The People
Nigerians are one of the most unique, talented and intelligent people i have ever come across (no bias), Nigerians despite the economy and the several issues we have going on, we are one of the most happiest people on earth. We know how to change a thing of sorrow into a thing of joy. We are the future of the world and we are going to take over the world with our talents. We are talented in music, in art, in technology, in comedy and much more. Mark Zuckerberg recently came to Lagos, Nigeria and said the same thing. Watch out for us because we are coming.
The Food: Nigeria has some of the most mouth watering and diversified delicacies. Every part of the country has certain special dishes ranging from soups to cereals, swallows, vegetables among others prepared into tasty and inviting dishes too numerous to mention. You also find and locally made drinks/beverages and uhmmnn…..the palm wine is out of this world especially if taken along with bush meat.
Fashion: Nigeria has some of the most fashionable men and women on the continent of Africa. Nigeria’s fashion is fast becoming popular among people across the world. Nigerians will go out of their way to dress the part for every occasion and event. The Aso-ebi culture is fast gaining popularity in and even outside the coun- try. When you attend functions especially weddings, birthdays, burials and other celebrations, you see people dress in like fabrics to identify themselves with a certain group of people. The Asoebi makes events extremely colorful.
The culture
Nigeria is one the most diverse countries you would ever come across. Nigeria has three major ethnic groups (Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa); which are further divided into over 521 languages and over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. Each language comes with its own culture and practices. So no, there is no language like Nigerian, and we do not all speak the same language. The main Language is English. This diversity in Nigeria makes us very rich in culture and we showcase through different Art and culture showcases.
Street vendors: As infuriating as traffic in Nigeria can feel, there’s a blissful part to the experience…The street vendors!! You can find virtually anything you need to buy in traffic. Thirsty and hungry? Get some soda, water, juice, yoghurt, popcorn, peanuts, bananas, ice cream, plantain chips, sausages, fruits and the likes. You can practically go on a date in traffic. You don’t have time to go to the mall? Never mind. You can get home decor, shoes, sandals, CDs/DVDs, clothes, books, toys or really anything else. And what’s more? Groceries for cooking when you get home.You might say street vendors induce traffic but who cares? I love them anyway.
Hospitality: Nigerians are hospitable people who go the extra mile to make visitors feel welcome and comfortable.
Festivals: There are various festivals and carnivals across the country such as the Calabar, Lagos and Abuja carnivals, Osun-Oshogbo festivals, Boat regattas, Fishing festivals, new yam festivals among others.
Resources: Nigeria has a great deal of natural re- sources ranging from, crude oil to coal, cotton, iron ore, limestone, various precious stones, rubber, organic food crops to mention but a few. Investment opportunities are limitless here.
History: Nigeria has a rich pre and post colonial background. The earliest forms of art produced in West Africa are found in Nigeria, this is the Iron Age Nok Culture. Though it is not popular now, the artefacts can be found in museums and palaces. There are equally a lot of historical monuments like the ancient wall of Benin, the point of no return in Badagry where Nigeri- ans where sold off as slaves, the Tafawa Balewa Square, where the union jack was lowered and the Nigerian flag was raised after independence. To mention a few. Tourism: There are a lot of tourist attractions with unforgettable scenery and ambience. Some of these are Olumo rock, Obudu mountain resort, Tinapa business resort, La Campagne Tropicana, Lekki conservation center, Whispering palms, Idanre hills, Ikogosi warm spring resort, Mambilla plateau, Owu waterfalls, Cross River National Park, the confluence between River Niger and River Benue e.t.c
Freebies: Nigerians love freebies. You can sell or promote anything so long as it has a bonus/bonanza attached to it. Nigerians can go the extra mile to benefit from every situation. AWOOF is the name of the game.
Entertainment: The music industry and the movie industry (also referred to as Nollywood) are fast gaining popularity around the world. Naija music as it is popularly called is loved by a lot of Nigerians as well as foreigners. Nollywood is the 2nd largest movie industry only after Bollywood in the number of annual film productions. It is gradually becoming one the main stays of the Nigerian Economy. The culture of Theatre is being revived. The Nigerian fashion industry is no longer just Nigerian but accepted even outside the shores of Nigeria. There are also various shows all year round and this makes for a robust entertainment industry.
Social and night life: There are numerous classy bars and night clubs, some of which have live bands. There are beaches, recreational spots, sports complexes, golf courses and several outdoor hangout spots. And oh! How Nigerians love to party.
Traditional attires: This is not entirely included in the fashion industry as it has more to do with cultural heritages than the fast growing fashion industry. These attires are popular with Nigerians especially at functions. We have the Ankara which is popular with even foreigners now, the Adire, the Aso Oke and many more. The various tribes across the country have certain attired affiliated to them which are made into trendy and elegant outfits to suit different occasions. It is difficult for visitors to resist leaving with one of these attires.
Dance! Dance!! Dance!!!: Nigeria is known for its entertaining cultural dances. Various tribes have unique dances affiliated to them. You find the Bata among Yorubas, Etighi among the Calabars, Atilogu among the Ibos, Swange among the Tivs and the list goes on and on. These dances can make anyone book another holiday in Nigeria. There are also dances made popular by certain people and musicians which quickly become the trend at that time for example Shoki, Skel- ewu, Azonto and the likes.
Languages: Nigeria accounts for 7% of the total languages in the world with about 527 in all of which 514 are living languages, 2 are second languages without mother-tongue speakers and 11 have no known speakers. Taraba State alone for instance has more languages than 30 African countries. You can’t even begin to learn the half of them…Phew! Pidgin English is also a norm across the country. It is the easier and most popular way for people to communicate especially in informal settings. Slangs are also popular.
Climate: Nigeria is a tropical country with little or no extreme weather conditions. There are basically the rainy and dry seasons, the latter during which there is a period of Harmattan. Nigeria is blessed with sunshine. It is free of most natural disasters experienced around the world. No hurricanes, cyclones, earthquakes e.t.c. Now, who doesn’t like that?
Vegetation: Nigeria has a lot of forests and wildlife. The environment in the rural areas allow for fresh air and relaxation away from city life. The Plateau regions tend to be very cold and there may be hailstones during the rainy season.
Ecology: Nigeria is home to about 4715 different types of plant species, over 550 species of breeding birds and mammals and some rare species of apes found nowhere else in the world except South-eastern Nigeria. The areas surrounding Calabar in Cross River state contains the world’s largest diversity of butterflies. There are over 300 species.
Education: Nigerians love education. The average Nigerian would go to any length to get an education. It is the pride of many families. They do whatever they can to get a tertiary education. The higher the education, the more respected you are within your family or society.
Twin births: Don’t be shocked if you do a double when you visit Nigeria. Nigeria has one of the highest incidences of twin births in the world. This is most common in the Yoruba speaking region of Nigeria, specifically the Igbo ora people of Oyo state with an approximate figure of 158 twins in every 1000 births. Isn’t it amazing?