Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. The Yoruba people live in the southwestern and north-central parts of Nigeria. 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. Any attempt to bypass this protocol will hamper your business success. 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. [42][43], The Ijaw people are said to be a collection of people that are native to the Niger Delta area in Nigeria. 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. It is used for expressing one's feelings. Can culture exist without society? In this country, individuals usually become a part of one or more ethnic groups in Nigeria. Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. Team members should present a united front at meetings. according to this 2013 Pew Research study. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. 3. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. 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. Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions - WorldAtlas Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. Apart from the main three languages, the cultures of other tribes in Nigeria are equally unique and important. Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. Nigerian literature is known throughout the world. 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. 1950 W. Corporate Way PMB 25615, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA.+44 0330 027 0207 or +1 (818) 532-6908, 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK.1950 W. Corporate Way PMB 25615, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA.+44 0330 027 0207+1 (818) 532-6908. 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. The Hausa/Fulani people are known for their unique cultural practices most of which have stood the test of time. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. 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. They shape and regulate his behavior. The ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. Photo by Ayoola Salako on Unsplash. The architectural mastery of the Hausas is perhaps one of the least known buys the most beautiful of the medieval age. Various other minor ethnic groups make up the rest of the country. Many religions are followed in Nigeria. It is basically what makes a person human. 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 Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. The larger number of families is because a higher number of children improves the social standing of a man. We live in a multi-faceted country. The Yoruba culture emphasizes respect for elders which is why ladies kneel and men prostrate to greet their elders. Annual Lecture on China: Frayed RelationsThe United States and China, Virtual Event Food and eating food is a universal experience, an element of common ground in terms of . Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. Wole Soyinka, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, was the first Black African to receive the award. Drinks include traditional brews like palm wine. 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. 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. November 4, 2022 Protection of Cultural Heritage: The Nigerian experience 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. Their towns eventually became more and more populated and grew into the present-day cities of Oyo, Ile-Ife, Ilesha, Ibadan, Ilorin, Ijebu-Ode, Ikere-Ekiti, and others. Japanese culture places great value on respect, honor, discipline and personal growth. Fermented palm products make a traditional liquor, palm wine, and also fermented cassava. It is a good idea to maintain a polite and somewhat reserved manner until the person you are meeting drops some of his formality. 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. Other clothing gear includes a gele, which is the woman's headgear. As stated above, the three most influential ethnic group in Nigeria are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. Nigerians typically hold a primary position of employment but are always on the lookout for other opportunities to generate supplemental income. This is due to the large number of ethnic groups that exist in the country. 968 Words4 Pages. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. Their religion, mode of dressing, food, marriage, and language are all unique. Both concepts, each an aspect of a single whole, aspire to protect and preserve the purity, sanctity and sacredness of the land and the people therein. 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. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. It is used for communication. 4. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. The country has over 50 languages and over 250 dialects and ethnic groups. In addition, they are also very good porters, weavers, and metalsmiths. Photo by IITA (CC BY-NC 2.0). 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In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. Ekiti Yoruba dancers wear head masks so heavy that they can do only processional dances. 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 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 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 Yoruba culture is rich and unique drawing comparison with no other culture around. A complimentary cap called Fila may be added to the dressing. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. According to the FIFA World Rankings, Nigeria ranks 31st and holds the second-highest place among the African nations behind Senegal (20th). This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. 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. 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. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their. Igbos are overwhelming Christians of Catholic extraction although a minority of them practice other religions such as Islam, Judaism, and the traditional Igbo religion. Like many other aspects of life, food is a deeply rooted expression of identity, values, and way of life. It also explores some of the challenges faced (legal and extralegal) in the protection of cultural heritage and discloses recent legal developments. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. In other words, this is to say that, culture in its simple meaning can be the way of life . Nigeria is the most important country politically and economically in West Africa. At one time the Edo of the kingdom of Benin distinguished between urban music that was performed at the palace and less complex music that was played in rural areas. After reading this article you will find out why. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. According to Yoruba Mythology, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Oduduwa. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. Adam Valavanis is a volunteer intern in the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. 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. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. 5. Its members amassed great wealth while serving as middlemen, and the preponderance of English names among them today is a testament to the trade names adopted by their ancestors at this time. The dry, open grasslands of the savanna make cereal farming and herding a way of life for the Hausa and The singer and social activist Fela Kuti was instrumental in Nigeria's musical development. They have been able to preserve their cultural practices over time as a result of their strong native system of government. 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. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. Their chiefs are therefore monarchs and titled individuals, with most of the latter group making up the membership of the Ogboni secret society. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. 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. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! For this reason, newborns are regarded with joy and pride as they are the future. The Importance of Cultural Competence in Healthcare: The Case of Nigeria Bushmeat, meat from wild game like antelope and duikers, is also popular. In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. The Importance Of Implementing A Strong Company Culture: 5 Core Values 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. Violation of these laws will lead to certain sanctions that are established by the community and are supported by the power of public opinion. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. Yorubas have a strong political system with the Oba at the helm of affairs. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. 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 The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. 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. A high value on Performance Orientation means the culture would ideally highly encourage and reward improvement and excellence (GLOBE, 2004). This then ended up playing a significant role in the social life and culture of the Hausa people. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. 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. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. [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. It is richer than all other West African nations and holds considerable power. ", "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. Although this was a very long time ago, the Ijaws have, however, kept the ancient language and culture of the Orus. Culture In Nigeria Essay - 968 Words | Internet Public Library Food is an important part of Nigerian life. 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. Firstly, Nigeria's scores on the Cultural Dimension scale reveal that Nigerians place great value on Performance Orientation, Future Orientation, and In-group Collectivism. 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. 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. It is used for decoration and beautification. In Nigeria, social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. Global Health Program, Higher Education Webinar: Teaching the History of American Democracy, Webinar The Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. 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. The Hausa, who do not consider dancing to be an art, divide their dances into the categories of social dancing and ceremonial borii dances. Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . They are well known for their energetic dance steps, colourful attires, and masquerades. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. Silk (called tsamiya in Hausa, sanyan in Yoruba, and akpa-obubu in Igbo) is also used. Culture of Nigeria - history, people, clothing, traditions, women The Nigerian People and Culture - WorldAtlas 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. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. Igbo | Culture, Lifestyle, & Facts | Britannica If you're looking for expert help and advice on how to work effectively with Nigerians, then this is what we do! Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. July 2, 2022 Odiraa 0 Comments 36 states in nigeria and their ethnic groups, 5 importance of culture in nigeria, ethnic groups in nigeria and their culture, interesting facts about nigerian culture, nigerian culture and tradition . Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. 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. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. The pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, became internationally famous in the 1970s and 1980s and has inspired generations of Western artists, such as Talking Heads and Beyonc. [79], Other traditional cultural expressions are found in the various masquerades of Nigeria, such as the Eyo masquerades of Lagos, the Ekpe and Ekpo masquerades of the Efik/Ibibio/Annang/Igbo peoples of coastal southeastern Nigeria, and the Northern masquerades of the Bini. The Top 10 Heritage Sites in Nigeria - Culture Trip It is a good idea to include any advanced university degree on your business card. Meaning of Arts | Branches/Types of Art | Importance Uses of Art What is Nigeria's location and importance? - Internet Geography Gifts are not always opened when received. 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. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious. [55] Oyo and the other kingdoms declined in the late 18th and 19th centuries owing to disputes among minor Yoruba rulers and invasions by the Fon of Dahomey (now Benin) and the Muslim Fulani.