Can culture exist without society? Culture unites people, integrates them, and ensures their strength as a community. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! '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. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. 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. We can say that culture as a whole determines the framework in which a person can and should act. [53] They eventually became the most urbanized Africans of precolonial times. Culture creates favorable opportunities for acquiring knowledge and physical development. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. This is due to the large number of ethnic groups that exist in the country. Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. 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. 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. 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. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. 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. November 4, 2022 The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior. The number of ethnic groups and dialects stand at more than 1,150. Age and position always demand great respect. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country of almost 200 million people. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. . The overwhelming majority, with the exception of Tiv, profess the Muslim religion. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. Yorubas have a strong political system with the Oba at the helm of affairs. Cotton has been used for over 500 years for fabric-making in Nigeria. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. Drinks include traditional brews like palm wine. 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. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. Tags: Importance Of Culture In Nigeria,Types Of Culture In Nigeria. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. 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. Hausa/Fulani ethnic group is made up of two hitherto different ethnic groups that have now intermixed to the extent that they are regarded as one inseparable ethnic nation. 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 people of this tribe are gifted sculptors. In literature, Chinua Achebe, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and, more recently, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have significant readership in the United States. The women wear a puffed sleeved blouse, two wrappers and a headwrap. In Nigeria, there are more than 500 languages that are spoken. Adam Valavanis is a volunteer intern in the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. Other Nigerian writers with a worldwide audience include Chinua Achebe, Buchi Emecheta, Flora Nwapa, Amos Tutuola, Gabriel Okara, Kole Omotoso, John Pepper Clark, Ben Okri, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Never use the left hand only. 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. [17][18], Nigeria's other ethnic groups, sometimes called 'minorities', are found throughout the country but especially in the north and the middle belt. Team members should present a united front at meetings. 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. They are the most dispersed set of people in Nigeria as they can be found all over the country. You may also find their tone slightly louder than elsewhere. Basic features of culture in Nigeria - Legit.ng They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. Funerals are also times when the family gathers. This ethnic group is well known for their colourful but modest dress due to their strong religious beliefs. While that may be a lot of people, population . Importance of culture in Nigeria - Legit.ng This may take as long as two hours for an initial meeting. A colonial explorer stole Aboriginal spears in 1770. Centuries later Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious. According to the FIFA World Rankings, Nigeria ranks 31st and holds the second-highest place among the African nations behind Senegal (20th). The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria's multiple ethnic groups. Their origins are steeped in great traditions of religious obeisance, traditional games, folklore, dance and drama. Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa peoples are a majority in the north region of Nigeria. Many use gestures when communicating. The way of life of any society involves a number of areas (labour, politics, economics, ethics, aesthetics, law, family, religion, etc). For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". Men may place their left hand on the other persons shoulder while shaking hands. It used for . The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. You put your proverbial (and actual) money where your mouth is in the form of budget and staff . The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. The country is often discussed in terms of its regions (i.e., North, Southeast, and Southwest) and its dominant tribes. 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. Friends may address each other in a variety of ways: the title and the first name, the first name alone, the surname alone, or a nickname. [45] From a historical perspective, it is almost impossible to give a precise and accurate account as to when and where the Ijaws originated, numerous different accounts have been given by many historians regarding this issue but what is certain is that the Ijaws are one of the world's most ancient peoples. His personalized sound, dubbed Afrobeat, is now one of the continent's most widely recognised genres. 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. Culture regulates the behavior of a person in his family, school, at work, home, etc., by putting forward a system of prescriptions and prohibitions. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. These are also important aspects of our culture. It is used for expressing one's feelings. Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training. Importance Of Reading Culture In Nigeria - 4014 Words | 123 Help Me 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. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world. [77], The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. Their logic is often contextual. Vast wealth has been generated by it, and it is currently the second-largest film industry in the world by output. The women wear their hair in native styles such as Suku. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. Retrieved from https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide. 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. Nigeria was once a British colony, so the official national language is English. Some more examples of their traditional dishes are eba, pounded yam, iyan, fufu and soups like okra, ogbono and egusi. This attention comes after increased international consumption of Nigerias hugely popular film industry, Nollywood, which is already well-established across the African continent. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. The most popular Yoruba manifestations of this custom are the Gelede masquerades.[80]. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. 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. Nigeria has a rich culture. Nigeria is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups with noticeable cultural differences among them. Protection of Cultural Heritage: The Nigerian experience 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. It is used for communication. 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. 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. Since then, Nigerian and African patterns, colour schemes, and motifs have been incorporated into Vlisco's designs to become a staple of the brand. Anywhere you find yourself in the Nigerian territory, you will meet a unique group of people who are set in their ways and would blow your mind away with their ways of life. Top 5 Best Bank in Nigeria for Online Transaction Kingdoms and empires of precolonial Nigeria, Controversies surrounding the 2007 presidential election, Nigeria under Umaru Musa YarAdua and Goodluck Jonathan, The 2015 elections and electorate concerns, Recession, fight against corruption, and insecurity, Which Country Is Larger By Population? All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. 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. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. Food: An Important Feature Of Our Cultural Identity Food and eating food is a universal experience, an element of common ground in terms of . Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. 5. 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. 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . Although the role of the extended family is diminishing somewhat in urban areas, there remains a strong tradition of mutual caring and responsibility among the members. Titles are important. All this diversity makes the unification of Nigerians into a single nation a rather difficult task. They are ruled by monarchs, and are famous for their Benin Bronzes. He is assisted by a team of elders known as Enjoyed (Chiefs). Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. Like many other aspects of life, food is a deeply rooted expression of identity, values, and way of life. In this country, individuals usually become a part of one or more ethnic groups in Nigeria. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. They are extremely tolerant of the languages of other people around them, leading to the suppression of theirs - especially in northern Nigeria by Hausa. Present and receive business cards with two hands or the right hand, never with the left. Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji on Unsplash. It is basically what makes a person human. Global Health Program, Higher Education Webinar: Teaching the History of American Democracy, Webinar While many artists still work in these traditions, more-contemporary artists, who combine African and Western traditions, also abound. In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. Japanese culture places great value on respect, honor, discipline and personal growth. Their religion, mode of dressing, food, marriage, and language are all unique. As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. by Lindsay Maizland To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other persons general well-being. People in urban regions of Nigeria dress in western style, the youth mainly wearing jeans and T-shirts. The Nigerian national football team,[73] nicknamed the "Super Eagles", is the national team of Nigeria, run by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). 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. 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. Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. . 5. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. Nigerians are generally enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. These include Femi Osofisan,[68] whose first published novel, Kolera Kolej, was produced in 1975; Ben Okri, whose first work, The Famished Road, was published in 1991, and Buchi Emecheta, who wrote stories drawn from her personal experiences of gender inequity that promote viewing women through a single prism of the ability to marry and have children. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 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. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. The architectural mastery of the Hausas is perhaps one of the least known buys the most beautiful of the medieval age. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. [42][43], The Ijaw people are said to be a collection of people that are native to the Niger Delta area in Nigeria. Several festivals are celebrated in Yorubaland yearly where the rich culture of the Yoruba people is displayed. 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. [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. Lagos is a bustling city that has become a melting pot of Nigerian tribes. Kanuri, Fulani, Hausa, Tiv - are the most densely populated groups that live in the north. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. In addition, they are also very good porters, weavers, and metalsmiths. As its name indicates, Port Harcourt is another port city that also hosts an international airport. More than 250 ethnic groups can be found in Nigeria today, each of which has its own traditions and customs. Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures, Backgrounder The pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, became internationally famous in the 1970s and 1980s and has inspired generations of Western artists, such as Talking Heads and Beyonc. The women wear wrappers and shirts and cover their heads with hijabs (veils).[89]. 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. Ethnically, the population of the country is estimated to be made up of 29% Hausa/Fulani, the Yorubas make up 21% while the Igbos are believed to be about 18% of the entire population. Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. Other symbols used to communicate and share stories are music, sculpture, dance, painting, theater etc. Nigerias religious affiliations have recently made it into international news due to active, militant Islamic groups. 1. The app is highly secured, licensed by CBN and insured by NDIC which makes your money safe even if anything goes wrong. 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. According to the book, which discussed generally about African American culture which Nigeria may belong. In the course of socialization the values, ideals, norms, patterns of behavior become a part of a person's self-awareness. February 13, 2023 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. When employees join a company, they are doing so in return for fair compensation, career development, and various benefits. Nigerians are generally, enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. 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 Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach [33][34], The Hausas, on the other hand, are said to be very good merchants. 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. In the pre-colonial period, they controlled a powerful empire. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. Culture - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria Several streams also flow into the caves . by Lindsay Maizland Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. The Top 10 Heritage Sites in Nigeria - Culture Trip 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]. The Nigerian People and Culture - WorldAtlas This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. [47] They immigrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley during antiquity. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. To prevent this, it is important to control the formation of cultural values in a society. 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. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. They make beautiful sculptures in honour of their gods and deities. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. Annual Lecture on China. Accelerate your innovation and transformation with a fully integrated suite of capabilities that puts digital at the heart of everything. 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. 10 Interesting Facts About Nigeria - US News & World Report Nigerian literature is known throughout the world. Bushmeat, meat from wild game like antelope and duikers, is also popular. THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO NIGERIA. 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. To read more about the Nigerian management style, click here. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. Always make time to share a tea with people you're doing business with. Other groups worthy of mention are Ijaw, Edo, Itshekiri, Kanuri, Efik, and Tiv. Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. The traditional Yoruba kingships still survive, but with only a hint of their former political power. The people of ancient Nigeria were able to make their own weapons. What is real American culture? - coalitionbrewing.com 5 important Significance of Igbo-Ukwu Culture in Nigerian History Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. Beans and root vegetables are ubiquitous. Silk (called tsamiya in Hausa, sanyan in Yoruba, and akpa-obubu in Igbo) is also used. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle.