Age and position earns, even demands, respect. Nigeria's most important. This then ended up playing a significant role in the social life and culture of the Hausa people. The Yoruba language has several versions of it spoken by different units within this ethnic group. The bulk of the Hausa-Fulani population is mainly centered in and around the centres of Sokoto, Kano and Katsina, which are said to be important market centres on the southern area of the trans-Saharan caravan trade routes. Historically, Nigerian fashion incorporated many different types of fabrics. He is assisted by a team of elders known as Enjoyed (Chiefs). Violation of these laws will lead to certain sanctions that are established by the community and are supported by the power of public opinion. In the course of socialization the values, ideals, norms, patterns of behavior become a part of a person's self-awareness. Retrieved from https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide. The Lalli or henna paintings and drawings are a very popular and indispensable part of their makeup. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. Unique to Nigeria, the percentage of Christians to Muslims are nearly equal, with a small percentage being allocated to populations that practice indigenous religions. In Nigeria, social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. Nigerian food offers a rich blend of traditionally African carbohydrates such as yam and cassava as well as the vegetable soups with which they are often served. When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. Rice is eaten throughout the country, and in the north grains such as millet and wheat are a large part of the diet. Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash. masterpiece of the oral tradition of Humanity, all of whom have been titled chiefs of various ethnic groups, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Nigerian cultural values are under threat, Toyin Falola, US scholar, warns", "Culture Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria", "Culture Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Korea", "Nigeria: most common languages spoken at home 2020", "There are 27 languages close to extinction in Nigeria", "Igbos, Yorubas have historical ties - Ooni of Ife", "Nigeria: The politics of religion in a transitional society, By Rotimi Akeredolu", "Major tribes in Nigeria and their states with all the details", "Full list of all 371 tribes in Nigeria, states where they originate", "Tooth Dyeing Tradition among the Kanuri Speaking People of Borno, Nigeria", "Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Enugu: Tale of four cities The Nation Newspaper", "Fulani | People, Religion, & Nigeria | Britannica", "Islam has a small presence in Nigeria's Igbo region: what a new Quran translation offers", "Chrislam: Defying Nigeria's Religious Boundaries", "The Oba of Benin Kingdom: A history of the monarchy", "Benin: The hallowed culture of one of the world's most ancient people", "Fulani and Hausa: What's the difference? It is used for expressing one's feelings. 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 However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. Nigerias culture is made up of several ethnic groups that speak 527 different languages. Academic and Higher Education Webinars, C.V. Starr & Co. [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. For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. Many Muslims and Christians may also intertwine their beliefs with more unorthodox indigenous ones. The ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. 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. Kano Durbar. For men their traditional cap is called fila. Discover w. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. The Ogbunike Caves are found in a valley in the tropical forest of southeast Nigeria, in Anambra State. Wole Soyinka, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, was the first Black African to receive the award. A curation of original analyses, data visualizations, and commentaries, examining the debates and efforts to improve health worldwide. It is used for decoration and beautification. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. It has the largest population in Africa and the land is endowed with vast quantities of natural resources. , and definitely, go the extra mile to make sure to throw notable and enjoyable events for their attendees. The app is highly secured, licensed by CBN and insured by NDIC which makes your money safe even if anything goes wrong. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. They may raise their voices even more and become emotionally excited when they feel passionately about a topic. As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. Titles are important. 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. The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. It used for . PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government. A high value on Performance Orientation means the culture would ideally highly encourage and reward improvement and excellence (GLOBE, 2004). The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. Each musician organized a large band with a horn section, a variety of drummers, and many guitar players. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. 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. Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. Annual Lecture on China. As stated above, the three most influential ethnic group in Nigeria are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. Its members amassed great wealth while serving as middlemen, and the preponderance of English names among them today is a testament to the trade names adopted by their ancestors at this time. The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash. Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. Quiz. Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. Middle Eastern culture: Middle Eastern culture is a fascinating mixture of religious and traditional beliefs. You must take the time to ask about the persons health, the health of their family, or other social niceties. [19] The Fulani and the Hausa are mostly Muslim, while the Igbo are mostly Christian and so are the Bini and the Ibibio. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Shared below is some helpful information about Nigerian culture. We live in a multi-faceted country. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. 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 climate also varies slightly depending on the region. Other clothing gear includes a gele, which is the woman's headgear. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. Accelerate your innovation and transformation with a fully integrated suite of capabilities that puts digital at the heart of everything. 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. 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. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. 5. 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 Yorubas are a diverse group of people bound together by language, history, culture and a common sense of origin. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. Renewing America, Backgrounder 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. '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. Cultural conflicts can arise within large communities as a result. At Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to give gifts of food and fruit. 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. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. 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]. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. 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. Their logic is often contextual. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. 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. Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. The Yoruba culture emphasizes respect for elders which is why ladies kneel and men prostrate to greet their elders. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Always wait until invited before using someones first name. The way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. [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 most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. 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. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. The Ijaw people are said by some to be the descendants of the autochthonous people of Africa known as the (H) ORU. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. The Igbo ethnic group, of which I belonged to, are mostly christian. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. 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. 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. Igbos are mostly farmers, traders, and craftsmen. Drinks include traditional brews like palm wine. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. 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. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. 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. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. Various other minor ethnic groups make up the rest of the country. 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. This article presents a high-level introduction to Nigeria's cultural heritage. Their origins are steeped in great traditions of religious obeisance, traditional games, folklore, dance and drama. Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their. 2. [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). 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. Prioritize employee satisfaction. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. In addition, they are also very good porters, weavers, and metalsmiths. Never write on your business card. Families are a crucial aspect of Nigerian society and are typically larger than in the west. After radio and television stations were established in all the state capitals, they began broadcasting programs featuring traditional music and dance, folk operas, and storytelling; these programs are now available in some 25 languages. The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. These figures are expected to confer subordinate titles upon men and women that are highly accomplished. Meat is also popular and Nigerian suyaa barbecue-like roasted meatis a well-known delicacy. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. Smiling and showing sincere pleasure at meeting the person is important. [20][21][22] Indigenous religious practices remain important to all of Nigeria's ethnic groups however, and frequently these beliefs are blended with Christian or Muslim beliefs, a practice known as syncretism. Most weekdays. They are extremely tolerant of the languages of other people around them, leading to the suppression of theirs - especially in northern Nigeria by Hausa. Nigeria has the fastest growing economy in Africa and the highest GNP on the continent. Kanuri, Fulani, Hausa, Tiv - are the most densely populated groups that live in the north. 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. 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 . 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. Another major Nigerian city is Port Harcourt. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. This ethnic group is well known for their colourful but modest dress due to their strong religious beliefs. To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other persons general well-being. They shape and regulate his behavior. The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). January 31, 2022, How Tobacco Laws Could Help Close the Racial Gap on Cancer, Interactive Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. February 22, 2023 'Omenana' is man-made; it is easily changed and is adaptable. 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. Soups can be thickened by adding ground egusi (melon) seeds. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. 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. The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. Things arent perfect, but Im grateful for what I have., Factors to be Aware of When Visiting Nigeria for Business. 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. Food and eating food is a universal experience, an element of common ground in terms of . Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. Beautifully crafted sculptures of wood, brass, and terracotta are common things among the Yoruba. 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. 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. In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. Always make time to share a tea with people you're doing business with. 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. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. Any attempt to bypass this protocol will hamper your business success. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). Stay up to date on the latest insights we have to offer. Language is the most important way of mastering the national culture. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan.