Meat is another delicacy that is prepared into something known as suya (a form of meat resembling barbecue meat) and wild meat (from giraffes and antelopes). Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. With nearly 200 million inhabitants, it also happens to be one of the world's largest countries by population. 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. [35] They have monarchs, are known for celebrating the Hawan Sallah festival,[36] and are also followers of the religious teachings of Sheikh Usman dan Fodio. 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. 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. 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. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. [81] Southern Nigerian women choose to wear western-style clothing. However, cultural differences should be perceived as wealth, not an obstacle. They are well known for their energetic dance steps, colourful attires, and masquerades. Some more examples of their traditional dishes are eba, pounded yam, iyan, fufu and soups like okra, ogbono and egusi. The population of Nigeria makes up 1/8 of the inhabitants of the African continent. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. Nigerian People And Culture - All You Need To Know. It also explores some of the challenges faced (legal and extralegal) in the protection of cultural heritage and discloses recent legal developments. 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. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. Quiz. Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting. The Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria commonly called Ndi Igbo are a very cultural set of people. A Hausa farmer. 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. 5. 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. THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO NIGERIA. Various other minor ethnic groups make up the rest of the country. 6. This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. 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. Kano Durbar. 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 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. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. [60], Nigeria is famous for its English language literature. Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. Their religion, mode of dressing, food, marriage, and language are all unique. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. 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. 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. They shape and regulate his behavior. This may take as long as two hours for an initial meeting. In the course of socialization the values, ideals, norms, patterns of behavior become a part of a person's self-awareness. More than 250 ethnic groups can be found in Nigeria today, each of which has its own traditions and customs. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. Four full-color images cover the page, each of the creators and editors of influential culture and fashion magazines based in Lagos. Present and receive business cards with two hands or the right hand, never with the left. Nigerian food offers a rich blend of traditionally African carbohydrates such as yam and cassava as well as the vegetable soups with which they are often served. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. [48][49], The Yoruba people are said to be one of the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, alongside the Igbo and the Hausa-Fulani peoples. [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. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. 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. Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. The Nigerian national football team,[73] nicknamed the "Super Eagles", is the national team of Nigeria, run by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). In Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. There is an indefinite number of cultures around the world. Food and eating food is a universal experience, an element of common ground in terms of . Another major Nigerian city is Port Harcourt. Nigeria is the seventh-most populous country in the world, home to more than 200 million people. Silk (called tsamiya in Hausa, sanyan in Yoruba, and akpa-obubu in Igbo) is also used. 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. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. They may raise their voices even more and become emotionally excited when they feel passionately about a topic. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. The yams can be mashed or fried in oil. [42][43], The Ijaw people are said to be a collection of people that are native to the Niger Delta area in Nigeria. Dance for the Ubakala shows their value system, helps resolve conflicts, and also institutes change. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. Soups can be thickened by adding ground egusi (melon) seeds. If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. Nigerias culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into enhanced international prestige. Many religions are followed in Nigeria. It is used for communication. The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! Minority ethnic groups live throughout the nation although higher concentrations of these groups live in the northern and the middle regions of Nigeria. Our culture determines the way we communicate with others. Nigeria's rich cultural heritage boasts of huge eclectic and colourful festivals that are full of rhythm, brilliant colours, fun and great pace. 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. In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. 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. It is used for expressing one's feelings. Adam Valavanis is a volunteer intern in the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. 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. In the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). It is used for commemoration. 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. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. [57] Led by the Nigerian traditional rulers (i.e. #1: A land of over 200 million smiles Home to over 200 million inhabitants, Nigeria has one of the largest populations of youth, and is the sixth most populous country in the world. If you're looking for expert help and advice on how to work effectively with Nigerians, then this is what we do! Vast wealth has been generated by it, and it is currently the second-largest film industry in the world by output. You invest in security. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. Nollywood movies are beginning to reach audiences in Europe and the United States, with cities such as Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and Toronto now hosting Nollywood film festivals. Nigerias vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. Culture creates favorable opportunities for acquiring knowledge and physical development. The Yoruba language is pleasing to the ear as it places a lot of emphasis on intonation. Their traditional religion, Ifa, has been recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the oral tradition of Humanity. Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. 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. Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. 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. 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Notable musicians include King Sunny Ade, who performed in a style called juju that combines the sounds of several guitars, vocals, and talking drums; and the politically charged Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, whose music is characterized by short songs and extended instrumental pieces. 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. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. [82] Perhaps the most popular fabric used in Nigerian fashion is Dutch wax print, produced in the Netherlands. 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). 4) Lots of oil, little electricity. Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. 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. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. In addition, they are also very good porters, weavers, and metalsmiths. [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. Nigeria is the most important country politically and economically in West Africa. [33][34], The Hausas, on the other hand, are said to be very good merchants. 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. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. 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. We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. "[67] Nigeria has other notable writers of English language literature. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. February 13, 2023 Other symbols used to communicate and share stories are music, sculpture, dance, painting, theater etc. [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. 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. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. 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. In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. Titles are important. Yams are frequently eaten either fried in oil or pounded to make a mashed potato-like yam pottage. 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. These are also important aspects of our culture. [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. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. 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. Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government. [63][64], Nigerian Nobel laureate[65] Wole Soyinka[66] described the work as "the first novel in English which spoke from the interior of the African character, rather than portraying the African as an exotic, as the white man would see him. 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. A gift for the children is always a nice touch. 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 fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). In cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. Fermented palm products make a traditional liquor, palm wine, and also fermented cassava. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds.