This category covers articles on the rich and diverse cultures of Nigeria. The Nigerian society reflects its rich cultural heritage across the multi-ethnic communities present in Nigeria. According to archaeological evidence, Nigeria has a history of human existence that dates as far back as 9000BC. The earliest known Iron Age civilization in Nigeria is the Nok, who lived in northern and central Nigeria between about 1000 B.C. and 300 A.D. Nigeria has been blessed with ancient and indigenous kingdoms over the millennia. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups and tribes with three dominant tribes: Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba accounting for over seventy percent of the population. Our rich diversity ensures exposure to extraordinary cultural norms, food dishes, and languages.
Nigeria has about 527 languages and 1150 dialects. The official language is English, and the unofficial lingua franca is Pidgin English.
At the beginning of the 20th century, most Nigerians were followers of traditional religions. However, post-independence, the majority of the people were classified as Muslims or Christians. Nigeria’s rich and varied cultural heritage derives from the mixture of the varied ethnic groups across the country. The country combines traditional culture with international urban sophistication. Nigeria’s vibrant modern culture reflects great changes in the inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones to suit the Nigerian communities.
Under this category, RefinedNG seeks to celebrate the beauty and the rich diversity of all cultures and traditions in Nigeria. The culture category will cover food, arts, clothing, religion, music, methods of socialization, expected group behaviors, and the languages of all the ethnic groups represented in Nigeria.