5 importance of culture in nigeria

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. This is known as the Nze na Ozo title system. 4. A gift for the children is always a nice touch. Investing in your people is an investment in a healthy culture, and so it follows that a lack of investment is one of the biggest cultural risk factors. The early mosques built by men of this tribe were bright and colourful often including intricate engravings and elaborate designs. 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. The climate in Nigeria is typically hot, ranging from 28 38 degrees Celsius depending on the time of the year. 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. Team members should present a united front at meetings. Always make time to share a tea with people you're doing business with. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. Prioritize employee satisfaction. 10 Traditions Only Nigerians Can Understand - Culture Trip 90 Nigerian Culture Facts That Shed Light On African Countries The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. [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. Nigeria itself is home to several textile industries that go towards clothing the Nigerian people. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. The Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. Some more examples of their traditional dishes are eba, pounded yam, iyan, fufu and soups like okra, ogbono and egusi. The kora and the kakaki are also important. While that may be a lot of people, population . In the pre-colonial period, they controlled a powerful empire. In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. However, none of the states in southern Nigeria allow this practice. The traditionally nomadic Fulani can be found all over West and Central Africa. Different generations of Nigerians are closely connected due to their culture. Nigerias culture is made up of several ethnic groups that speak 527 different languages. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. Stay up to date on the latest insights we have to offer. Preserving Nigeria's cultural heritage - Daily Trust Nigerian Food Culture and Customs: Three Yorb Sayings on It. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname. Nigerias vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. The Yoruba culture is rich and unique drawing comparison with no other culture around. The Importance of Cultural Competence in Healthcare: The Case of Nigeria There is an indefinite number of cultures around the world. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. There is a large variety of linguistic and ethnic groups in the country. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Their traditional religion, Ifa, has been recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the oral tradition of Humanity. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. [53] They eventually became the most urbanized Africans of precolonial times. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. It has the largest population in Africa and the land is endowed with vast quantities of natural resources. Nigerian contemporary music, which combines Western popular music with indigenous forms, has been exported throughout the world and has had wide influence (see also African popular music). When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. The most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile. For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". 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. Nigerian music is enjoyed throughout Africa. Lagos is a bustling city that has become a melting pot of Nigerian tribes. The mode of dressing of Yoruba males includes wearing Bubba and Sokoto and also a large flowing gown called Agbada. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. [57] Led by the Nigerian traditional rulers (i.e. 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 . 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. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. The way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. It is a good idea to maintain a polite and somewhat reserved manner until the person you are meeting drops some of his formality. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. A colonial explorer stole Aboriginal spears in 1770. Centuries later [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. Nigerian Culture and Why it is Important to Understand for - kpakpakpa Food is an important part of Nigerian life. It is used for communication. [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. Successful Nigerians, such as businessmen and the said politicians, typically themselves aspire to the holding of chieftaincies, and the monarchs' control of the honours system that provides them to them serves as an important royal asset. [82] Perhaps the most popular fabric used in Nigerian fashion is Dutch wax print, produced in the Netherlands. Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. 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. Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups with noticeable cultural differences among them. This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. 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. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. 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. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. It is a good idea to include any advanced university degree on your business card. Apart from the main three languages, the cultures of other tribes in Nigeria are equally unique and important. 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. In Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. 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. 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. [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. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. In addition, they are also very good porters, weavers, and metalsmiths. 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. Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. The country has over 50 languages and over 250 dialects and ethnic groups. Smiling and showing sincere pleasure at meeting the person is important. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. They may raise their voices even more and become emotionally excited when they feel passionately about a topic. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. The Hausa/Fulani people are known for their unique cultural practices most of which have stood the test of time. Several streams also flow into the caves . Each musician organized a large band with a horn section, a variety of drummers, and many guitar players. The Yoruba culture emphasizes respect for elders which is why ladies kneel and men prostrate to greet their elders. You may also find their tone slightly louder than elsewhere. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. In addition, Nigeria is home to an influential music scene, notably Afrobeat, which combines West African music styles with American funk and jazz. 4. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. Minority ethnic groups live throughout the nation although higher concentrations of these groups live in the northern and the middle regions of Nigeria. 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. Drinks include traditional brews like palm wine. The headquarter of Yorubaland is Ile-life where they believe creation started. ", "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. Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. Igbos are mostly farmers, traders, and craftsmen. Soups can be thickened by adding ground egusi (melon) seeds. They shape and regulate his behavior. Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. "[67] Nigeria has other notable writers of English language literature. 6. Age and position always demand great respect. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. 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. Any attempt to bypass this protocol will hamper your business success. 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. Nigerians celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Independence Day (October 1), Workers Day (May 1), and various Christian and Islamic holidays. Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. Although this was a very long time ago, the Ijaws have, however, kept the ancient language and culture of the Orus. Before looking at the importance and types of culture in Nigeria, its good to know the definition. Nigeria has the fastest growing economy in Africa and the highest GNP on the continent. 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. LESSON 2 - IMPORTANCE/USES OF ART. Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. 968 Words4 Pages. Never write on your business card. Annual Lecture on China: Frayed RelationsThe United States and China, Virtual Event Meaning of Arts | Branches/Types of Art | Importance Uses of Art 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. Order via the button below to receive your Nigeria Insight in seconds or read more here before buying. [40][41] Socially, the Igbos are led by monarchs who had limited power historically. If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. 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. 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. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. Culturally, Nigeria is like a coat of many colours. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. The highest position Nigeria ever reached on the ranking was 5th, in April 1994. You put your proverbial (and actual) money where your mouth is in the form of budget and staff . [56], Ever since the country's earliest centralization - under the Nokites at a time contemporaneous to the birth of Jesus Christ - Nigeria has been ruled by a class of titled potentates that are known as chiefs. By entering your email and clicking subscribe, you're agreeing to receive announcements from CFR about our products and services, as well as invitations to CFR events. 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. The Nigerian People and Culture - WorldAtlas Many use gestures when communicating. A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . Nigeria's culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into . Fufu is so emblematic of Nigeria that it figures in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, for example. Nigeria's vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. Artefacts stolen from Benin sit on shelves of many foreign museums and in the private homes of foreigners. Individuals turn to members of the extended family for financial aid and guidance, and the family is expected to provide for the welfare of every member. 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. 5. What is Nigerian cultural heritage? - AdvertisingRow.com 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The most important issue of cultural development is certainly the issue of creation of either national Nigerian, or affirmation of ethnic cultural identity. With nearly 200 million inhabitants, it also happens to be one of the world's largest countries by population. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. [86] The men wear buba (long shirt), sokoto (baggy trousers), agbada (flowing robe with wide sleeves) and fila (a hat). [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. If invited to dinner at someones home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host. 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. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. 5 important Significance of Igbo-Ukwu Culture in Nigerian History While many artists still work in these traditions, more-contemporary artists, who combine African and Western traditions, also abound. 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. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. The yams can be mashed or fried in oil. [8][9][10][11] There are many other ethnic groups with sizeable populations across the different parts of the country. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. According to the book, which discussed generally about African American culture which Nigeria may belong. Gifts are not always opened when received. Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. When employees join a company, they are doing so in return for fair compensation, career development, and various benefits. The number of ethnic groups and dialects stand at more than 1,150. Supporters of English football clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea often segregate beyond the traditional tribal and even religious divide to share their common cause in Premier League teams. Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash. 3. 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. Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures, Backgrounder Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious. Culture. Ekiti Yoruba dancers wear head masks so heavy that they can do only processional dances. Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. Why the First 100 Hires are Crucial for Your Company's Culture 1. Academic and Higher Education Webinars, C.V. Starr & Co. To prevent this, it is important to control the formation of cultural values in a society. Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions - WorldAtlas The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. 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 addition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Naija Invest Gateway, provide real-time information on the Nigerian business culture. For example, it is typical for Nigerians to have three weddings, unless they are getting married to foreigners. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. . In literature, Chinua Achebe, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and, more recently, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have significant readership in the United States. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. 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 . Cultural Policy in Nigeria Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously. In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. Yams are frequently eaten either fried in oil or pounded to make a mashed potato-like yam pottage. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. English as a first language, however, remains an exclusive preserve of a small minority of the country's urban elite, and is not spoken at all in some rural areas. The most popular Yoruba manifestations of this custom are the Gelede masquerades.[80].