8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. Their logic is often contextual. 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 mode of dressing of Yoruba males includes wearing Bubba and Sokoto and also a large flowing gown called Agbada. 4. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. Some more examples of their traditional dishes are eba, pounded yam, iyan, fufu and soups like okra, ogbono and egusi. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. Photo by Ayoola Salako on Unsplash. Nigerias culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into enhanced international prestige. To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other persons general well-being. 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. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. 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. Culture. 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. The yams can be mashed or fried in oil. Nigerias religious affiliations have recently made it into international news due to active, militant Islamic groups. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. Nigerian Food Culture and Customs: Three Yorb Sayings on It. You are already subscribed to our newsletter! In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. [51] The Yoruba people have always shared a common language called the Yoruba language and the same culture for hundreds of years now but they were less likely to be a single political unit. 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. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. 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. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. Several streams also flow into the caves . Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. Igbos are mostly farmers, traders, and craftsmen. The Hausa, who do not consider dancing to be an art, divide their dances into the categories of social dancing and ceremonial borii dances. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. 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. The people of ancient Nigeria were able to make their own weapons. [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. 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. The population of Nigeria makes up 1/8 of the inhabitants of the African continent. With improved learning and health, increased tolerance, and opportunities to come together with others, culture enhances our quality of life and increases overall well-being for both individuals and communities. [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. Here are seven signs indicating you have a culture that values security. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. 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. according to this 2013 Pew Research study. 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. 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 recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. Smiling and showing sincere pleasure at meeting the person is important. Music and art are important aspects of everyday life in the Hausa/Fulani and they are well known for the Dubar celebration. 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. 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. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. Ekiti Yoruba dancers wear head masks so heavy that they can do only processional dances. In this country, individuals usually become a part of one or more ethnic groups in Nigeria. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. 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. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. Many Muslims and Christians may also intertwine their beliefs with more unorthodox indigenous ones. Opay.ng - Every transaction made on this app is very fast; the delivery rate is 99%, which means you don't need to worry anytime you make a payment on this platform.Plus, every transaction on the app is free. 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. For this reason, newborns are regarded with joy and pride as they are the future. Nigerian food is mostly made up of meals that are high in carbohydrates, such as cassavas, rice, maize, yams, and plenty of vegetables. Global Health Program, Higher Education Webinar: Teaching the History of American Democracy, Webinar Unfortunately, in our country, some subcultures oppose each other which lead to the spread of cultural differences in Nigeria. Many use gestures when communicating. Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Middle Eastern culture: Middle Eastern culture is a fascinating mixture of religious and traditional beliefs. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. [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. 1. The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. 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. This is known as the Nze na Ozo title system. One of the earliest of these was Ben Ewonwu, who painted in oils as well as producing sculptures; to commemorate the visit to Nigeria of Queen Elizabeth II of England in 1956, Ewonwu made a bronze statue of her, later displayed at the Nigerian House of Representatives in Lagos. Silk (called tsamiya in Hausa, sanyan in Yoruba, and akpa-obubu in Igbo) is also used. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. [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. Culture is that complex as it consists of belief, knowledge, art, law, morals, customs, traditions and any other capabilities and habits which is acquired by man as a member of the society (Edward B. Tylor 1871). The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. Nigeria has a rich culture. 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. When employees join a company, they are doing so in return for fair compensation, career development, and various benefits. The Nigerian Government in September, 1988, launched the "National Cultural Policy". The principal exports are palm oil and palm kernels. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. Our culture determines the way we communicate with others. This is not a first name culture, although that may be changing with people under the age of 35. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual. The Yorubas are a diverse group of people bound together by language, history, culture and a common sense of origin. They shape and regulate his behavior. The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. The way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). The dry, open grasslands of the savanna make cereal farming and herding a way of life for the Hausa and Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname. 2. . [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. 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.