[60], Nigeria is famous for its English language literature. Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. Photo by IITA (CC BY-NC 2.0). They are ruled by monarchs, and are famous for their Benin Bronzes. A little more than half of all Nigerians are of the Christian faith, while most of the rest are Islamic. . Maize is another crop that is commonly grown in Nigeria. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. The Hausa group (majority of them are Muslims) prevail in the northern region of Nigeria. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. [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. 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. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. The traditionally nomadic Fulani can be found all over West and Central Africa. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash. 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. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. 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. Unfortunately, in our country, some subcultures oppose each other which lead to the spread of cultural differences in Nigeria. Annual Lecture on China: Frayed RelationsThe United States and China, Virtual Event 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. 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 Benin people of present-day Edo state had a culture that amazed the colonial masters when they first got to the ancient Benin kingdom. Nigeria itself is home to several textile industries that go towards clothing the Nigerian people. [32] The Fulani people are also nomadic in nature; this nomadic lifestyle spread them into virtually all of West Africa. In the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). In Igboland, both men and women tie wrappers. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south. 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. Renewing America, Backgrounder Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. The dry, open grasslands of the savanna make cereal farming and herding a way of life for the Hausa and Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. Culture In Nigeria Essay. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! It is richer than all other West African nations and holds considerable power. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. Many use gestures when communicating. The women wear a puffed sleeved blouse, two wrappers and a headwrap. Nigeria's rich cultural heritage boasts of huge eclectic and colourful festivals that are full of rhythm, brilliant colours, fun and great pace. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. 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. Middle Eastern culture: Middle Eastern culture is a fascinating mixture of religious and traditional beliefs. 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. According to Yoruba Mythology, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Oduduwa. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. by Olivia Angelino, Thomas J. Bollyky, Elle Ruggiero and Isabella Turilli Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. Accelerate your innovation and transformation with a fully integrated suite of capabilities that puts digital at the heart of everything. The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. 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. 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. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. [82] Perhaps the most popular fabric used in Nigerian fashion is Dutch wax print, produced in the Netherlands. Their religion, mode of dressing, food, marriage, and language are all unique. You are also agreeing to our. Because of the movies, western influences such as music, casual dressing and methods of speaking are to be found all across Nigeria, even in the highly conservative north of the country.[72]. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. '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. 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. 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. 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. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. The country has over 50 languages and over 250 dialects and ethnic groups. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. The Yoruba culture is rich and unique drawing comparison with no other culture around. A Hausa farmer. 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 yams can be mashed or fried in oil. With nearly 200 million inhabitants, it also happens to be one of the world's largest countries by population. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Every culture in Nigeria has unique diets, mode of dressing, mode of production, language, greetings, marriage, mode of socialization, political systems that could be annexed for development. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. 968 Words4 Pages. Nigerian literature is known throughout the world. A gift for the children is always a nice touch. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. Order via the button below to receive your Nigeria Insight in seconds or read more here before buying. However, none of the states in southern Nigeria allow this practice. 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. 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? In cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. 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. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). Things arent perfect, but Im grateful for what I have., Factors to be Aware of When Visiting Nigeria for Business. Some of these dialects include Egba, Ekiti, Ijesha, Egun etc. 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. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. According to the book, which discussed generally about African American culture which Nigeria may belong. Culture regulates the behavior of a person in his family, school, at work, home, etc., by putting forward a system of prescriptions and prohibitions. Can culture exist without society? However In November 2015, Ministry of Culture and Tourism was later merged with ministry of information, which is now known as Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. The Yoruba language has several versions of it spoken by different units within this ethnic group. To prevent this, it is important to control the formation of cultural values in a society. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. 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. 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. The most important issue of cultural development is certainly the issue of creation of either national Nigerian, or affirmation of ethnic cultural identity. 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. Since the 1990s the Nigerian movie industry, sometimes called "Nollywood", has emerged as a fast-growing cultural force all over Africa. Music is used to celebrate rulers and to accompany public assemblies, weddings and funerals, festivals, and storytelling. Culture. [8][9][10][11] There are many other ethnic groups with sizeable populations across the different parts of the country. Nigerias religious affiliations have recently made it into international news due to active, militant Islamic groups. 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. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. [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. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. 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 this reason, newborns are regarded with joy and pride as they are the future. As its name indicates, Port Harcourt is another port city that also hosts an international airport. [19] The Fulani and the Hausa are mostly Muslim, while the Igbo are mostly Christian and so are the Bini and the Ibibio. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. T, HOW TO GET A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN IN NIGERIA, THE LARGEST SEAPORTS IN NIGERIA LISTS Things To Know About Them, PROBLEMS OF ETHNICITY IN NIGERIA AND SOLUTIONS. In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. 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. The Yorubas are a diverse group of people bound together by language, history, culture and a common sense of origin. 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 . Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. 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. [17][18], Nigeria's other ethnic groups, sometimes called 'minorities', are found throughout the country but especially in the north and the middle belt. 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. [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. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash, Catching a ride for the morning commute into work in Lagos. 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. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. In recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. Importance of culture Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. When employees join a company, they are doing so in return for fair compensation, career development, and various benefits. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. Artefacts stolen from Benin sit on shelves of many foreign museums and in the private homes of foreigners. 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. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. Igbo dominate in the south-central and southeastern parts of the country. Yam is the main staple food of the Igbos which is why they celebrate the new yam festival every year when the harvesting of yam starts. Here are seven signs indicating you have a culture that values security. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. Weekly. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. 5. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. Never write on your business card. 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. Adam Valavanis is a volunteer intern in the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. 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. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. The Ijaws were originally known by this name (Oru); at least it was what their immediate neighbours assumed them to be. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. 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. 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. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. The way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). The most important task for the government is to find ways to unite people, rather than divide them. It is used for keeping records of important events, history and culture. They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. Cultural conflicts can arise within large communities as a result. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other persons general well-being. It is used for expressing one's feelings. Along with South Africa, Nigeria is considered a super-power in the African continent and consequently Nigerians are generally proud of their country. Simply change the country name depending on which guide you are referencing. '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. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. Their origins are steeped in great traditions of religious obeisance, traditional games, folklore, dance and drama. 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. Stay up to date on the latest insights we have to offer. 4. Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. The kora and the kakaki are also important. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. Their logic is often contextual. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. 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. 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? 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. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach, Nigerians Growing Cultural Influence Around the World, Conflict at the Root of Food Insecurity in Africa, Swift Response to Open Letter Alleging Gender-Based Corruption in Rwandan Cycling. In this country, individuals usually become a part of one or more ethnic groups in Nigeria. ", "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. The people of ancient Nigeria were able to make their own weapons. 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. 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 Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. Beautifully crafted sculptures of wood, brass, and terracotta are common things among the Yoruba. The Yoruba people live in the southwestern and north-central parts of Nigeria. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. There is a large variety of linguistic and ethnic groups in the country. Never use the left hand only. 1. These are also important aspects of our culture. Always make time to share a tea with people you're doing business with. Nigeria has the fastest growing economy in Africa and the highest GNP on the continent. The Yoruba language is pleasing to the ear as it places a lot of emphasis on intonation. 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. As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. The early mosques built by men of this tribe were bright and colourful often including intricate engravings and elaborate designs. Prior to conducting business in a foreign country, understanding the countrys cultural landscape, people, beliefs, and cultural nuances are imperative. Movie theatres, showing mostly Indian and American films, are popular among the urban middle- and low-income groups. 3. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training. Dance for the Ubakala shows their value system, helps resolve conflicts, and also institutes change. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. The Bini people[15][16] are most frequent in the region between Yorubaland and Igboland. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. 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. Bushmeat, meat from wild game like antelope and duikers, is also popular. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and in-laws all work as a unit through life.Family relationships are guided by hierarchy and seniority. Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. February 22, 2023 Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. Food is an important part of Nigerian life. Several things go into greeting an elder in Nigeria, including ethnic background and gender. 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. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. Friends may address each other in a variety of ways: the title and the first name, the first name alone, the surname alone, or a nickname. Nigerians are generally, enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. 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. Titles are important. In the pre-colonial period, they controlled a powerful empire. #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. Fufu is so emblematic of Nigeria that it figures in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, for example. Smiling and showing sincere pleasure at meeting the person is important. 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. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their.
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