5 importance of culture in nigeria

Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. Always make time to share a tea with people you're doing business with. 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. Nigerian food is mostly made up of meals that are high in carbohydrates, such as cassavas, rice, maize, yams, and plenty of vegetables. Nigerians are very religious and spiritual people. Here are seven signs indicating you have a culture that values security. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. The early mosques built by men of this tribe were bright and colourful often including intricate engravings and elaborate designs. 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. In this country, individuals usually become a part of one or more ethnic groups in Nigeria. 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. November 4, 2022 It is used for decoration and beautification. 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. It explores what is meant by the term 'cultural heritage', while providing examples of same in Nigeria. Food is an important part of Nigerian life. [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. It is basically what makes a person human. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! The highest position Nigeria ever reached on the ranking was 5th, in April 1994. You are already subscribed to our newsletter! This then ended up playing a significant role in the social life and culture of the Hausa people. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. These are the three main tribes in Nigeria, followed closely by the Edo people (southwest region), tribes in the Delta region (southernmost region), and the Benue State (Middle Belt region). Fashion is diverse and varies depending on the ethnic groups, culture, and religion. 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. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. The culture of the country is diverse and tends to differ from north to south. The Yorubas are a diverse group of people bound together by language, history, culture and a common sense of origin. The most popular Yoruba manifestations of this custom are the Gelede masquerades.[80]. 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 a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. In the course of socialization the values, ideals, norms, patterns of behavior become a part of a person's self-awareness. These are also important aspects of our culture. This is due to the large number of ethnic groups that exist in the country. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. [88] Hausa men wear barbarigas or kaftans (long flowing gowns) with tall decorated hats. Quiz. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. It is used for commemoration. A high value on Performance Orientation means the culture would ideally highly encourage and reward improvement and excellence (GLOBE, 2004). [17][18], Nigeria's other ethnic groups, sometimes called 'minorities', are found throughout the country but especially in the north and the middle belt. 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. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. The headquarter of Yorubaland is Ile-life where they believe creation started. As stated above, the three most influential ethnic group in Nigeria are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. Things arent perfect, but Im grateful for what I have., Factors to be Aware of When Visiting Nigeria for Business. In addition, Nigeria is home to an influential music scene, notably Afrobeat, which combines West African music styles with American funk and jazz. 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. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. 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. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. He is assisted by a team of elders known as Enjoyed (Chiefs). Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. Like many other aspects of life, food is a deeply rooted expression of identity, values, and way of life. [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). The traditionally nomadic Fulani can be found all over West and Central Africa. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. 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. The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. [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. February 22, 2023 Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. 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. The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. 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. Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. 1. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. 1. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. 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. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. The Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. 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. Wole Soyinka, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, was the first Black African to receive the award. The Igbos are renowned for their strong use of proverbs. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. 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. We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. The Palm Wine Drinkard, a popular novel by Amos Tutuola, was written in it. Stay up to date on the latest insights we have to offer. Culture In Nigeria Essay. Our culture determines the way we communicate with others. Rice is eaten throughout the country, and in the north grains such as millet and wheat are a large part of the diet. Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. They are extremely tolerant of the languages of other people around them, leading to the suppression of theirs - especially in northern Nigeria by Hausa. Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and in-laws all work as a unit through life.Family relationships are guided by hierarchy and seniority. Accelerate your innovation and transformation with a fully integrated suite of capabilities that puts digital at the heart of everything. 'Omenana' is man-made; it is easily changed and is adaptable. While that may be a lot of people, population . Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash, Catching a ride for the morning commute into work in Lagos. #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. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. Nigeria has a rich culture. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. The Yoruba are predominantly of mixed Muslim and Christian backgrounds.The Yoruba make up about 21% of the country's population estimated to be over 225 million and about half of the Yoruba are Muslim, with the other half being Christian. 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. 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]. Never write on your business card. The Ijaw people are said by some to be the descendants of the autochthonous people of Africa known as the (H) ORU. For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. [33][34], The Hausas, on the other hand, are said to be very good merchants. 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). 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. On November 5, the New York Times ran on the first page of its business section a long piece on the emergence of luxury lifestyle publications in Nigeria. 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 . The Okays make up 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5% and Tiv 2.5%. Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. ", "The Fulani - A Nomadic Tribe in Northern Nigeria", "Usman dan Fodio | Fulani leader | Britannica", "Igbo | Culture, Lifestyle, & Facts | Britannica", "Omenana and Odinana in the Igbo World: A Philosophical Appraisal", "ODINANI (OMENALA)- IGBO CONCEPT OF LAW AND MORALITY-signed.pdf", "NZE NA OZO TITLE IN IGBO CULTURE: A PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION ON ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN A CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY", "Ozo Title: An Indigenous Institution In Traditional Religion That Upholds Patriarchy In Igbo Land South-Eastern Nigeria", "Ijaw Culture: A brief walk into the lives of one of the world's most ancient people", "ijaw people - ethnic group - gospelflavour", "Showcasing The Ijaw Culture and People of Bayelsa from South-South Nigeria - Courtesy The Scout Association of Nigeria | World Scouting", "BRIEF HISTORY OF THE IJO PEOPLE Ijaw (IZON) World Studies", "The Traditional Political System of the Yoruba", "The kl (Yorb, Nigeria) Migration Theories and Insignia", "3. Before looking at the importance and types of culture in Nigeria, its good to know the definition. [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. LESSON 2 - IMPORTANCE/USES OF ART. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. 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. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. More than 250 ethnic groups can be found in Nigeria today, each of which has its own traditions and customs. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. It also explores some of the challenges faced (legal and extralegal) in the protection of cultural heritage and discloses recent legal developments. As mentioned above, Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. Therefore, old people are always granted respect. This group is predominantly Muslim as Islam was introduced into Nigeria by the Fulanis. In addition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Naija Invest Gateway, provide real-time information on the Nigerian business culture. [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. We're helping multinational clients adequately prepare to thrive in the African market. This ethnic group is well known for their colourful but modest dress due to their strong religious beliefs. The Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria commonly called Ndi Igbo are a very cultural set of people. With an increasingly cosmopolitan elite, Olanrewaju writes, luxury brands are eager to establish firmer footholds there. Although all of these magazines discuss the latest fashion trends, some also choose to take on taboo issues such as drug abuse and domestic violence. Yams are frequently eaten either fried in oil or pounded to make a mashed potato-like yam pottage. The mode of dressing of Yoruba males includes wearing Bubba and Sokoto and also a large flowing gown called Agbada. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. 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. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. The app is highly secured, licensed by CBN and insured by NDIC which makes your money safe even if anything goes wrong. 'Odinana', as the immutable customary rites and traditions of the Igbo world, is enduring and cuts across indigenous Igbo people, while 'omenana' is rather relative from one section of the Igbo to the other. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. Soups can be thickened by adding ground egusi (melon) seeds. Unfortunately, in our country, some subcultures oppose each other which lead to the spread of cultural differences in Nigeria. For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. 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 . Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. For those needing a more detailed and comprehensive overview of Nigeria we have published an expert, Report on Nigerian Society, Culture & Business, here to learn more about our customized cultural training. 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. At Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to give gifts of food and fruit. It is basically what makes a person human. 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. 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. You put your proverbial (and actual) money where your mouth is in the form of budget and staff . The traditional Yoruba kingships still survive, but with only a hint of their former political power. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. Apart from the speakers of standard English, a large portion of the population, roughly a third, speaks Nigerian pidgin, which has a primarily English lexicon. A complimentary cap called Fila may be added to the dressing. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. Order via the button below to receive your Nigeria Insight in seconds or read more here before buying. Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. by Lindsay Maizland Culture regulates the behavior of a person in his family, school, at work, home, etc., by putting forward a system of prescriptions and prohibitions. The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). Other forms of traditional food include fufu, eba, okra, egusi, and ogbono. Christians predominantly live in the south of the country, whereas Muslims live predominantly in the north. The importance of culture in Nigeria cannot be overestimated. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other persons general well-being. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. Different generations of Nigerians are closely connected due to their culture. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. Retrieved from https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide. 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. We can say that culture as a whole determines the framework in which a person can and should act. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. . Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. 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. This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. Nigerian Food Culture and Customs: Three Yorb Sayings on It. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach, Nigerians Growing Cultural Influence Around the World, Conflict at the Root of Food Insecurity in Africa, Swift Response to Open Letter Alleging Gender-Based Corruption in Rwandan Cycling. Nigerian cities tend to be highly populated as many people flock to urban environments for better employment opportunities. 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. [19] The Fulani and the Hausa are mostly Muslim, while the Igbo are mostly Christian and so are the Bini and the Ibibio. Whether in urban or rural areas, the family is the central institution. 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. Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. 5. Other Nigerian men and women typically wear a traditional style called Buba. Hausa/Fulani ethnic group is made up of two hitherto different ethnic groups that have now intermixed to the extent that they are regarded as one inseparable ethnic nation. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. . They are fond of the expression, "When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations (with the exception of South Africa) catch cold.". The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. Several streams also flow into the caves . They shape and regulate his behavior. The Yoruba language has several versions of it spoken by different units within this ethnic group. Some of these dialects include Egba, Ekiti, Ijesha, Egun etc. 56 Likes, 1 Comments - Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (@kccnigeria_) on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN "Introduce Your Korea" Event 5 " ' " In Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. For men the loose-fitting shirt goes down to halfway down the thigh. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. It has the largest population in Africa and the land is endowed with vast quantities of natural resources. As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. Silk (called tsamiya in Hausa, sanyan in Yoruba, and akpa-obubu in Igbo) is also used. 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. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate. [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. 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. The Ijaws were originally known by this name (Oru); at least it was what their immediate neighbours assumed them to be. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures, Backgrounder 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. Men may place their left hand on the other persons shoulder while shaking hands. February 13, 2023 The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. Apart from the main three languages, the cultures of other tribes in Nigeria are equally unique and important. 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. Nigerias religious affiliations have recently made it into international news due to active, militant Islamic groups. Things Fall Apart,[61] by Chinua Achebe, is an important book in African literature. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. It used for . A gift for the children is always a nice touch. Nigerian literature is known throughout the world. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. Nigeria has the fastest growing economy in Africa and the highest GNP on the continent. Prioritize employee satisfaction. [8][9][10][11] There are many other ethnic groups with sizeable populations across the different parts of the country. Other clothing gear includes a gele, which is the woman's headgear. They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. [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. 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. 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. Such social niceties go a long way since. The eastern part of Nigeria is the home of the Igbos, who are mostly Christians. The fact that the Times chose to profile the heads of Nigerias lifestyle magazines on the front page of its business section is even more notable, as it illustrates the growth of Nigerias international cultural influence. Igbos are overwhelming Christians of Catholic extraction although a minority of them practice other religions such as Islam, Judaism, and the traditional Igbo religion. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their. Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash.

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5 importance of culture in nigeria