It is used for expressing one's feelings. We live in a multi-faceted country. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. In Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. 2. Some of the most prominent ethnic groups include the likes of the Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Ijaw. Their towns eventually became more and more populated and grew into the present-day cities of Oyo, Ile-Ife, Ilesha, Ibadan, Ilorin, Ijebu-Ode, Ikere-Ekiti, and others. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. Although this was a very long time ago, the Ijaws have, however, kept the ancient language and culture of the Orus. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. The highest position Nigeria ever reached on the ranking was 5th, in April 1994. In addition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Naija Invest Gateway, provide real-time information on the Nigerian business culture. 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]. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. In this country, individuals usually become a part of one or more ethnic groups in Nigeria. A complimentary cap called Fila may be added to the dressing. Other Nigerian men and women typically wear a traditional style called Buba. Weekly. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. [35] They have monarchs, are known for celebrating the Hawan Sallah festival,[36] and are also followers of the religious teachings of Sheikh Usman dan Fodio. The Nigerian national football team,[73] nicknamed the "Super Eagles", is the national team of Nigeria, run by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Kanuri, Fulani, Hausa, Tiv - are the most densely populated groups that live in the north. Firstly, Nigeria's scores on the Cultural Dimension scale reveal that Nigerians place great value on Performance Orientation, Future Orientation, and In-group Collectivism. The architectural mastery of the Hausas is perhaps one of the least known buys the most beautiful of the medieval age. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. 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. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. 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. Always make time to share a tea with people you're doing business with. 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. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. 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). 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. Artefacts stolen from Benin sit on shelves of many foreign museums and in the private homes of foreigners. Nigeria is the most important country politically and economically in West Africa. In the pre-colonial period, they controlled a powerful empire. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. The Cultural Dimensions Of Nigeria's Cultural Dimension The women wear wrappers and shirts and cover their heads with hijabs (veils).[89]. As its name indicates, Port Harcourt is another port city that also hosts an international airport. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. The Igbo ethnic group, of which I belonged to, are mostly christian. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. C.V. Starr & Co. 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. There is an indefinite number of cultures around the world. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. 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. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. [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. 1. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. [57] Led by the Nigerian traditional rulers (i.e. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. Culture. The number of ethnic groups and dialects stand at more than 1,150. [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. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. Location: Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon, Ethnic Groups: over 250 ethnic groups including Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%, Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%, Business Culture: Ranked 50th in the Business Culture Complexity Index. However, cultural differences should be perceived as wealth, not an obstacle. 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. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. Nigeria's most important. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. 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 principal exports are palm oil and palm kernels. The larger number of families is because a higher number of children improves the social standing of a man. 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. This ethnic group is well known for their colourful but modest dress due to their strong religious beliefs. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. 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. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. Most weekdays. Minority ethnic groups live throughout the nation although higher concentrations of these groups live in the northern and the middle regions of Nigeria. by Olivia Angelino, Thomas J. Bollyky, Elle Ruggiero and Isabella Turilli 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. The Kanuri people[12] are located in the northeast part of Nigeria, the Tiv people[13] of north central and the Efik-Ibibio[14] are in the south south. Types of Culture in Nigeria and Their Importance (2023) 5. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. The country has over 50 languages and over 250 dialects and ethnic groups. 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. Along with South Africa, Nigeria is considered a super-power in the African continent and consequently Nigerians are generally proud of their country. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. Many religions are followed in Nigeria. Violation of these laws will lead to certain sanctions that are established by the community and are supported by the power of public opinion. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. [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. Our culture determines the way we communicate with others. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. These figures are expected to confer subordinate titles upon men and women that are highly accomplished. [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 Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. For men their traditional cap is called fila. The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. The headquarter of Yorubaland is Ile-life where they believe creation started. 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. In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. 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]. Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. It is basically what makes a person human. Quiz. [19] The Fulani and the Hausa are mostly Muslim, while the Igbo are mostly Christian and so are the Bini and the Ibibio. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government. [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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); TYPES OF CULTURE IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPORTANCE (2023). 968 Words4 Pages. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash. 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 traditions include the mother-in-law helping the daughter-in-law after giving birth and younger men going for apprenticeships with older and wealthier men. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. He is assisted by a team of elders known as Enjoyed (Chiefs). When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. A high value on Performance Orientation means the culture would ideally highly encourage and reward improvement and excellence (GLOBE, 2004). ", "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. [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. Investing in your people is an investment in a healthy culture, and so it follows that a lack of investment is one of the biggest cultural risk factors. 5. Things Fall Apart,[61] by Chinua Achebe, is an important book in African literature. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. [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. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach . Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. While many artists still work in these traditions, more-contemporary artists, who combine African and Western traditions, also abound. 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. The Hausa and Fulani people live primarily in the North, the Igbo reside in the Southeast, and the Yoruba inhabit the Southwest. 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. [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. Retrieved from https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide. Other groups worthy of mention are Ijaw, Edo, Itshekiri, Kanuri, Efik, and Tiv. The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. Nigerian food is mostly made up of meals that are high in carbohydrates, such as cassavas, rice, maize, yams, and plenty of vegetables. 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. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. 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. Their chiefs are therefore monarchs and titled individuals, with most of the latter group making up the membership of the Ogboni secret society. 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. As stated above, the three most influential ethnic group in Nigeria are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. Meat is also popular and Nigerian suyaa barbecue-like roasted meatis a well-known delicacy. Different generations of Nigerians are closely connected due to their culture. 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's vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. 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 ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. 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. Families are a crucial aspect of Nigerian society and are typically larger than in the west. 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. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country.
5 importance of culture in nigeria