . Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] 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. 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 Yoruba language is pleasing to the ear as it places a lot of emphasis on intonation. C.V. Starr & Co. In cities like, Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. 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. Drinks include traditional brews like palm wine. 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. The population of Nigeria makes up 1/8 of the inhabitants of the African continent. Simply change the country name depending on which guide you are referencing. Minority ethnic groups live throughout the nation although higher concentrations of these groups live in the northern and the middle regions of Nigeria. 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. Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. There is an indefinite number of cultures around the world. When employees join a company, they are doing so in return for fair compensation, career development, and various benefits. The Yoruba language has several versions of it spoken by different units within this ethnic group. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! Its members amassed great wealth while serving as middlemen, and the preponderance of English names among them today is a testament to the trade names adopted by their ancestors at this time. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. Accelerate your innovation and transformation with a fully integrated suite of capabilities that puts digital at the heart of everything. 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. 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. Other Nigerian writers with a worldwide audience include Chinua Achebe, Buchi Emecheta, Flora Nwapa, Amos Tutuola, Gabriel Okara, Kole Omotoso, John Pepper Clark, Ben Okri, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. 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. Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. [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. Lots of Yoruba people still practice the traditional religion but a large number have embraced Christianity and Islam. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. Nigerian music is enjoyed throughout Africa. Nigerians will generally follow the agenda point by point and may want to consult with key stakeholders who will not be present prior to the meeting. After reading this article you will find out why. Movie theatres, showing mostly Indian and American films, are popular among the urban middle- and low-income groups. Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. 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 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.