In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. The Hausa and Fulani people live primarily in the North, the Igbo reside in the Southeast, and the Yoruba inhabit the Southwest. With improved learning and health, increased tolerance, and opportunities to come together with others, culture enhances our quality of life and increases overall well-being for both individuals and communities. They have a strong culture of colourful masquerades that entertain people during festivals and other important functions. Can culture exist without society? 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. In Nigeria, there are more than 500 languages that are spoken. Nigerian Culture and Why it is Important to Understand for - kpakpakpa [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. Long before the arrival of the Fulani people, the Hausa had already formed and made well-organised city states; some of these states include Katsina, Daura, Kano Zazzau (Zaria), Biram, Gobir and Borno. In other words, this is to say that, culture in its simple meaning can be the way of life . Many Muslims and Christians may also intertwine their beliefs with more unorthodox indigenous ones. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. The Igbo people share linguistic ties with their neighbours the Bini, Igala, Yoruba, and Idoma, with whom it is believed they were closely related until five to six thousand years ago. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. 5 Warning Signs of a Negative Organizational Culture | Organimi Therefore, culture serves as a social memory for mankind. 4) Lots of oil, little electricity. Working hours in the north often vary from those in the south so that Muslims do not work on their holy day, which is Friday. [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. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. 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. 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. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. Several things go into greeting an elder in Nigeria, including ethnic background and gender. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. Culture - Federal Ministry of Information and Culture The women tie wrappers called Abaya and wear blouses, head ties, shawls, and hijabs. Middle Eastern culture: Middle Eastern culture is a fascinating mixture of religious and traditional beliefs. Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. 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. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. It is used for communication. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. Fermented palm products make a traditional liquor, palm wine, and also fermented cassava. Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. 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. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. T, HOW TO GET A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN IN NIGERIA, THE LARGEST SEAPORTS IN NIGERIA LISTS Things To Know About Them, PROBLEMS OF ETHNICITY IN NIGERIA AND SOLUTIONS. Rice is eaten throughout the country, and in the north grains such as millet and wheat are a large part of the diet. In outlook, education, dress and taste, the Hausa people and their counterparts the Fulani have become a significant part of the Islamic world, this said influence still remains until the current day. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. Other symbols used to communicate and share stories are music, sculpture, dance, painting, theater etc. 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. [19] The Fulani and the Hausa are mostly Muslim, while the Igbo are mostly Christian and so are the Bini and the Ibibio. 10 Interesting Facts About Nigeria - US News & World Report The Benin people of present-day Edo state had a culture that amazed the colonial masters when they first got to the ancient Benin kingdom. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Other clothing gear includes a gele, which is the woman's headgear. We're helping multinational clients adequately prepare to thrive in the African market. 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. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. With nearly 200 million inhabitants, it also happens to be one of the world's largest countries by population. 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. Seven Indicators You Have A Culture That Values Security Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. You are also agreeing to our. 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. Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. Beautifully crafted sculptures of wood, brass, and terracotta are common things among the Yoruba. Meaning of Arts | Branches/Types of Art | Importance Uses of Art 5 importance of culture in nigeria Archives - 9jafoods Minority ethnic groups live throughout the nation although higher concentrations of these groups live in the northern and the middle regions of Nigeria. Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. The Hausa group (majority of them are Muslims) prevail in the northern region of Nigeria. In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. 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 . Simply change the country name depending on which guide you are referencing. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. The women wear their hair in native styles such as Suku. Therefore, foreigners who take the time to get to know the Nigerian as a person are considered friends and welcomed into a Nigerians inner circle of family and close friends.Nigerian communication can also be indirect and may rely on non-verbal cues. Their traditional religion, Ifa, has been recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the oral tradition of Humanity. 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 . Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. The highest position Nigeria ever reached on the ranking was 5th, in April 1994. 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. In recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. Nigerian food is mostly made up of meals that are high in carbohydrates, such as cassavas, rice, maize, yams, and plenty of vegetables. It is used for decoration and beautification. The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. 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. In masculine countries people "live in order to work", managers are expected to be decisive and assertive, the emphasis is on equity, competition and . 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. Nigeria scores 60 on this dimension and is thus a masculine society. 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. Therefore, if this is the first time you are meeting with a Nigerian company, you should expect to devote a decent period of time to getting to know people on a personal level. Significance of Ife Culture in Nigerian History The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. A colonial explorer stole Aboriginal spears in 1770. Centuries later Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. Kanuri, Fulani, Hausa, Tiv - are the most densely populated groups that live in the north. The most important issue of cultural development is certainly the issue of creation of either national Nigerian, or affirmation of ethnic cultural identity. Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. Food: An Important Feature Of Our Cultural Identity The Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. 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 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. Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. . The Kanuri people[12] are located in the northeast part of Nigeria, the Tiv people[13] of north central and the Efik-Ibibio[14] are in the south south. Photo by Ayoola Salako on Unsplash. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Several streams also flow into the caves . [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. The Ijaws were originally known by this name (Oru); at least it was what their immediate neighbours assumed them to be. Igbo, Hausa, Kanuri, Fulani, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio, and Tiv are some of the major groups that make up the maximum population of Nigeria. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. There is an indefinite number of cultures around the world. NIGERIAN PEOPLE And CULTURE - Facts & All You Need To Know The singer and social activist Fela Kuti was instrumental in Nigeria's musical development. Igbo dominate in the south-central and southeastern parts of the country. It can be argued that the intellectual level of a society depends on how adequately that particular society can use its richest knowledge embedded in history and generations past. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. [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. To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other persons general well-being. They shape and regulate his behavior. The way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions - WorldAtlas Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. Nigeria itself is home to several textile industries that go towards clothing the Nigerian people. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. 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. The Importance of Cultural Competence in Healthcare: The Case of Nigeria For this reason, newborns are regarded with joy and pride as they are the future. You put your proverbial (and actual) money where your mouth is in the form of budget and staff . It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. 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. However, cultural differences should be perceived as wealth, not an obstacle. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. Cultural conflicts can arise within large communities as a result. They are fond of the expression, "When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations (with the exception of South Africa) catch cold.". Nigerian literature is known throughout the world. Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. Nigeria's vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. A little more than half of all Nigerians are of the Christian faith, while most of the rest are Islamic. The yams can be mashed or fried in oil. Gifts are not always opened when received. Many religions are followed in Nigeria. The ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. The Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. Since then, Nigerian and African patterns, colour schemes, and motifs have been incorporated into Vlisco's designs to become a staple of the brand. Their origins are steeped in great traditions of religious obeisance, traditional games, folklore, dance and drama. Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. 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. 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. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. Nigerians' Growing Cultural Influence Around the World