In addition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Naija Invest Gateway, provide real-time information on the Nigerian business culture. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting. [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. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. Their chiefs are therefore monarchs and titled individuals, with most of the latter group making up the membership of the Ogboni secret society. This then ended up playing a significant role in the social life and culture of the Hausa people. Funerals are also times when the family gathers. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. Their logic is often contextual. Dance for the Ubakala shows their value system, helps resolve conflicts, and also institutes change. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. The Ijaw people are said by some to be the descendants of the autochthonous people of Africa known as the (H) ORU. 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 boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. Artefacts stolen from Benin sit on shelves of many foreign museums and in the private homes of foreigners. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. [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). Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. Different generations of Nigerians are closely connected due to their culture. [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. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups with noticeable cultural differences among them. 4) Lots of oil, little electricity. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. 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 the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). 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. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. July 2, 2022 Odiraa 0 Comments 36 states in nigeria and their ethnic groups, 5 importance of culture in nigeria, ethnic groups in nigeria and their culture, interesting facts about nigerian culture, nigerian culture and tradition . Try to avoid using hyperbole or making exaggerated claims when presenting a business case as Nigerians are naturally suspicious of a deal that sounds too good to be true. Culture. Igbos are overwhelming Christians of Catholic extraction although a minority of them practice other religions such as Islam, Judaism, and the traditional Igbo religion. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. You put your proverbial (and actual) money where your mouth is in the form of budget and staff . The significance of Ife culture in Nigerian history will be discussed below: The Origin of Ife Culture in Nigeria In Yoruba land, Ife is considered the place of creation. Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government. In Nigeria, social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. 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. We live in a multi-faceted country. A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausas that are predominantly in the north, the Yorubas who predominate in the southwest, and the Igbos in the southeast. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. We're helping multinational clients adequately prepare to thrive in the African market. In addition, Nigeria is home to an influential music scene, notably Afrobeat, which combines West African music styles with American funk and jazz. Their origins are steeped in great traditions of religious obeisance, traditional games, folklore, dance and drama. It has the largest population in Africa and the land is endowed with vast quantities of natural resources. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. [33][34], The Hausas, on the other hand, are said to be very good merchants. Christians predominantly live in the south of the country, whereas Muslims live predominantly in the north. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. The Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria commonly called Ndi Igbo are a very cultural set of people. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. Four full-color images cover the page, each of the creators and editors of influential culture and fashion magazines based in Lagos. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname. However some of these states were conquered, taken over and re-established by the Fulani people which then led to the formation of a few other kingdoms such as Katagum, Hadejia and Gombe. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. 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. Nigeria has the fastest growing economy in Africa and the highest GNP on the continent. According to Yoruba Mythology, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Oduduwa. November 4, 2022 Annual Lecture on China: Frayed RelationsThe United States and China, Virtual Event They shape and regulate his behavior. Nigeria is a democratic country whose federal government resides in the countrys capital, Abuja, which is located in the middle of the country. He is assisted by a team of elders known as Enjoyed (Chiefs). Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash. At Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to give gifts of food and fruit. 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. 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. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! 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. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world. [8][9][10][11] There are many other ethnic groups with sizeable populations across the different parts of the country. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. 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. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. , and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. [23], The Binis, also called the Edo people,[25] are people of the South South region of modern Nigeria; they are said to be around 3.8 million as of the 21st Century. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other persons general well-being. . Nigerian People And Culture - All You Need To Know. Nigeria scores 60 on this dimension and is thus a masculine society. It is said that it was at Ife that the gods descended from heaven and created the world. [17][18], Nigeria's other ethnic groups, sometimes called 'minorities', are found throughout the country but especially in the north and the middle belt. For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. Silk (called tsamiya in Hausa, sanyan in Yoruba, and akpa-obubu in Igbo) is also used. It is basically what makes a person human. These are also important aspects of our culture. The pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, became internationally famous in the 1970s and 1980s and has inspired generations of Western artists, such as Talking Heads and Beyonc. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. Lagos is a bustling city that has become a melting pot of Nigerian tribes. Can culture exist without society? The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. 56 Likes, 1 Comments - Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (@kccnigeria_) on Instagram: "Winners of the KCCN "Introduce Your Korea" Event 5 " ' " 4. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. At the time of independence, many hoped that as a huge, democratic country, Nigeria would provide Africa with a seat at the table among the traditional international powers. 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. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. It is a good idea to include any advanced university degree on your business card. You may also find their tone slightly louder than elsewhere. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. The eastern part of Nigeria is the home of the Igbos, who are mostly Christians. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. The Igbo ethnic group, of which I belonged to, are mostly christian. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. Other Nigerian artists include the Nsukka group, formed at the University of Nigeria at Nsukka in the early 1970s, consisting of Uche Okeke, Chike Aniakor, Obiora Udechukwu, El Anatsui, Tayo Adenaike, Ada Udechukwu, and Olu Oguibe. [55] Oyo and the other kingdoms declined in the late 18th and 19th centuries owing to disputes among minor Yoruba rulers and invasions by the Fon of Dahomey (now Benin) and the Muslim Fulani. Rice is eaten throughout the country, and in the north grains such as millet and wheat are a large part of the diet. Whether in urban or rural areas, the family is the central institution. Nigerian Food Culture and Customs: Three Yorb Sayings on It. Quiz. 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. This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. 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. 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 Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. The population of Nigeria makes up 1/8 of the inhabitants of the African continent. Therefore, understanding Nigerian culture and way of life can seem like a daunting task, however, gaining this understanding will help you develop a robust action plan to build your business in the region. Discover w. Wait for a woman to extend her hand first. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. 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. 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. Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. LESSON 2 - IMPORTANCE/USES OF ART. 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. 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. 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. 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. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. The Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. It is used for communication. It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. Drinks include traditional brews like palm wine. 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. 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. Yams are frequently eaten either fried in oil or pounded to make a mashed potato-like yam pottage. The women wear wrappers and shirts and cover their heads with hijabs (veils).[89]. Nigeria's vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. It is used for expressing one's feelings. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Music is used to celebrate rulers and to accompany public assemblies, weddings and funerals, festivals, and storytelling. Trading, local crafts, and wage labour also are important in the Igbo economy, and a high literacy rate has helped many Igbo to become civil servants and business entrepreneurs in the decades after Nigeria gained independence. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. In cities like, Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. Culturally, Nigeria is like a coat of many colours. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. Ekpe masks and ikenga (personal shrines) from the Igbo in eastern Nigeria and ibeji (twin) sculptures from the Yoruba in western Nigeria are just three examples of the art produced in pre-colonial Nigeria. It used for . In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. The Yoruba language is pleasing to the ear as it places a lot of emphasis on intonation. As stated above, the three most influential ethnic group in Nigeria are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. by Olivia Angelino, Thomas J. Bollyky, Elle Ruggiero and Isabella Turilli With nearly 200 million inhabitants, it also happens to be one of the world's largest countries by population. Although the role of the extended family is diminishing somewhat in urban areas, there remains a strong tradition of mutual caring and responsibility among the members. All this diversity makes the unification of Nigerians into a single nation a rather difficult task. Four Aboriginal spears taken by British explorer James Cook in 1770, thought to be some of the oldest surviving artifacts collected by any European from Australia, will be repatriated to The Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. 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. It is used for keeping records of important events, history and culture. To prevent this, it is important to control the formation of cultural values in a society. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. In recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. 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. Always make time to share a tea with people you're doing business with. It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. Various other minor ethnic groups make up the rest of the country. Their traditional religion, Ifa, has been recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the oral tradition of Humanity. Nigerian foods are spicy, mostly in the western and southern part of the country, even more so than in Indian cuisine. [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. 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. Due to the ethnic make-up of the country, communication styles vary. Other groups worthy of mention are Ijaw, Edo, Itshekiri, Kanuri, Efik, and Tiv. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. Therefore, culture serves as a social memory for mankind. The Lalli or henna paintings and drawings are a very popular and indispensable part of their makeup. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. 'Odinana', on the contrary, is a code of life, handed down from Chukwu, God the Creator, to Eri, the patriarch of the Igbo race, to prevent chaos and confusion. Ekiti Yoruba dancers wear head masks so heavy that they can do only processional dances. 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. Other symbols used to communicate and share stories are music, sculpture, dance, painting, theater etc. 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. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. For men their traditional cap is called fila. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. 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. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. #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. You are also agreeing to our. 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. [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. Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures, Backgrounder 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. In other words, this is to say that, culture in its simple meaning can be the way of life . 5. The way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. 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. Radio, television, and other forms of home entertainment (e.g., recorded music and movies) have also grown in popularity, though their use is dependent on the availability of electricity. Nigeria is the most important country politically and economically in West Africa. [54] Oyo developed in the medieval and early modern periods into the largest of the Yoruba kingdoms, while Ile-Ife still remained a town of very strong religious significance as the site of the earth's creation according to Yoruba mythology. This article presents a high-level introduction to Nigeria's cultural heritage. [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. 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. In the course of socialization the values, ideals, norms, patterns of behavior become a part of a person's self-awareness. Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. 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. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. 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. 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. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. If invited to dinner at someones home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host. Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. In Igboland, both men and women tie wrappers. Igbo dominate in the south-central and southeastern parts of the country. Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. Pidgin English is a creolized form of the language. Kano Durbar. somethings gotta give I dont have what I need now, but I will have it eventually., I shouldnt complain because I should be grateful, Im fine. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). The earth spirit, Ana, is 'odinana', as is the sacred role of yam in the Igbo world, the right of inheritance, and the place of the elder. In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. 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. 1. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. Food is an important part of Nigerian life. Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. Helon Habila, Sefi Atta , Flora Nwapa, Iquo DianaAbasi Eke,[69] Zaynab Alkali and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,[70] among others, are notable Nigerian authors whose works are read widely within and outside the country.[71]. They have a strong culture of colourful masquerades that entertain people during festivals and other important functions.
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