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. If invited to dinner at someones home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Nigeria itself is home to several textile industries that go towards clothing the Nigerian people. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. Minority ethnic groups live throughout the nation although higher concentrations of these groups live in the northern and the middle regions of Nigeria. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. Several streams also flow into the caves . For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. Traditionally, cultures such as the Yoruba used to wear clothing such as gele (a cloth wrapped around the head by women), afbada (a robe for formal functions), and other forms of attire. If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. 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 traditionally nomadic Fulani can be found all over West and Central Africa. This overview of Nigerian culture has, hopefully, provided you with the insight you need to ensure the successful expansion of your business, as a new entrant in the Nigerian market. #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. 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . The constitution guarantees religious freedom. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. [46], Language and cultural studies suggest that they are related to the founders of the Great Nile Valley civilization complex (and possibly the lake Chad complex). More than 250 ethnic groups can be found in Nigeria today, each of which has its own traditions and customs. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . . They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. This ethnic group is well known for their colourful but modest dress due to their strong religious beliefs. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. 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. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. The people of ancient Nigeria were able to make their own weapons. 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. 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. Nigerians are generally, enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. 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. 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. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. The Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training. Discover w. [79], Other traditional cultural expressions are found in the various masquerades of Nigeria, such as the Eyo masquerades of Lagos, the Ekpe and Ekpo masquerades of the Efik/Ibibio/Annang/Igbo peoples of coastal southeastern Nigeria, and the Northern masquerades of the Bini. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. This article presents a high-level introduction to Nigeria's cultural heritage. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. Another major Nigerian city is Port Harcourt. The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. The mode of dressing of Yoruba males includes wearing Bubba and Sokoto and also a large flowing gown called Agbada. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. The Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. 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. 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. 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. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. Apart from culture, society does not have any other mechanisms with which to concentrate and gather the wealth of the experience that has been accumulated by previous generations. Due to the ethnic make-up of the country, communication styles vary. In the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). They are ruled by monarchs, and are famous for their Benin Bronzes. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. It is used for keeping records of important events, history and culture. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Nigerias religious affiliations have recently made it into international news due to active, militant Islamic groups. The kora and the kakaki are also important. Order via the button below to receive your Nigeria Insight in seconds or read more here before buying. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. Funerals are also times when the family gathers. 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. [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. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). It explores what is meant by the term 'cultural heritage', while providing examples of same in Nigeria. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. Beautifully crafted sculptures of wood, brass, and terracotta are common things among the Yoruba. 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. One of the main features of culture in Nigeria is its hierarchical system. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. January 31, 2022, How Tobacco Laws Could Help Close the Racial Gap on Cancer, Interactive In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. The most important task for the government is to find ways to unite people, rather than divide them. 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. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. [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. Some of the most prominent ethnic groups include the likes of the Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Ijaw. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. Food is an important part of Nigerian life. Since then, Nigerian and African patterns, colour schemes, and motifs have been incorporated into Vlisco's designs to become a staple of the brand. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. In the southwest, where the people are from the Yoruba tribe, peoples communication employs proverbs, sayings and even songs to enrich the meaning of what they say. The language they speak is called the Edo language. 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. Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. Yorubas have a strong political system with the Oba at the helm of affairs. 6. 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. 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 Hausa, who do not consider dancing to be an art, divide their dances into the categories of social dancing and ceremonial borii dances. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. Igbos are overwhelming Christians of Catholic extraction although a minority of them practice other religions such as Islam, Judaism, and the traditional Igbo religion. Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting. 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. The Lalli or henna paintings and drawings are a very popular and indispensable part of their makeup. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate. As its name indicates, Port Harcourt is another port city that also hosts an international airport. Team members should present a united front at meetings. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. According to Yoruba Mythology, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Oduduwa. February 22, 2023 Gifts are not always opened when received. , and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. The traditional Yoruba kingships still survive, but with only a hint of their former political power. You must take the time to ask about the persons health, the health of their family, or other social niceties. Their traditional religion, Ifa, has been recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the oral tradition of Humanity. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. 'Omenana' is man-made; it is easily changed and is adaptable. Before looking at the importance and types of culture in Nigeria, its good to know the definition. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. 1950 W. Corporate Way PMB 25615, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA.+44 0330 027 0207 or +1 (818) 532-6908, 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK.1950 W. Corporate Way PMB 25615, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA.+44 0330 027 0207+1 (818) 532-6908. 1. Prioritize employee satisfaction. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. Four full-color images cover the page, each of the creators and editors of influential culture and fashion magazines based in Lagos. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. The architectural mastery of the Hausas is perhaps one of the least known buys the most beautiful of the medieval age. 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. Their chiefs are therefore monarchs and titled individuals, with most of the latter group making up the membership of the Ogboni secret society. You are already subscribed to our newsletter! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); TYPES OF CULTURE IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPORTANCE (2023). Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. 5. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. Nigeria is the most important country politically and economically in West Africa. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. February 13, 2023 All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. Weekly. 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. The Okays make up 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5% and Tiv 2.5%. Things Fall Apart,[61] by Chinua Achebe, is an important book in African literature. A Hausa farmer. 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). They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. Nigerias culture is made up of several ethnic groups that speak 527 different languages. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. 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. 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. Most weekdays. [60], Nigeria is famous for its English language literature. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. 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. Families are a crucial aspect of Nigerian society and are typically larger than in the west. [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. The principal exports are palm oil and palm kernels. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. 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. 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. Our culture determines the way we communicate with others. 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. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. Here are seven signs indicating you have a culture that values security.
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