Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. 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. [76], Nigeria is known for its many traditional dishes. Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. The people of ancient Nigeria were able to make their own weapons. 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. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. With so many different cultures and regions, food can vary greatly. by Olivia Angelino, Thomas J. Bollyky, Elle Ruggiero and Isabella Turilli 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. Nigerians are very religious and spiritual people. The three main ethnic groups are the Yorubas of South Western Nigeria, the Igbos of Eastern Nigeria and the Hausa/Fulani ethnic group which dominates the North. 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. Since then, Nigerian and African patterns, colour schemes, and motifs have been incorporated into Vlisco's designs to become a staple of the brand. 2. Lots of Yoruba people still practice the traditional religion but a large number have embraced Christianity and Islam. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. Fashion is diverse and varies depending on the ethnic groups, culture, and religion. Culture. 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. A curation of original analyses, data visualizations, and commentaries, examining the debates and efforts to improve health worldwide. The Ijaw people are said by some to be the descendants of the autochthonous people of Africa known as the (H) ORU. The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. www.commisceo-global.com. It is basically what makes a person human. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. Yorubas have a strong political system with the Oba at the helm of affairs. [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. More than 250 ethnic groups can be found in Nigeria today, each of which has its own traditions and customs. Renewing America, Backgrounder Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. February 13, 2023 The men sometimes also add a cap called Fula to their dressing. The Hausa, who do not consider dancing to be an art, divide their dances into the categories of social dancing and ceremonial borii dances. The people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. Things arent perfect, but Im grateful for what I have., Factors to be Aware of When Visiting Nigeria for Business. Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training. 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. Football (soccer) does a great job at bringing all Nigerians together to suppor their national team, known as the Super Eagles. The country has over 50 languages and over 250 dialects and ethnic groups. Artefacts stolen from Benin sit on shelves of many foreign museums and in the private homes of foreigners. You are also agreeing to our. 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. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. 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. In the article, author Adenike Olanrewaju describes the emergence of publications Genevieve Magazine, Exquisite Magazine, Todays Woman, and Glam Africa. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. You put your proverbial (and actual) money where your mouth is in the form of budget and staff . 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. 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. 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. You invest in security. [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). Yams are frequently eaten either fried in oil or pounded to make a mashed potato-like yam pottage. 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. 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. 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. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. 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. The Yoruba language is pleasing to the ear as it places a lot of emphasis on intonation. Any attempt to bypass this protocol will hamper your business success. 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). The principal exports are palm oil and palm kernels. Language is the most important way of mastering the national culture. 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 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. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. [32] The Fulani people are also nomadic in nature; this nomadic lifestyle spread them into virtually all of West Africa. They shape and regulate his behavior. 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. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. 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. 4. 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. 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. We can say that culture as a whole determines the framework in which a person can and should act. a powdered cassava grain that can be readily eaten as a meal and is quite inexpensive. 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. As mentioned above, 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 dry, open grasslands of the savanna make cereal farming and herding a way of life for the Hausa and The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. Most of the foods are spicy, especially in the west and the south. Many use gestures when communicating. It also emphasizes the importance of nature, family and tradition. Culturally, Nigeria is like a coat of many colours. Lagos, Nigerias former capital, is also the countrys most popular city and is located along the coast in the southwest region. If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. This may take as long as two hours for an initial meeting. with Jeremi Suri Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. It is basically what makes a person human. 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]. Yoruba people, for example, have different dishes like Amala, Ogbono, Moin Moin, Ofada Rice, and Efo Riro. A gift for the children is always a nice touch. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. February 1, 2023 Before looking at the importance and types of culture in Nigeria, its good to know the definition. Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. Another major Nigerian city is Port Harcourt. Bushmeat, meat from wild game like antelope and duikers, is also popular. 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 the course of socialization the values, ideals, norms, patterns of behavior become a part of a person's self-awareness. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. 8 major groups account for 90% of Nigeria's population: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv. It has the largest population in Africa and the land is endowed with vast quantities of natural resources. If invited to dinner at someones home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host. Many Muslims and Christians may also intertwine their beliefs with more unorthodox indigenous ones. [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 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. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. According to the book, which discussed generally about African American culture which Nigeria may belong. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their. Food is an important part of Nigerian life. Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. They have been able to preserve their cultural practices over time as a result of their strong native system of government. Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. [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. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. As stated above, the three most influential ethnic group in Nigeria are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. 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. [1][2] The country has 527 languages,[3][4] seven of which are extinct. A Hausa farmer. In recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. by Lindsay Maizland Culture creates favorable opportunities for acquiring knowledge and physical development. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. However In November 2015, Ministry of Culture and Tourism was later merged with ministry of information, which is now known as Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. Backed by a suite of sophisticated services and solutions, KPA brings in-depth insights, diverse experiences, and genuine care to every client engagement to deliver the results you need to exceed your set business goals. Firstly, Nigeria's scores on the Cultural Dimension scale reveal that Nigerians place great value on Performance Orientation, Future Orientation, and In-group Collectivism. Kanuri, Fulani, Hausa, Tiv - are the most densely populated groups that live in the north. A Nigerian generally waits for the woman to extend her hand. Nigerian cities tend to be highly populated as many people flock to urban environments for better employment opportunities. It is a good idea to maintain a polite and somewhat reserved manner until the person you are meeting drops some of his formality. These are also important aspects of our culture. 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. 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. Whether in urban or rural areas, the family is the central institution. Wole Soyinka, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, was the first Black African to receive the award. 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. Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. The ladies wear their hair in traditional styles and complement their looks with a lot of jewellery, ornaments, and paintings. Dance for the Ubakala shows their value system, helps resolve conflicts, and also institutes change. 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. 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. [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. 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. 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 Nigerian national football team,[73] nicknamed the "Super Eagles", is the national team of Nigeria, run by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. In the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). 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. The most popular Yoruba manifestations of this custom are the Gelede masquerades.[80]. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. In Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. [57] Led by the Nigerian traditional rulers (i.e. Since the 1990s the Nigerian movie industry, sometimes called "Nollywood", has emerged as a fast-growing cultural force all over Africa. For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". Can culture exist without society? This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. The major native languages spoken in Nigeria represent three major families of African languages - the majority are Niger-Congo languages, such as Yoruba, Ibo, the Hausa language is Afro-Asiatic; and Kanuri, spoken in the northeast, primarily Borno State, is a member of the Nilo-Saharan family. The Igbo ethnic group, of which I belonged to, are mostly christian. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefits. The culture of the country is diverse and tends to differ from north to south. The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. All this diversity makes the unification of Nigerians into a single nation a rather difficult task. Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. 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. Gari (ground cassava), iyan (yam paste), or plantains accompany the soup. Some of these dialects include Egba, Ekiti, Ijesha, Egun etc. The Hausa/Fulani people are known for their unique cultural practices most of which have stood the test of time. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname. 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. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. Adam Valavanis is a volunteer intern in the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. Let's appreciate and preserve our culture and traditions and use them as vehicles towards our development, growth, and unity. 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. The Yoruba culture emphasizes respect for elders which is why ladies kneel and men prostrate to greet their elders. Nigerians typically hold a primary position of employment but are always on the lookout for other opportunities to generate supplemental income. 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. Their chiefs are therefore monarchs and titled individuals, with most of the latter group making up the membership of the Ogboni secret society. Some more examples of their traditional dishes are eba, pounded yam, iyan, fufu and soups like okra, ogbono and egusi. 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. Our culture determines the way we communicate with others. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. Regardless of the countrys developmental struggles, Nigerians enjoy interacting with their community. Global Health Program, Higher Education Webinar: Teaching the History of American Democracy, Webinar The Yoruba people live in the southwestern and north-central parts of Nigeria. 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. After reading this article you will find out why. 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. 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . by Lindsay Maizland [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. 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. 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). Music is used to celebrate rulers and to accompany public assemblies, weddings and funerals, festivals, and storytelling. 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. 'Omenana' is man-made; it is easily changed and is adaptable. January 31, 2022, How Tobacco Laws Could Help Close the Racial Gap on Cancer, Interactive The Bini people[15][16] are most frequent in the region between Yorubaland and Igboland. Drinks include traditional brews like palm wine. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. Because of the movies, western influences such as music, casual dressing and methods of speaking are to be found all across Nigeria, even in the highly conservative north of the country.[72]. Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world. Igbos are mostly farmers, traders, and craftsmen. C.V. Starr & Co. [81] Southern Nigerian women choose to wear western-style clothing. Gifts are not always opened when received. 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 most important issue of cultural development is certainly the issue of creation of either national Nigerian, or affirmation of ethnic cultural identity. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. The Ijaws were originally known by this name (Oru); at least it was what their immediate neighbours assumed them to be. 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. This ethnic group is well known for their colourful but modest dress due to their strong religious beliefs. Unfortunately, in our country, some subcultures oppose each other which lead to the spread of cultural differences in Nigeria. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government. It is used for commemoration. The Lalli or henna paintings and drawings are a very popular and indispensable part of their makeup. Soups can be thickened by adding ground egusi (melon) seeds. Nigerias vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO NIGERIA. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. At Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to give gifts of food and fruit. #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. Titles are important. Meat is also popular and Nigerian suyaa barbecue-like roasted meatis a well-known delicacy. Other symbols used to communicate and share stories are music, sculpture, dance, painting, theater etc. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. In addition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Naija Invest Gateway, provide real-time information on the Nigerian business culture. Cultures and indigenous values must evolve bottom-up policies and approaches to growth and development in the country. Having worked in North America and Europe, attended business excursions in China, and even worked in neighboring West African countries, it is safe to say that Nigeria definitely has a unique culture and way of life. Traditionally, cultures such as the Yoruba used to wear clothing such as gele (a cloth wrapped around the head by women), afbada (a robe for formal functions), and other forms of attire. The language they speak is called the Edo language. Nigerians are generally, enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder.
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