They are ruled by monarchs, and are famous for their Benin Bronzes. Nigeria is the most important country politically and economically in West Africa. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. The most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile. 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. 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. The Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups are said to be one of the largest ethnic groupings in Nigeria, if not the largest, with a population of over 20 million people.The Hausa and Fulani live in the northern part of Nigeria. Nigerians will generally follow the agenda point by point and may want to consult with key stakeholders who will not be present prior to the meeting. 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. Whether in urban or rural areas, the family is the central institution. For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". www.commisceo-global.com. [88] Hausa men wear barbarigas or kaftans (long flowing gowns) with tall decorated hats. Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. . The Ijaw people are said by some to be the descendants of the autochthonous people of Africa known as the (H) ORU. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. 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. People in urban regions of Nigeria dress in western style, the youth mainly wearing jeans and T-shirts. In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. [53] They eventually became the most urbanized Africans of precolonial times. The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. Before looking at the importance and types of culture in Nigeria, its good to know the definition. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. 1. 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. Nigerians are generally, enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. [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. In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. Titles are important. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and in-laws all work as a unit through life.Family relationships are guided by hierarchy and seniority. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. Helon Habila, Sefi Atta , Flora Nwapa, Iquo DianaAbasi Eke,[69] Zaynab Alkali and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,[70] among others, are notable Nigerian authors whose works are read widely within and outside the country.[71]. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. 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. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. The women wear wrappers and shirts and cover their heads with hijabs (veils).[89]. In cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. In Nigeria, social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. [60], Nigeria is famous for its English language literature. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. by Lindsay Maizland According to Yoruba Mythology, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Oduduwa. Maize is another crop that is commonly grown in Nigeria. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. 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. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. In literature, Chinua Achebe, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and, more recently, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have significant readership in the United States. Lagos is a bustling city that has become a melting pot of Nigerian tribes. 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. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures, Backgrounder Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. 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 number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. However, none of the states in southern Nigeria allow this practice. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. 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. English serves as a common language, used mainly as a means to bridge the communication gaps stemming from the presence so many languages, as well as a way to reach out and connect with the global business community. Igbos are mostly farmers, traders, and craftsmen. [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. To prevent this, it is important to control the formation of cultural values in a society. It has become a common lingua franca as a result. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. 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. according to this 2013 Pew Research study. [87] In the Igbo tradition, the men's cultural attire is Isiagu (a patterned shirt), which is worn with trousers and the traditional Igbo men's hat called Okpu Agwu. In the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). They have been able to preserve their cultural practices over time as a result of their strong native system of government. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. 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. The significance of Ife culture in Nigerian history will be discussed below: The Origin of Ife Culture in Nigeria In Yoruba land, Ife is considered the place of creation. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. [17][18], Nigeria's other ethnic groups, sometimes called 'minorities', are found throughout the country but especially in the north and the middle belt. The kora and the kakaki are also important. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. [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. Their logic is often contextual. 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. Movie theatres, showing mostly Indian and American films, are popular among the urban middle- and low-income groups. Since the 1990s the Nigerian movie industry, sometimes called "Nollywood", has emerged as a fast-growing cultural force all over Africa. 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. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. Middle Eastern culture: Middle Eastern culture is a fascinating mixture of religious and traditional beliefs. Prior to conducting business in a foreign country, understanding the countrys cultural landscape, people, beliefs, and cultural nuances are imperative. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. Meat is also popular and Nigerian suyaa barbecue-like roasted meatis a well-known delicacy. It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. Importance of culture Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. Although this was a very long time ago, the Ijaws have, however, kept the ancient language and culture of the Orus. 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. 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. a powdered cassava grain that can be readily eaten as a meal and is quite inexpensive. 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. 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. The Bini people[15][16] are most frequent in the region between Yorubaland and Igboland. The Okays make up 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5% and Tiv 2.5%. The way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). Nigeria's most important. Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups with noticeable cultural differences among them. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. Like many other aspects of life, food is a deeply rooted expression of identity, values, and way of life. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. The Lalli or henna paintings and drawings are a very popular and indispensable part of their makeup. 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. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. 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. [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. 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. These are also important aspects of our culture. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. [31] The Fulani practice the art of whipping a suitor before giving his bride to him as parts of their marriage obligation, this particular obligation has helped to increase the practice of monogamy among themselves and it is called sharo. Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. 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. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach, Nigerians Growing Cultural Influence Around the World, Conflict at the Root of Food Insecurity in Africa, Swift Response to Open Letter Alleging Gender-Based Corruption in Rwandan Cycling. When employees join a company, they are doing so in return for fair compensation, career development, and various benefits. THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO NIGERIA. [39] Their traditional religion is known as Omenani/Omenala. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. 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. In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. One of the main features of culture in Nigeria is its hierarchical system. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. This is due to the large number of ethnic groups that exist in the country. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. Nigerian food is mostly made up of meals that are high in carbohydrates, such as cassavas, rice, maize, yams, and plenty of vegetables. Culture creates favorable opportunities for acquiring knowledge and physical development. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. 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. LESSON 2 - IMPORTANCE/USES OF ART. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. 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. Nigerian cities tend to be highly populated as many people flock to urban environments for better employment opportunities. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. Some of these dialects include Egba, Ekiti, Ijesha, Egun etc. Several streams also flow into the caves . Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. 4. You are already subscribed to our newsletter! While Nigeria has always been politically and culturally influential on the African continent thanks to its large population and enormous oil wealth, the Times coverage is the latest example of growing Western interest in Nigerian culture. The mode of dressing of Yoruba males includes wearing Bubba and Sokoto and also a large flowing gown called Agbada. 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . 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. Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. In the southern areas a variety of soups containing a base of tomatoes, onions, red pepper, and palm oil are prepared with vegetables such as okra and meat or fish. [19] The Fulani and the Hausa are mostly Muslim, while the Igbo are mostly Christian and so are the Bini and the Ibibio. Never write on your business card. 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. This is not a first name culture, although that may be changing with people under the age of 35. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual. The Yorubas are a diverse group of people bound together by language, history, culture and a common sense of origin. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Global Health Program, Higher Education Webinar: Teaching the History of American Democracy, Webinar [82] Perhaps the most popular fabric used in Nigerian fashion is Dutch wax print, produced in the Netherlands. 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. In this country, individuals usually become a part of one or more ethnic groups in Nigeria. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. 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). [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] 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. While many artists still work in these traditions, more-contemporary artists, who combine African and Western traditions, also abound. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License. Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. As mentioned above, Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. Igbo dominate in the south-central and southeastern parts of the country. Nigeria's vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. The word "Ubinu" was later corrupted to Bini by a number of mixed ethnicities staying together at the centre, and it was then further corrupted to Benin around the year 1485 at the time when the Portuguese people started making trade relations with Oba Ewuare.[28][29]. 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. 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. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. It is used for communication. Minority ethnic groups live throughout the nation although higher concentrations of these groups live in the northern and the middle regions of Nigeria. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. [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. 'Odinana', on the contrary, is a code of life, handed down from Chukwu, God the Creator, to Eri, the patriarch of the Igbo race, to prevent chaos and confusion. The Yorubas are fun-loving people and are known for their eye-catching, colourful and rhythmic dance steps. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. After reading this article you will find out why. It is basically what makes a person human. Kingdoms and empires of precolonial Nigeria, Controversies surrounding the 2007 presidential election, Nigeria under Umaru Musa YarAdua and Goodluck Jonathan, The 2015 elections and electorate concerns, Recession, fight against corruption, and insecurity, Which Country Is Larger By Population? Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Firstly, Nigeria's scores on the Cultural Dimension scale reveal that Nigerians place great value on Performance Orientation, Future Orientation, and In-group Collectivism. The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. [86] The men wear buba (long shirt), sokoto (baggy trousers), agbada (flowing robe with wide sleeves) and fila (a hat). 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 rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. 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. 56 Likes, 1 Comments - Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (@kccnigeria_) on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN "Introduce Your Korea" Event 5 " ' " Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash. 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. The Palm Wine Drinkard, a popular novel by Amos Tutuola, was written in it. If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. Fufu is so emblematic of Nigeria that it figures in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, for example. English as a first language, however, remains an exclusive preserve of a small minority of the country's urban elite, and is not spoken at all in some rural areas. 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. A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . From the naturalistic statues produced at Ife to the bronzes made for the king of Benin, Nigerian artists have crafted art that is world famous. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. Never use the left hand only. These are the three main tribes in Nigeria, followed closely by the Edo people (southwest region), tribes in the Delta region (southernmost region), and the Benue State (Middle Belt region). This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. In addition, Nigeria is home to an influential music scene, notably Afrobeat, which combines West African music styles with American funk and jazz. Nigerian music is enjoyed throughout Africa. Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious. The country has over 50 languages and over 250 dialects and ethnic groups. This group is predominantly Muslim as Islam was introduced into Nigeria by the Fulanis. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. In addition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Naija Invest Gateway, provide real-time information on the Nigerian business culture. 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 . Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. Nigerias culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into enhanced international prestige. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein.