Types of Culture in Nigeria – Ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Welcome to Nigeria, it’s one of the largest countries in the West of Africa, the Gulf of Guinea. With a population of over 190 million people. Its capital is Abuja which is presumed to be rich and well-developed among the many cities in Africa.
We have gone deeper to know, learn and discover the different cultures and ethnicity of the Nigerians. With the assistance of our experts in Nigeria, we got this amazing collection of Nigerian Communities, cultures, and ethnic groups.
Types of Culture in Nigeria – Major Ethnic Groups in Nigeria
1. Efik-Ibibio culture Efik-Ibibio culture has a significant influence on the Southern Part of Nigeria. The representatives of this culture speak their language, as well as English. The culture is associated with the lion is the symbol of this culture.
There is a secret society, called the Ekpe (translated into English as “Lion”) that protects the culture. This society elaborated on the system of symbols called Nsibidi. The system was transferred to the contemporary generation ancient knowledge, and many of the symbols are even taught at school to children.
People of Efik-Ibibio culture eat such dishes as Afañg soup, Edikang Ikong soup, pepper soup, Ukwoho, Atama, Eritan, etc. Many recipes are made of vegetables. Such preference is explained by the geographic position of the culture location.
2. Hausa-Fulani Culture is spread on the West and North of the country. The Muslim religion became the factor that united two similar (but still a bit different) cultures into one Hausa-Fulani Culture. olygamy in the marriage in the culture is allowed as well as divorce.
Music is a significant part of this culture and the people have a great heritage of work songs; they organize festivities in the centers of the towns and come to dance there.
3. Igbo cultural notable trait is melodic music that was developed in the process of iron forging. The musical instruments of Igbo are opi, igbs, and ichaka.
In the whole, the culture takes its origins from West Nigeria, and the Igbo music in the form of jazz mixed with traditional Igbo tunes was spread all around the world and was particularly popular in the 20th century.
Traditional Nigerian art is represented in Igbo culture in abstract, colorful forms. The traditional Igbo religion is called Odinani, but nowadays the majority of Igbos are Christians.
Harvesting of the yam is an essential tradition for Igbo culture; they organize fest and masquerades to celebrate different festivals, the most popular is the New Yam festival.
4. Bini/Edo culture The indigenes of Bini culture are situated in their majority in Edo State and are spread across the Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states of Nigeria. They also have their language that is called Edo.
Among preferable foods of Bini (or Edo) culture are soups: melon or okra soups cooked with bush meat or fish; pounded yam and rice. People of this culture are religious and believe in the existence of two worlds: the visible world called ‘agbon’ and the spiritual world called ‘erinmwin.’
Their religion is quite interesting and very philosophical. They believe that the creator of these worlds is Osanobua (God Almighty). The people of this culture also believe in the series of fourteen reincarnations. After the fourteenth reincarnation, each soul has to tell Osanubua his or her life plan to define his or her destiny.
5. Yoruba culture is in the West of Nigeria. It is famous for its works of bronze and sculptures. In Yoruba culture, particular attention is given to names. For example, the name of a new born child strictly depends on the history of the family and ancestors, so family traditions are strictly preserved.
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People of this culture eat moin-moin (steamed bean pudding), soups like ewedu, gbegiri, okra, egusi, and efo riro. The women can boast the full range of textile not only for festivities but also for everyday life. Yoruba people believe in reincarnation and pray for the essential goods in life, majorly, wealth, children, and immortality.
Below are the Importance of Culture in Nigeria:
1. Culture is what preserves our heritage
Nigerian heritage has been passed down by many generations before us. Without culture and its various elements such as dressing, language, tribal marks, food, etc. we will have no heritage to show the world our roots.
Nigerian ancestors in the older generations did well to pass down our heritage through oratory and symbolic festivals, otherwise, we will know nothing about heritage and roots.
2. Culture has the potential of increasing our earnings from tourism
Fun travelers and tourists from all parts of the world will not only love to visit cultural museums where ancient paintings and artwork are preserved, but they will also pay for the visit.
Nigeria’s multi-ethnicity leaves us with a lot to show off, from masquerades to shrines and natural features that are symbolic of our culture.
Nigeria has a lot to gain if she can invest in culture for the purpose of growing our tourist attractions and consequently its revenue from tourism.
3. Culture can create a vent for stress relief through the recreational activities it brings during festivals
After having a hectic farming year, the new yam festival for instance is something that can help a yam farmer, his family, and friends, relax.
Wrestling matches for males and dance competitions for young girls are not only recreational, but it also makes for fitness because it is a form of exercise.
4. Entrepreneurial opportunity: Promoting culture is one way to get self-employed
Year in and year out, people are faced with ceremonies that require them to wear cultural attire. One such is the traditional marriages between couples, in which they have to use traditional neckpieces, fabrics, caps, and headgear.
Traditional bead-making or buying and reselling of beads together with other items symbolic of culture is a way to make a living or have an additional source of income.
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