The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). 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. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. 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. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. Ekiti Yoruba dancers wear head masks so heavy that they can do only processional dances. The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. 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. 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 are fond of the expression, "When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations (with the exception of South Africa) catch cold.". 4) Lots of oil, little electricity. 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. 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. When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. According to the FIFA World Rankings, Nigeria ranks 31st and holds the second-highest place among the African nations behind Senegal (20th). Nigeria is the seventh-most populous country in the world, home to more than 200 million people. [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. Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. Some of these festivals include Odun Olojo, Iwude, and Osun-Osogbo amongst many others. Many religions are followed in Nigeria. This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. There is an indefinite number of cultures around the world. According to Yoruba Mythology, this group of people believes that they are descendants of Oduduwa. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. It is said that it was at Ife that the gods descended from heaven and created the world. Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. 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. The kora and the kakaki are also important. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. Men from this tribe are known to wear large flowing gowns known as Babban Riga and also a robe-like dress called Jalabia or Juanni. Nigeria has a rich culture. In Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. Nigeria is a democratic country whose federal government resides in the countrys capital, Abuja, which is located in the middle of the country. [88] Hausa men wear barbarigas or kaftans (long flowing gowns) with tall decorated hats. 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 populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. Culture creates favorable opportunities for acquiring knowledge and physical development. Violation of these laws will lead to certain sanctions that are established by the community and are supported by the power of public opinion. February 13, 2023 Families are a crucial aspect of Nigerian society and are typically larger than in the west. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. The traditionally nomadic Fulani can be found all over West and Central Africa. Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. Nigeria is the most important country politically and economically in West Africa. The Benin people of present-day Edo state had a culture that amazed the colonial masters when they first got to the ancient Benin kingdom. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. [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. Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. This then ended up playing a significant role in the social life and culture of the Hausa people. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. Silk (called tsamiya in Hausa, sanyan in Yoruba, and akpa-obubu in Igbo) is also used. In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training. Always wait until invited before using someones first name. Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. It is basically what makes a person human. Japanese culture places great value on respect, honor, discipline and personal growth. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. However, none of the states in southern Nigeria allow this practice. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. They are extremely tolerant of the languages of other people around them, leading to the suppression of theirs - especially in northern Nigeria by Hausa. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. [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). Being the first to find a settlement in the Lower Niger and Niger Delta, it is possible that they may have started inhabiting this region as far back as 500 BC. Things Fall Apart,[61] by Chinua Achebe, is an important book in African literature. Curtis shares a powerful quote from Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, about the importance of the first 100 hires in shaping a company's culture. 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. 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. 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. It has become a common lingua franca as a result. The Yoruba culture is rich and unique drawing comparison with no other culture around. Apart from the main three languages, the cultures of other tribes in Nigeria are equally unique and important. Some would argue that the real soundtrack of Nigeria is not Afrobeats, but the din of diesel generators as most Nigerians, even if they are connected to mains . 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. [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 helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. 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. In the pre-colonial period, they controlled a powerful empire. , and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. 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. 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. [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. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. The population of Nigeria makes up 1/8 of the inhabitants of the African continent. Even though most ethnic groups prefer to communicate in their own languages, English, being the official language, is widely used for education, business transactions and for official purposes. Prior to conducting business in a foreign country, understanding the countrys cultural landscape, people, beliefs, and cultural nuances are imperative. It is used for keeping records of important events, history and culture. Fermented palm products make a traditional liquor, palm wine, and also fermented cassava. Gifts are not always opened when received. In cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt traffic is very bad, and it takes skillful scheduling to avoid getting caught in it. #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. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. 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 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. 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. 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. Different generations of Nigerians are closely connected due to their culture. 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. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. It is basically what makes a person human. Therefore, old people are always granted respect. A very important source of information on modern Nigerian art is the Virtual Museum of Modern Nigerian Art operated by the Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. Nigerian music is enjoyed throughout Africa. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. The early mosques built by men of this tribe were bright and colourful often including intricate engravings and elaborate designs. The women tie wrappers called Abaya and wear blouses, head ties, shawls, and hijabs. Nigerian literature is known throughout the world. The Yoruba language has several versions of it spoken by different units within this ethnic group. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. Their logic is often contextual. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. The ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. 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. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. A curation of original analyses, data visualizations, and commentaries, examining the debates and efforts to improve health worldwide. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. Nigerian People And Culture - All You Need To Know. [53] They eventually became the most urbanized Africans of precolonial times. 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. Beautifully crafted sculptures of wood, brass, and terracotta are common things among the Yoruba. Lots of Yoruba people still practice the traditional religion but a large number have embraced Christianity and Islam. Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. All this diversity makes the unification of Nigerians into a single nation a rather difficult task. Every culture in Nigeria has unique diets, mode of dressing, mode of production, language, greetings, marriage, mode of socialization, political systems that could be annexed for development. Their origins are steeped in great traditions of religious obeisance, traditional games, folklore, dance and drama. Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. The singer and social activist Fela Kuti was instrumental in Nigeria's musical development. according to this 2013 Pew Research study. [26][27] They are an ethnic group that is primarily found in Edo State, and spread across the Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states of Nigeria in smaller concentrations. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. However, cultural differences should be perceived as wealth, not an obstacle. 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. 5. The Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. 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. Age and position always demand great respect. 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. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash. '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. 1. Therefore, foreigners who take the time to get to know the Nigerian as a person are considered friends and welcomed into a Nigerians inner circle of family and close friends.Nigerian communication can also be indirect and may rely on non-verbal cues.