5 importance of culture in nigeria

Rice is eaten throughout the country, and in the north grains such as millet and wheat are a large part of the diet. [86] The men wear buba (long shirt), sokoto (baggy trousers), agbada (flowing robe with wide sleeves) and fila (a hat). Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. Hausa/Fulani ethnic group is made up of two hitherto different ethnic groups that have now intermixed to the extent that they are regarded as one inseparable ethnic nation. Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. 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. 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. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. Kano Durbar. 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. Things arent perfect, but Im grateful for what I have., Factors to be Aware of When Visiting Nigeria for Business. Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. In Igboland, both men and women tie wrappers. Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . Although this group is found throughout the grasslands of West Africa, the bulk of the population is found in Northern Nigeria in states like Sokoto, Kano, and Katsina. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. 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. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. However, even with the countrys infrastructural challenges, there are still quality, , and innovative transportation options, such as, Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. One of the main features of culture in Nigeria is its hierarchical system. Nigerian food offers a rich blend of traditionally African carbohydrates such as yam and cassava as well as the vegetable soups with which they are often served. 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 . Beautifully crafted sculptures of wood, brass, and terracotta are common things among the Yoruba. 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. These figures are expected to confer subordinate titles upon men and women that are highly accomplished. Vast wealth has been generated by it, and it is currently the second-largest film industry in the world by output. You may also find their tone slightly louder than elsewhere. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting. Ethnically, the population of the country is estimated to be made up of 29% Hausa/Fulani, the Yorubas make up 21% while the Igbos are believed to be about 18% of the entire population. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. [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. [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 oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. 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. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. In Nigeria, social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. Importance Of Reading Culture In Nigeria - 4014 Words | 123 Help Me Order via the button below to receive your Nigeria Insight in seconds or read more here before buying. Igbo | Culture, Lifestyle, & Facts | Britannica A Hausa farmer. In addition, Nigeria is home to an influential music scene, notably Afrobeat, which combines West African music styles with American funk and jazz. Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname. Food: An Important Feature Of Our Cultural Identity Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. In addition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Naija Invest Gateway, provide real-time information on the Nigerian business culture. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. 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. 968 Words4 Pages. We're helping multinational clients adequately prepare to thrive in the African market. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. 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. They are fond of the expression, "When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations (with the exception of South Africa) catch cold.". Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. While that may be a lot of people, population . The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. Nigerians are very religious and spiritual people. . It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. 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 most important task for the government is to find ways to unite people, rather than divide them. Significance of Ife Culture in Nigerian History Things Fall Apart,[61] by Chinua Achebe, is an important book in African literature. It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. [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. 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. In recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. 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. The country has over 50 languages and over 250 dialects and ethnic groups. In masculine countries people "live in order to work", managers are expected to be decisive and assertive, the emphasis is on equity, competition and . The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). 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. 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 most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile. Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. Global Health Program, Higher Education Webinar: Teaching the History of American Democracy, Webinar 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. Quiz. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. The culture of the country is diverse and tends to differ from north to south. Another major Nigerian city is Port Harcourt. Their chiefs are therefore monarchs and titled individuals, with most of the latter group making up the membership of the Ogboni secret society. #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. The Bini people are closely related to several other ethnic groups that usually speak Edoid languages, for example the Esan, however it is important to address the fact that the name "Benin" (and "Bini") is a Portuguese corruption, which came from the word "Ubinu", which came into use during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great, c. 1440. 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. What is Nigeria's location and importance? - Internet Geography These include Femi Osofisan,[68] whose first published novel, Kolera Kolej, was produced in 1975; Ben Okri, whose first work, The Famished Road, was published in 1991, and Buchi Emecheta, who wrote stories drawn from her personal experiences of gender inequity that promote viewing women through a single prism of the ability to marry and have children. Photo by IITA (CC BY-NC 2.0). This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. Wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Such social niceties go a long way since. In Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. The Yoruba people live in the southwestern and north-central parts of Nigeria. Cultural Policy in Nigeria The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. Pidgin English is a creolized form of the language. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. 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. Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. Other Nigerian artists include the Nsukka group, formed at the University of Nigeria at Nsukka in the early 1970s, consisting of Uche Okeke, Chike Aniakor, Obiora Udechukwu, El Anatsui, Tayo Adenaike, Ada Udechukwu, and Olu Oguibe. The Palm Wine Drinkard, a popular novel by Amos Tutuola, was written in it. Other clothing gear includes a gele, which is the woman's headgear. 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. Therefore, culture serves as a social memory for mankind. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! If you're looking for expert help and advice on how to work effectively with Nigerians, then this is what we do! Nigerian music is enjoyed throughout Africa. In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. Seven Indicators You Have A Culture That Values Security 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. The Igbo people share linguistic ties with their neighbours the Bini, Igala, Yoruba, and Idoma, with whom it is believed they were closely related until five to six thousand years ago. '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. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. 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. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. An person's immersion in a culture is determined by his/her socialization, familiarity with cultural heritage, as well as the development of his individual abilities.All these are usually achieved in the process of upbringing and education. Stay up to date on the latest insights we have to offer. Some would argue that the real soundtrack of Nigeria is not Afrobeats, but the din of diesel generators as most Nigerians, even if they are connected to mains . 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. Nigerian contemporary music, which combines Western popular music with indigenous forms, has been exported throughout the world and has had wide influence (see also African popular music). Basic features of culture in Nigeria - Legit.ng All this diversity makes the unification of Nigerians into a single nation a rather difficult task. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. [39] Their traditional religion is known as Omenani/Omenala. 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. [46], Language and cultural studies suggest that they are related to the founders of the Great Nile Valley civilization complex (and possibly the lake Chad complex). In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. They are well known for their energetic dance steps, colourful attires, and masquerades. For men the loose-fitting shirt goes down to halfway down the thigh. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. The app is highly secured, licensed by CBN and insured by NDIC which makes your money safe even if anything goes wrong. 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. In addition, they are also very good porters, weavers, and metalsmiths. monarchs who have received definite authority from the official government and are recognized by the laws of Nigeria),[58] the chiefs come in various ranks and are of varied kinds - some monarchs are so powerful that they influence political and religious life outside their immediate domains (the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife, for example), while in contrast many local families around the country install their eldest members as titled chiefs in order for them to provide them with what is an essentially titular leadership. Meat is also popular and Nigerian suyaa barbecue-like roasted meatis a well-known delicacy. However some of these states were conquered, taken over and re-established by the Fulani people which then led to the formation of a few other kingdoms such as Katagum, Hadejia and Gombe. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. The Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. 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His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. It has become a common lingua franca as a result. As its name indicates, Port Harcourt is another port city that also hosts an international airport. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. Gifts are not always opened when received. Some of the most prominent ethnic groups include the likes of the Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Ijaw. In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. Dance for the Ubakala shows their value system, helps resolve conflicts, and also institutes change. Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash, Catching a ride for the morning commute into work in Lagos. Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. Various other minor ethnic groups make up the rest of the country. Other groups worthy of mention are Ijaw, Edo, Itshekiri, Kanuri, Efik, and Tiv. Since then, Nigerian and African patterns, colour schemes, and motifs have been incorporated into Vlisco's designs to become a staple of the brand. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. This may take as long as two hours for an initial meeting. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. 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. The Nigerian Government in September, 1988, launched the "National Cultural Policy". Other Nigerian men and women typically wear a traditional style called Buba. Importance of culture in Nigeria - Legit.ng This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. Adam Valavanis is a volunteer intern in the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. 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. Fufu is so emblematic of Nigeria that it figures in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, for example. In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. The Yoruba culture is rich and unique drawing comparison with no other culture around. The eastern part of Nigeria is the home of the Igbos, who are mostly Christians. Ekiti Yoruba dancers wear head masks so heavy that they can do only processional dances. The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. It has the largest population in Africa and the land is endowed with vast quantities of natural resources. The traditional Yoruba kingships still survive, but with only a hint of their former political power. Other symbols used to communicate and share stories are music, sculpture, dance, painting, theater etc. The principal exports are palm oil and palm kernels. Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. 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. It is used for decoration and beautification. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. 56 Likes, 1 Comments - Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (@kccnigeria_) on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN "Introduce Your Korea" Event 5 " ' " Nigerians' Growing Cultural Influence Around the World Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. 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. 4. Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. The Igbos are renowned for their strong use of proverbs. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. 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. Different generations of Nigerians are closely connected due to their culture. 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. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. In literature, Chinua Achebe, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and, more recently, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have significant readership in the United States. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. www.commisceo-global.com. 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. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. 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. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. 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. Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. 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. If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. 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. The people of ancient Nigeria were able to make their own weapons. Nigeria is the most important country politically and economically in West Africa. The Nigerian People and Culture - WorldAtlas Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. The larger number of families is because a higher number of children improves the social standing of a man. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. LESSON 2 - IMPORTANCE/USES OF ART. Working hours in the north often vary from those in the south so that Muslims do not work on their holy day, which is Friday. Artefacts stolen from Benin sit on shelves of many foreign museums and in the private homes of foreigners. The Yoruba language has several versions of it spoken by different units within this ethnic group. Movie theatres, showing mostly Indian and American films, are popular among the urban middle- and low-income groups. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. 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 Yorubas are fun-loving people and are known for their eye-catching, colourful and rhythmic dance steps. 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.



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