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Nigeria is a country blessed with a rich cultural Heritage and diverse ethnic firmament. Nigeria is home to a mixture of ethnic groups with Arabic and Western European influences. Our dear Nation Nigeria is a combination of traditional culture and international urban sophistication.
Our culture, tradition and heritage have been shaped by all of our multi-ethnic groups. There are over 250 different tribes and cultures in Nigeria, with the three (3) largest and most predominant being the Hausa-Fulani in the North, the Yoruba in the South West and the Ibo in the South East. Other very popular tribes include the Benis who have produced some of the World's best traditional artwork. We also have the Ibibio/Efik people of the coastal South Eastern part of Nigeria.
Our country is famous for English literature having produced the likes of Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie and Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
For over 60 years, football (soccer) has been an extremely popular throughout the Country. The National football team known as the Super Eagles has for many years been seen as a major unifying factor in Nigeria.
Our food is a rich assortment of traditional African carbohydrates and green freshly picked vegetables.
Nigeria has been described by several commentators as the hub of Africa's music renaissance. Highlife is a popular genre of music in West Africa and this resurgence was led by Nigerian musicians like the late Fela Kuti.
Nigerians place a very important premium on music which is why music is used to celebrate almost every important occasion.
Our sense of fashion is celebrated worldwide with Nigerians consistently described as one of the most stylish and fashionable people. Our traditional fabrics and designs are some of the most brilliant fabrics in the World; items of clothing like the Fila (Hat) and Gele (Headwrap) from the Yoruba tribe, & the Wrapper fabric from the Ibos.
The cultural heritage and historical dynamics of the Yoruba and Benin kingdoms lend themselves to a rich historical relevance and interpretations. Their art craftsmanship and naturalistic art represents distinctive examples of Nigeria's wonderful and rich cultural heritage. Today many of these artworks are celebrated in museums and galleries all over the World.
As we travel the Road to 50, let us learn to cherish these wonderful and fascinating cultural treasures that have been bestowed upon us from generations past.
Look to the Future…Nigeria is "On the Road to 50."
You can learn more about Nigerian culture and history from the following places:
- Federal Ministry of Information
(Cultural Division)
National Theatre, Iganmu
P.M.B. 12524
Lagos - Historical Society of Nigeria
Dept. of History
University of Lagos
Lagos - Ministry of Culture and Social Welfare
Kofo Aboyomi St.
Victoria Island
Lagos - National Commission for Museums and Monuments
National Museum
Onikan Rd
Lagos - National Council for Arts and Culture
Inagmu PMB 12524
Lagos - National Library of Nigeria
4 Wesley St.
Lagos - National Museum
PMB 2127
Kaduna - National Museum
Onikan Rd
Lagos - Nigerian Institute of International Affairs
Koto Abayomi Rd
Victoria Island - Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research
University of Ibadan
Ibadan - Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO
Federal Ministry of Education
Lagos - Oron Museum
Oron
Akwa Ibom State - Owo Museum
Federal Dept. of Antiquities
Owo
Ondo State
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