Therefore, culture serves as a social memory for mankind. This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. We can say that culture as a whole determines the framework in which a person can and should act. It is used for communication. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. [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. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. Some of these festivals include Odun Olojo, Iwude, and Osun-Osogbo amongst many others. The Yoruba are predominantly of mixed Muslim and Christian backgrounds.The Yoruba make up about 21% of the country's population estimated to be over 225 million and about half of the Yoruba are Muslim, with the other half being Christian. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. [33][34], The Hausas, on the other hand, are said to be very good merchants. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their larger-than-life celebrations, and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. [39] Their traditional religion is known as Omenani/Omenala. [57] Led by the Nigerian traditional rulers (i.e. It has the largest population in Africa and the land is endowed with vast quantities of natural resources. Christians predominantly live in the south of the country, whereas Muslims live predominantly in the north. Other groups worthy of mention are Ijaw, Edo, Itshekiri, Kanuri, Efik, and Tiv. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious 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. It is richer than all other West African nations and holds considerable power. Nigerian Food Culture and Customs: Three Yorb Sayings on It. [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. [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. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. 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. Smiling and showing sincere pleasure at meeting the person is important. Pidgin English is a creolized form of the language. In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. 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. 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. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. Their logic is often contextual. We live in a multi-faceted country. In masculine countries people "live in order to work", managers are expected to be decisive and assertive, the emphasis is on equity, competition and . Music is used to celebrate rulers and to accompany public assemblies, weddings and funerals, festivals, and storytelling. 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. 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. 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. It is basically what makes a person human. 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. 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. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. 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. You put your proverbial (and actual) money where your mouth is in the form of budget and staff . Nigerians are very religious and spiritual people. Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world. 1. Nigerian playwright and musician Hubert Ogunde, founder of Nigerias first professional theatrical company (the Ogunde Concert Party), incorporated traditional instruments into his musical dramas of the 1940s in an effort to revive interest in indigenous culture. 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. Nigerian food is mostly made up of meals that are high in carbohydrates, such as cassavas, rice, maize, yams, and plenty of vegetables. Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. Culture creates favorable opportunities for acquiring knowledge and physical development. [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). Commonly referred to as the giant of Africa, Nigeria is highly populated and unlike any other African country. 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). Igbo, Hausa, Kanuri, Fulani, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio, and Tiv are some of the major groups that make up the maximum population of Nigeria. Ekpe masks and ikenga (personal shrines) from the Igbo in eastern Nigeria and ibeji (twin) sculptures from the Yoruba in western Nigeria are just three examples of the art produced in pre-colonial Nigeria. According to the book, which discussed generally about African American culture which Nigeria may belong. They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. Families are a crucial aspect of Nigerian society and are typically larger than in the west. Kanuri, Fulani, Hausa, Tiv - are the most densely populated groups that live in the north. Artefacts stolen from Benin sit on shelves of many foreign museums and in the private homes of foreigners. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting. 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. Never use the left hand only. 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. . Meat is another delicacy that is prepared into something known as suya (a form of meat resembling barbecue meat) and wild meat (from giraffes and antelopes). 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. The Yorubas are fun-loving people and are known for their eye-catching, colourful and rhythmic dance steps. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. The eastern part of Nigeria is the home of the Igbos, who are mostly Christians. To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other persons general well-being. Age and position always demand great respect. Yams are frequently eaten either fried in oil or pounded to make a mashed potato-like yam pottage. The yams can be mashed or fried in oil. It is used for commemoration. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License. Stay up to date on the latest insights we have to offer. Always wait until invited before using someones first name. 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. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. Fashion is diverse and varies depending on the ethnic groups, culture, and religion. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. Fufu is so emblematic of Nigeria that it figures in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, for example. Here are seven signs indicating you have a culture that values security. 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. 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . Other symbols used to communicate and share stories are music, sculpture, dance, painting, theater etc. [32] The Fulani people are also nomadic in nature; this nomadic lifestyle spread them into virtually all of West Africa. 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. Movie theatres, showing mostly Indian and American films, are popular among the urban middle- and low-income groups. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. 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. 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. You may also find their tone slightly louder than elsewhere. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. The number of ethnic groups and dialects stand at more than 1,150. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. A curation of original analyses, data visualizations, and commentaries, examining the debates and efforts to improve health worldwide. Food and eating food is a universal experience, an element of common ground in terms of . [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. Before looking at the importance and types of culture in Nigeria, its good to know the definition. Rice is eaten throughout the country, and in the north grains such as millet and wheat are a large part of the diet. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. A Hausa farmer. There is an indefinite number of cultures around the world. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. [40][41] Socially, the Igbos are led by monarchs who had limited power historically. For men the loose-fitting shirt goes down to halfway down the thigh. Prior to conducting business in a foreign country, understanding the countrys cultural landscape, people, beliefs, and cultural nuances are imperative. Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. [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. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. 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. Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. The women wear a puffed sleeved blouse, two wrappers and a headwrap. While that may be a lot of people, population . Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. 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. They may raise their voices even more and become emotionally excited when they feel passionately about a topic. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. 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. Nigeria's rich cultural heritage boasts of huge eclectic and colourful festivals that are full of rhythm, brilliant colours, fun and great pace. Their religion, mode of dressing, food, marriage, and language are all unique. The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. 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). 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. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. Kano Durbar. This group is predominantly Muslim as Islam was introduced into Nigeria by the Fulanis. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. 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. A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . [60], Nigeria is famous for its English language literature. The headquarter of Yorubaland is Ile-life where they believe creation started. 3. with Jeremi Suri Since the 1990s the Nigerian movie industry, sometimes called "Nollywood", has emerged as a fast-growing cultural force all over Africa. They have been able to preserve their cultural practices over time as a result of their strong native system of government. Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash. 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. 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. Food is an important part of Nigerian life. If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. 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. 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. Igbos are mostly farmers, traders, and craftsmen. Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. Culture. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. By entering your email and clicking subscribe, you're agreeing to receive announcements from CFR about our products and services, as well as invitations to CFR events. [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. 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. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. 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 . LESSON 2 - IMPORTANCE/USES OF ART. The way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. by Lindsay Maizland It is said that it was at Ife that the gods descended from heaven and created the world. 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. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. The Yoruba language is pleasing to the ear as it places a lot of emphasis on intonation. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. a powdered cassava grain that can be readily eaten as a meal and is quite inexpensive. We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. . Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname. 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. Some of these dialects include Egba, Ekiti, Ijesha, Egun etc. It explores what is meant by the term 'cultural heritage', while providing examples of same in Nigeria. Our culture determines the way we communicate with others. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. The bulk of the Hausa-Fulani population is mainly centered in and around the centres of Sokoto, Kano and Katsina, which are said to be important market centres on the southern area of the trans-Saharan caravan trade routes. 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? Four Aboriginal spears taken by British explorer James Cook in 1770, thought to be some of the oldest surviving artifacts collected by any European from Australia, will be repatriated to Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. The Palm Wine Drinkard, a popular novel by Amos Tutuola, was written in it. 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 Nigerian Government in September, 1988, launched the "National Cultural Policy". Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. 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. Retrieved from https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south. Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash, Catching a ride for the morning commute into work in Lagos. Nigeria's most important. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. [82] Perhaps the most popular fabric used in Nigerian fashion is Dutch wax print, produced in the Netherlands. They are fond of the expression, "When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations (with the exception of South Africa) catch cold.". The language they speak is called the Edo language. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. [20][21][22] Indigenous religious practices remain important to all of Nigeria's ethnic groups however, and frequently these beliefs are blended with Christian or Muslim beliefs, a practice known as syncretism. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. Adam Valavanis is a volunteer intern in the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. [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. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. The traditionally nomadic Fulani can be found all over West and Central Africa. Wait for a woman to extend her hand first. 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.