[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. Our culture determines the way we communicate with others. Ekiti Yoruba dancers wear head masks so heavy that they can do only processional dances. Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. [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. C.V. Starr & Co. 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. Culturally, Nigeria is like a coat of many colours. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! This may take as long as two hours for an initial meeting. Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. Since then, Nigerian and African patterns, colour schemes, and motifs have been incorporated into Vlisco's designs to become a staple of the brand. 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. The Top 10 Heritage Sites in Nigeria - Culture Trip This group is predominantly Muslim as Islam was introduced into Nigeria by the Fulanis. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. In this country, individuals usually become a part of one or more ethnic groups in Nigeria. 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. 5. The Hausa and Fulani people live primarily in the North, the Igbo reside in the Southeast, and the Yoruba inhabit the Southwest. 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. [8][9][10][11] There are many other ethnic groups with sizeable populations across the different parts of the country. It is basically what makes a person human. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. Nigeria is the seventh-most populous country in the world, home to more than 200 million people. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. Although this was a very long time ago, the Ijaws have, however, kept the ancient language and culture of the Orus. Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. You must take the time to ask about the persons health, the health of their family, or other social niceties. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. 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. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. Nigerians typically hold a primary position of employment but are always on the lookout for other opportunities to generate supplemental income. 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. Many religions are followed in Nigeria. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. At the time of independence, many hoped that as a huge, democratic country, Nigeria would provide Africa with a seat at the table among the traditional international powers. Dance also has many varieties: Ishan stilt dancers in colourful costumes twist themselves in the air; one Tiv dance, called ajo, features male dancers who work in pairs, and another involves teams of women who perform a dance called icough while composing songs about current events. 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. A complimentary cap called Fila may be added to the dressing. The traditionally nomadic Fulani can be found all over West and Central Africa. 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. 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. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. 'Omenana' is man-made; it is easily changed and is adaptable. Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. In masculine countries people "live in order to work", managers are expected to be decisive and assertive, the emphasis is on equity, competition and . [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. 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. The Yoruba culture emphasizes respect for elders which is why ladies kneel and men prostrate to greet their elders. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. [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. 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. 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. Nigeria - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government. Culture of Nigeria - Wikipedia They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. Silk (called tsamiya in Hausa, sanyan in Yoruba, and akpa-obubu in Igbo) is also used. The Yoruba culture is rich and unique drawing comparison with no other culture around. National Cultural Dimensions-Nigeria | Cultural Sensitivity in the This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. At Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to give gifts of food and fruit. A gift for the children is always a nice touch. 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. [86] The men wear buba (long shirt), sokoto (baggy trousers), agbada (flowing robe with wide sleeves) and fila (a hat). Drinks include traditional brews like palm wine. 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. Although this militant activity concerns the entire nation, these groups primarily impact the northeast region of Nigeria. The population of Nigeria makes up 1/8 of the inhabitants of the African continent. 2. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. The Cultural Dimensions Of Nigeria's Cultural Dimension February 13, 2023 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. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed. The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). There are many ways that these meals are prepared. Importance Of Reading Culture In Nigeria - 4014 Words | 123 Help Me 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 Hausa group (majority of them are Muslims) prevail in the northern region of Nigeria. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. [53] They eventually became the most urbanized Africans of precolonial times. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. Importance of culture Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. Many Muslims and Christians may also intertwine their beliefs with more unorthodox indigenous ones. [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. 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. Protection of Cultural Heritage: The Nigerian experience You invest in security. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. 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. The women tie wrappers called Abaya and wear blouses, head ties, shawls, and hijabs. 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. The Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. It is said that it was at Ife that the gods descended from heaven and created the world. Whether in urban or rural areas, the family is the central institution. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Nigeria's rich cultural heritage boasts of huge eclectic and colourful festivals that are full of rhythm, brilliant colours, fun and great pace. [52] The Yoruba people are believed to have migrated from the east to their present lands west of the lower Niger River more than a millennium ago. Renewing America, Backgrounder The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. Things arent perfect, but Im grateful for what I have., Factors to be Aware of When Visiting Nigeria for Business. The Yorubas are fun-loving people and are known for their eye-catching, colourful and rhythmic dance steps. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. 4. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. The Nigerian national football team,[73] nicknamed the "Super Eagles", is the national team of Nigeria, run by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Opay.ng - Every transaction made on this app is very fast; the delivery rate is 99%, which means you don't need to worry anytime you make a payment on this platform.Plus, every transaction on the app is free. Other clothing gear includes a gele, which is the woman's headgear. www.commisceo-global.com. Some of the most prominent ethnic groups include the likes of the Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Ijaw. 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. Food and eating food is a universal experience, an element of common ground in terms of . Their chiefs are therefore monarchs and titled individuals, with most of the latter group making up the membership of the Ogboni secret society. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. For men the loose-fitting shirt goes down to halfway down the thigh. The dry, open grasslands of the savanna make cereal farming and herding a way of life for the Hausa and 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. In the course of socialization the values, ideals, norms, patterns of behavior become a part of a person's self-awareness. The Hausa/Fulani people are known for their unique cultural practices most of which have stood the test of time. Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. 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. Being the first to find a settlement in the Lower Niger and Niger Delta, it is possible that they may have started inhabiting this region as far back as 500 BC. The highest position Nigeria ever reached on the ranking was 5th, in April 1994. Culture is that complex as it consists of belief, knowledge, art, law, morals, customs, traditions and any other capabilities and habits which is acquired by man as a member of the society (Edward B. Tylor 1871). The 41-page PDF document has been authored by one of our Nigeria country specialists and provides readers with much more detail that our free guide above. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. The Importance Of Implementing A Strong Company Culture: 5 Core Values Wole Soyinka, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, was the first Black African to receive the award. The language they speak is called the Edo language. The Yoruba language is pleasing to the ear as it places a lot of emphasis on intonation. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. The Yorubas are a diverse group of people bound together by language, history, culture and a common sense of origin. Successful Nigerians, such as businessmen and the said politicians, typically themselves aspire to the holding of chieftaincies, and the monarchs' control of the honours system that provides them to them serves as an important royal asset. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach Four full-color images cover the page, each of the creators and editors of influential culture and fashion magazines based in Lagos. The women wear a puffed sleeved blouse, two wrappers and a headwrap. 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. One of the main features of culture in Nigeria is its hierarchical system. In other words, this is to say that, culture in its simple meaning can be the way of life . Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. 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. Types of Culture in Nigeria and Their Importance (2023) [54] Oyo developed in the medieval and early modern periods into the largest of the Yoruba kingdoms, while Ile-Ife still remained a town of very strong religious significance as the site of the earth's creation according to Yoruba mythology. This article presents a high-level introduction to Nigeria's cultural heritage. His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. 968 Words4 Pages. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. The larger number of families is because a higher number of children improves the social standing of a man. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. Kano Durbar. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License. Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. NIGERIAN PEOPLE And CULTURE - Facts & All You Need To Know Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausas that are predominantly in the north, the Yorubas who predominate in the southwest, and the Igbos in the southeast. 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. Basic features of culture in Nigeria - Legit.ng They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. 1. Long before the arrival of the Fulani people, the Hausa had already formed and made well-organised city states; some of these states include Katsina, Daura, Kano Zazzau (Zaria), Biram, Gobir and Borno. Photo by IITA (CC BY-NC 2.0). It also explores some of the challenges faced (legal and extralegal) in the protection of cultural heritage and discloses recent legal developments. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. Gifts are not always opened when received. Lots of Yoruba people still practice the traditional religion but a large number have embraced Christianity and Islam. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. Maize is another crop that is commonly grown in Nigeria. Funerals are also times when the family gathers. A little more than half of all Nigerians are of the Christian faith, while most of the rest are Islamic. The app is highly secured, licensed by CBN and insured by NDIC which makes your money safe even if anything goes wrong. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. 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. Their traditional religion, Ifa, has been recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the oral tradition of Humanity.