The women wear wrappers and shirts and cover their heads with hijabs (veils).[89]. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. [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. 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 language they speak is called the Edo language. The women wear a puffed sleeved blouse, two wrappers and a headwrap. Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . Importance of culture Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. Never use the left hand only. 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. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. 2. 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. [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. Anywhere you find yourself in the Nigerian territory, you will meet a unique group of people who are set in their ways and would blow your mind away with their ways of life. To prevent this, it is important to control the formation of cultural values in a society. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. A little more than half of all Nigerians are of the Christian faith, while most of the rest are Islamic. The Nigerian Government in September, 1988, launched the "National Cultural Policy". It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. Several things go into greeting an elder in Nigeria, including ethnic background and gender. Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. 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. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. Nigeria is a democratic country whose federal government resides in the countrys capital, Abuja, which is located in the middle of the country. Wait for a woman to extend her hand first. [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. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of 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. A complimentary cap called Fila may be added to the dressing. 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. 1. The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. However, none of the states in southern Nigeria allow this practice. February 1, 2023 Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. For men their traditional cap is called fila. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. [45] From a historical perspective, it is almost impossible to give a precise and accurate account as to when and where the Ijaws originated, numerous different accounts have been given by many historians regarding this issue but what is certain is that the Ijaws are one of the world's most ancient peoples. Most weekdays. More than 250 ethnic groups can be found in Nigeria today, each of which has its own traditions and customs. Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. Nigerian food is mostly made up of meals that are high in carbohydrates, such as cassavas, rice, maize, yams, and plenty of vegetables. The culture of the country is diverse and tends to differ from north to south. [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] Culture In Nigeria Essay. Nigerian cities tend to be highly populated as many people flock to urban environments for better employment opportunities. As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. Prior to conducting business in a foreign country, understanding the countrys cultural landscape, people, beliefs, and cultural nuances are imperative. Individuals turn to members of the extended family for financial aid and guidance, and the family is expected to provide for the welfare of every member. The women wear their hair in native styles such as Suku. If invited to dinner at someones home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host. The import market for this fabric is dominated by the Dutch company Vlisco,[83] which has been selling its Dutch wax print fabric to Nigerians since the late 1800s, when the fabric was sold along the company's oceanic trading route to Indonesia. 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. Nigerians are generally, enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. [17][18], Nigeria's other ethnic groups, sometimes called 'minorities', are found throughout the country but especially in the north and the middle belt. You put your proverbial (and actual) money where your mouth is in the form of budget and staff . Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. The Yoruba culture emphasizes respect for elders which is why ladies kneel and men prostrate to greet their elders. , and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. The Yoruba language has several versions of it spoken by different units within this ethnic group. Music is used to celebrate rulers and to accompany public assemblies, weddings and funerals, festivals, and storytelling. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. These are also important aspects of our culture. The Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria commonly called Ndi Igbo are a very cultural set of people. The major native languages spoken in Nigeria represent three major families of African languages - the majority are Niger-Congo languages, such as Yoruba, Ibo, the Hausa language is Afro-Asiatic; and Kanuri, spoken in the northeast, primarily Borno State, is a member of the Nilo-Saharan family. 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. [88] Hausa men wear barbarigas or kaftans (long flowing gowns) with tall decorated hats. Their origins are steeped in great traditions of religious obeisance, traditional games, folklore, dance and drama. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. Other Nigerian men and women typically wear a traditional style called Buba. The most important issue of cultural development is certainly the issue of creation of either national Nigerian, or affirmation of ethnic cultural identity. He is assisted by a team of elders known as Enjoyed (Chiefs). The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. With nearly 200 million inhabitants, it also happens to be one of the world's largest countries by population. Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname. The Igbo ethnic group, of which I belonged to, are mostly christian. 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. Nigeria's most important. 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. In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. Other symbols used to communicate and share stories are music, sculpture, dance, painting, theater etc. Nigeria itself is home to several textile industries that go towards clothing the Nigerian people. 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. [44] With a population of over ten million, the Ijaws are arguably the most populous tribe inhabiting the Niger Delta section and arguably the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria occupying about 10% of Nigeria's population. Each musician organized a large band with a horn section, a variety of drummers, and many guitar players. 5. 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 Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. That the Igbos were prospering long before the colonial masters came The Igbo-Ukwu culture's place in Nigerian history also demonstrates that the indigenous inhabitants of Nigeria had a stable way of life and were prospering long before the arrival of the colonial rulers. Discover w. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. As its name indicates, Port Harcourt is another port city that also hosts an international airport. 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. Present and receive business cards with two hands or the right hand, never with the left. Nigeria has a rich culture. The Yorubas are fun-loving people and are known for their eye-catching, colourful and rhythmic dance steps. They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. A Nigerian generally waits for the woman to extend her hand. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. Some of the most prominent ethnic groups include the likes of the Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Ijaw. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. Due to the ethnic make-up of the country, communication styles vary. Since then, Nigerian and African patterns, colour schemes, and motifs have been incorporated into Vlisco's designs to become a staple of the brand. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. We can say that culture as a whole determines the framework in which a person can and should act. Nigerian People And Culture - All You Need To Know. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their. In Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. Various other minor ethnic groups make up the rest of the country. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". Friends may address each other in a variety of ways: the title and the first name, the first name alone, the surname alone, or a nickname. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. 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. Men from this tribe are known to wear large flowing gowns known as Babban Riga and also a robe-like dress called Jalabia or Juanni. 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. Gifts are not always opened when received. A gift for the children is always a nice touch. Beautifully crafted sculptures of wood, brass, and terracotta are common things among the Yoruba. Funerals are also times when the family gathers. Therefore, old people are always granted respect. Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. Renewing America, Backgrounder
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