In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. Rice is eaten throughout the country, and in the north grains such as millet and wheat are a large part of the diet. If you're looking for expert help and advice on how to work effectively with Nigerians, then this is what we do! Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. The ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. In recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. Yams are frequently eaten either fried in oil or pounded to make a mashed potato-like yam pottage. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. This may take as long as two hours for an initial meeting. Soups can be thickened by adding ground egusi (melon) seeds. The Bini people[15][16] are most frequent in the region between Yorubaland and Igboland. The Oshogbo movement, founded in the early 1960s, includes the artists Muraina Oyelami, Twins Seven-Seven (Prince Taiwo Osuntoki), Bisi Fabunmi, Tijani Mayakiri, Rufus Ogundele, and Ademola Onibonokuta. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. Nigeria scores 60 on this dimension and is thus a masculine society. 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. 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. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. Culture of Nigeria - Wikipedia 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. Preserving Nigeria's cultural heritage - Daily Trust 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. According to the FIFA World Rankings, Nigeria ranks 31st and holds the second-highest place among the African nations behind Senegal (20th). 4) Lots of oil, little electricity. The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname. 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. 2. With so many different cultures and regions, food can vary greatly. Nigerian Culture and Why it is Important to Understand for - kpakpakpa Funerals are also times when the family gathers. 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. '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. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. Four full-color images cover the page, each of the creators and editors of influential culture and fashion magazines based in Lagos. They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. The number of ethnic groups and dialects stand at more than 1,150. Nigeria's vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. 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]. Their logic is often contextual. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. Five things about Nigeria: The superpower with no power The women wear their hair in native styles such as Suku. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. Nigerian literature is known throughout the world. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. Importance of culture Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. Renewing America, Backgrounder This is due to the large number of ethnic groups that exist in the country. Violation of these laws will lead to certain sanctions that are established by the community and are supported by the power of public opinion. The headquarter of Yorubaland is Ile-life where they believe creation started. Many Muslims and Christians may also intertwine their beliefs with more unorthodox indigenous ones. The traditionally nomadic Fulani can be found all over West and Central Africa. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. The way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). Shared below is some helpful information about Nigerian culture. 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. Let's appreciate and preserve our culture and traditions and use them as vehicles towards our development, growth, and unity. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting. While many artists still work in these traditions, more-contemporary artists, who combine African and Western traditions, also abound. 56 Likes, 1 Comments - Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (@kccnigeria_) on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN "Introduce Your Korea" Event 5 " ' " Nigerians typically hold a primary position of employment but are always on the lookout for other opportunities to generate supplemental income. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. 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. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. It explores what is meant by the term 'cultural heritage', while providing examples of same in Nigeria. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. Nigeria As A Country In Africa; The country Nigeria never come into existence not until the British empire colonies Nigeria and a named for the country was named after the dominating Niger river as put forward in the year 1980s by a journalist from British whose name is Flora Shaw and later . [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. The traditional Yoruba kingships still survive, but with only a hint of their former political power. . 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. Nigeria is a democratic country whose federal government resides in the countrys capital, Abuja, which is located in the middle of the country. [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. It also explores some of the challenges faced (legal and extralegal) in the protection of cultural heritage and discloses recent legal developments. 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. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. 5 importance of culture in nigeria Archives - 9jafoods Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. In literature, Chinua Achebe, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and, more recently, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have significant readership in the United States. If invited to dinner at someones home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host. In Nigeria, social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. The culture of the country is diverse and tends to differ from north to south. Vast wealth has been generated by it, and it is currently the second-largest film industry in the world by output. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. In Nigeria, there are more than 500 languages that are spoken. The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. [40][41] Socially, the Igbos are led by monarchs who had limited power historically. [53] They eventually became the most urbanized Africans of precolonial times. Several things go into greeting an elder in Nigeria, including ethnic background and gender. 5. This then ended up playing a significant role in the social life and culture of the Hausa people. Due to the ethnic make-up of the country, communication styles vary. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious. Different generations of Nigerians are closely connected due to their culture. 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. Nigerians are very religious and spiritual people. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. 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. This ethnic group is well known for their colourful but modest dress due to their strong religious beliefs. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. Things Fall Apart,[61] by Chinua Achebe, is an important book in African literature. 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. Ethnically, the population of the country is estimated to be made up of 29% Hausa/Fulani, the Yorubas make up 21% while the Igbos are believed to be about 18% of the entire population. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Culture In Nigeria Essay - 968 Words | Internet Public Library Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash, Catching a ride for the morning commute into work in Lagos. Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. Kanuri, Fulani, Hausa, Tiv - are the most densely populated groups that live in the north. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. Nigerians' Growing Cultural Influence Around the World You are also agreeing to our. A high value on Performance Orientation means the culture would ideally highly encourage and reward improvement and excellence (GLOBE, 2004). Nigeria has a rich culture. 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. A Nigerian generally waits for the woman to extend her hand. Gifts are not always opened when received. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. 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. 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? The larger number of families is because a higher number of children improves the social standing of a man. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO NIGERIA. by Lindsay Maizland Top 5 Best Bank in Nigeria for Online Transaction This policy document defined culture as " the totality of the way of life evolved by a people in their attempt to meet the challenges in their environment which gives order and meaning to their social, political, economic, aesthetic and religious . Age and position earns, even demands, respect. 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 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. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. Although the role of the extended family is diminishing somewhat in urban areas, there remains a strong tradition of mutual caring and responsibility among the members. 3. 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]. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. Such social niceties go a long way since. The Nigerian national football team,[73] nicknamed the "Super Eagles", is the national team of Nigeria, run by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. 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. Importance of culture in Nigeria - Legit.ng For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . However, none of the states in southern Nigeria allow this practice. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate. Types of Culture in Nigeria and Their Importance (2023) Food and eating food is a universal experience, an element of common ground in terms of . Quiz. Fashion is diverse and varies depending on the ethnic groups, culture, and religion. 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. 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. Protection of Cultural Heritage: The Nigerian experience Families are a crucial aspect of Nigerian society and are typically larger than in the west. Culture - Federal Ministry of Information and Culture Supporters of English football clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea often segregate beyond the traditional tribal and even religious divide to share their common cause in Premier League teams. In addition, Nigeria is home to an influential music scene, notably Afrobeat, which combines West African music styles with American funk and jazz. Maize is another crop that is commonly grown in Nigeria. [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. Their religion, mode of dressing, food, marriage, and language are all unique. Order via the button below to receive your Nigeria Insight in seconds or read more here before buying. His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. Dance for the Ubakala shows their value system, helps resolve conflicts, and also institutes change. After reading this article you will find out why. 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. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. Backed by a suite of sophisticated services and solutions, KPA brings in-depth insights, diverse experiences, and genuine care to every client engagement to deliver the results you need to exceed your set business goals. [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. 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. Discover w. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash. Therefore, old people are always granted respect. The importance of culture in Nigeria cannot be overestimated. 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. Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. 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 Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. It is a good idea to include any advanced university degree on your business card. [88] Hausa men wear barbarigas or kaftans (long flowing gowns) with tall decorated hats. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. Apart from the main three languages, the cultures of other tribes in Nigeria are equally unique and important. 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.