In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. The Palm Wine Drinkard, a popular novel by Amos Tutuola, was written in it. 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. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. Culture. Music is used to celebrate rulers and to accompany public assemblies, weddings and funerals, festivals, and storytelling. Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. [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. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Nigerians are very religious and spiritual people. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. Nigeria As A Country In Africa; The country Nigeria never come into existence not until the British empire colonies Nigeria and a named for the country was named after the dominating Niger river as put forward in the year 1980s by a journalist from British whose name is Flora Shaw and later . Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. However, cultural differences should be perceived as wealth, not an obstacle. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. There is a large variety of linguistic and ethnic groups in the country. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. 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. Weekly. They may raise their voices even more and become emotionally excited when they feel passionately about a topic. Titles are important. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. Nigerian People And Culture - All You Need To Know. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. Whether in urban or rural areas, the family is the central institution. This group is predominantly Muslim as Islam was introduced into Nigeria by the Fulanis. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); TYPES OF CULTURE IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPORTANCE (2023). Prior to conducting business in a foreign country, understanding the countrys cultural landscape, people, beliefs, and cultural nuances are imperative. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. [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. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. In this country, individuals usually become a part of one or more ethnic groups in Nigeria. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. 4. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. Funerals are also times when the family gathers. , and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. Can culture exist without society? This article presents a high-level introduction to Nigeria's cultural heritage. We're helping multinational clients adequately prepare to thrive in the African market. 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. They shape and regulate his behavior. [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. Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . 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. More than 250 ethnic groups can be found in Nigeria today, each of which has its own traditions and customs. 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. Some of these dialects include Egba, Ekiti, Ijesha, Egun etc. Meat is also popular and Nigerian suyaa barbecue-like roasted meatis a well-known delicacy. Maize is another crop that is commonly grown in Nigeria. It is said that it was at Ife that the gods descended from heaven and created the world. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. Some more examples of their traditional dishes are eba, pounded yam, iyan, fufu and soups like okra, ogbono and egusi. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. 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. Nigeria's rich cultural heritage boasts of huge eclectic and colourful festivals that are full of rhythm, brilliant colours, fun and great pace. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. Pidgin English is a creolized form of the language. Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash. [40][41] Socially, the Igbos are led by monarchs who had limited power historically. [42][43], The Ijaw people are said to be a collection of people that are native to the Niger Delta area in Nigeria. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. Japanese culture places great value on respect, honor, discipline and personal growth. Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. 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. masterpiece of the oral tradition of Humanity, all of whom have been titled chiefs of various ethnic groups, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Nigerian cultural values are under threat, Toyin Falola, US scholar, warns", "Culture Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria", "Culture Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Korea", "Nigeria: most common languages spoken at home 2020", "There are 27 languages close to extinction in Nigeria", "Igbos, Yorubas have historical ties - Ooni of Ife", "Nigeria: The politics of religion in a transitional society, By Rotimi Akeredolu", "Major tribes in Nigeria and their states with all the details", "Full list of all 371 tribes in Nigeria, states where they originate", "Tooth Dyeing Tradition among the Kanuri Speaking People of Borno, Nigeria", "Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Enugu: Tale of four cities The Nation Newspaper", "Fulani | People, Religion, & Nigeria | Britannica", "Islam has a small presence in Nigeria's Igbo region: what a new Quran translation offers", "Chrislam: Defying Nigeria's Religious Boundaries", "The Oba of Benin Kingdom: A history of the monarchy", "Benin: The hallowed culture of one of the world's most ancient people", "Fulani and Hausa: What's the difference? As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. 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. The Yorubas are a diverse group of people bound together by language, history, culture and a common sense of origin. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. The traditionally nomadic Fulani can be found all over West and Central Africa. The yams can be mashed or fried in oil. 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Smiling and showing sincere pleasure at meeting the person is important. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. Never write on your business card. 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. 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. [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 women tie wrappers called Abaya and wear blouses, head ties, shawls, and hijabs. 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 terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. 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. In recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. From the naturalistic statues produced at Ife to the bronzes made for the king of Benin, Nigerian artists have crafted art that is world famous. 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 singer and social activist Fela Kuti was instrumental in Nigeria's musical development. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. 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 Ijaw people are said by some to be the descendants of the autochthonous people of Africa known as the (H) ORU. 1. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. All this diversity makes the unification of Nigerians into a single nation a rather difficult task. 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 . This then ended up playing a significant role in the social life and culture of the Hausa people. [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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Kanuri, Fulani, Hausa, Tiv - are the most densely populated groups that live in the north. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. You are also agreeing to our. 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. Culture creates favorable opportunities for acquiring knowledge and physical development. 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. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. If you're looking for expert help and advice on how to work effectively with Nigerians, then this is what we do! The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. '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. Nigerian music is enjoyed throughout Africa. Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. Renewing America, Backgrounder 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. Nigerian cities tend to be highly populated as many people flock to urban environments for better employment opportunities. with Jeremi Suri He is assisted by a team of elders known as Enjoyed (Chiefs). 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. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. 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. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. Men may place their left hand on the other persons shoulder while shaking hands. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. Nigerias culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into enhanced international prestige. 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. Four full-color images cover the page, each of the creators and editors of influential culture and fashion magazines based in Lagos. Cultures and indigenous values must evolve bottom-up policies and approaches to growth and development in the country. 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. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. Gifts from a man to a woman must be said to come from the mans mother, wife, sister, or other female relative, never from the man himself. In Nigeria, social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. They are well known for their energetic dance steps, colourful attires, and masquerades. The Igbo ethnic group, of which I belonged to, are mostly christian. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. For this reason, newborns are regarded with joy and pride as they are the future. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. The Yoruba language has several versions of it spoken by different units within this ethnic group. Minority ethnic groups live throughout the nation although higher concentrations of these groups live in the northern and the middle regions of 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. In masculine countries people "live in order to work", managers are expected to be decisive and assertive, the emphasis is on equity, competition and . [33][34], The Hausas, on the other hand, are said to be very good merchants. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. In Nigeria, there are more than 500 languages that are spoken. Nigeria has the fastest growing economy in Africa and the highest GNP on the continent. Other symbols used to communicate and share stories are music, sculpture, dance, painting, theater etc. 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. Language is the most important way of mastering the national culture. The eastern part of Nigeria is the home of the Igbos, who are mostly Christians. 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. Igbos are overwhelming Christians of Catholic extraction although a minority of them practice other religions such as Islam, Judaism, and the traditional Igbo religion. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. 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]. The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government. 5. Soups can be thickened by adding ground egusi (melon) seeds. The number of ethnic groups and dialects stand at more than 1,150. They have been able to preserve their cultural practices over time as a result of their strong native system of government. Vast wealth has been generated by it, and it is currently the second-largest film industry in the world by output. Wait for a woman to extend her hand first. In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. It used for . These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. The Hausa/Fulani people are known for their unique cultural practices most of which have stood the test of time. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. Men from this tribe are known to wear large flowing gowns known as Babban Riga and also a robe-like dress called Jalabia or Juanni. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. Accelerate your innovation and transformation with a fully integrated suite of capabilities that puts digital at the heart of everything. Beautifully crafted sculptures of wood, brass, and terracotta are common things among the Yoruba. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. Another major Nigerian city is Port Harcourt. . #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 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 Ijaws were originally known by this name (Oru); at least it was what their immediate neighbours assumed them to be. Due to the ethnic make-up of the country, communication styles vary. 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. [88] Hausa men wear barbarigas or kaftans (long flowing gowns) with tall decorated hats. www.commisceo-global.com. Lagos is a bustling city that has become a melting pot of Nigerian tribes. 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. Food is an important part of Nigerian life. The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. People in urban regions of Nigeria dress in western style, the youth mainly wearing jeans and T-shirts. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. Fashion is diverse and varies depending on the ethnic groups, culture, and religion. Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. A high value on Performance Orientation means the culture would ideally highly encourage and reward improvement and excellence (GLOBE, 2004). Other cultures, such as the Igbo used to wear clothes only for modesty in past times, which is unlike other cultures where clothing has always been a symbol of status. Many use gestures when communicating. It is used for expressing one's feelings. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. The Hausa and Fulani people live primarily in the North, the Igbo reside in the Southeast, and the Yoruba inhabit the Southwest. It is a good idea to maintain a polite and somewhat reserved manner until the person you are meeting drops some of his formality. The larger number of families is because a higher number of children improves the social standing of a man. Nigeria is a democratic country whose federal government resides in the countrys capital, Abuja, which is located in the middle of the country. It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. 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. 56 Likes, 1 Comments - Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (@kccnigeria_) on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN "Introduce Your Korea" Event 5 " ' " However, none of the states in southern Nigeria allow this practice. [32] The Fulani people are also nomadic in nature; this nomadic lifestyle spread them into virtually all of West Africa. 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. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. Other groups worthy of mention are Ijaw, Edo, Itshekiri, Kanuri, Efik, and Tiv. Middle Eastern culture: Middle Eastern culture is a fascinating mixture of religious and traditional beliefs. Things arent perfect, but Im grateful for what I have., Factors to be Aware of When Visiting Nigeria for Business. It is a good idea to include any advanced university degree on your business card. [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. The dry, open grasslands of the savanna make cereal farming and herding a way of life for the Hausa and This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups with noticeable cultural differences among them. Other clothing gear includes a gele, which is the woman's headgear. [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. [82] Perhaps the most popular fabric used in Nigerian fashion is Dutch wax print, produced in the Netherlands. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. The most important task for the government is to find ways to unite people, rather than divide them. It is basically what makes a person human. 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. In Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. according to this 2013 Pew Research study. 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. 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. 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? Curtis shares a powerful quote from Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, about the importance of the first 100 hires in shaping a company's culture. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. While many artists still work in these traditions, more-contemporary artists, who combine African and Western traditions, also abound. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. It has the largest population in Africa and the land is endowed with vast quantities of natural resources. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. 2. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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.