GST 103

NIGRIAN PEOPLE AND CULTURE

TOPIC; THE NIGERIAN STATE

Nigeria is a very interesting country, Nigeria occupies an area of 923,768square km (356,667square

miles). From the gulf of guinea, it extends north to the border with Niger republic, it has a landscape
from the swampy coastal areas and tropical forest belts of the interior, to the mountains and savannah
of the north. The climate is hot and humid, and rainfall is usually heavy at the coast and gradually
decreases inland (pocket encyclopedia 1997)

The population of Nigeria is 140,000,000(FGN 2007). It is the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria is
one of the largst exporter of crude oil in the world,The nation depended on agriculture for
food,industrial and export products.The sector employed at least 75% of the labour force.

THE PRE-COLONIAL ERA....

Prior TO COLONIALISM, there was no nation known as NIGERIA and there was no people known as
NIGERIANS,It was known and called WEST AFRICAN PEOPLES. Nigeria was inhabited by different
independentand autonomous ethnic groups with unique linguistic and cultural different independent
cultures, traditions,values, norms,political systems and identities until 1900.

It is common to trace the history of nigeria to migrations, these migrations were channeled
through trades , diplomacy, wars, and conquests,grazing, farming, huntings, etc'

Historical accounts traces the settling in any part of nigeria precolonial to about 9000 B.C at the
south western part of the country as settlers practised extensive agriculture. The practice of agriculture
by the early settlers was however not as mono-economy as they nalso practised trading and indigenous
manufacturing in the farm of ceramic production as well as discovery of bronze in Igbo-Ukwu.

It is impossible to consider Nigerian culture and processes prior to colonalism without recourse
to the NOK culture predominance and ascendancy along Africa, especially Jos Plateau in the North 500
B.C to 200 A.D. The NOK peole are significant in culture because of their early link with the usuage of
Iron technology.

As regard to autonomous indigenous groups occupied the country proir to colonalism, the
groups and Kingdoms that occupied the physical and cultural spaces then were the NOK Kingdom, as
early as the 10th century, Benin Kingdoms, the Oyo empire, the Igbo kingdom of Nvi, The Edon kingdim,
the Kanuri, The Hausa (Kano, katrsina, Zazzau, Goboir, Birori, Daura) and some other groups (Gwari,
Nupe, Kebbi and Yelwa). The Kanem Bornu empire and fulani people and Sanghai empire. The Bornu
was established as an Islamic State in the 10th Century, while nearly thr whole Hausa Kingdoms of the
North became nominally established as Muslim States in the 15th Century.

By early 19th century, the Sokoto Caliphate was established through the Usman Danfodio Islami
holy war Jihad. The yorubas have cultural predominance at this period and their socio-political and
cultural superiority extended far even to the banks of the river Niger and Dahomy by the 18th century.

Historical evidences traced the pre-dominance of the yorubas to the economic, political and
spiritual strength of the group around 15th century. This is more relative to the ascendancy of the oild
Oyo Empire and Ife between A.D 1804-1903, The Islam swept across the Hausa historical space in the
Northern region. This began with the Fulani through their leader, Sheik Usman Danfodio, who declared
Jihad in the region due to his strong belief in Islam. This was around early 19th century and was why
successful as unrepentant rulers were deposed and new Islamic rulers installed.

The northern area thus came under massive Islamic cultural influence in all ways, and
this is still evident even in contemporary Nigeria.

THE COLONIAL ERA

The colonial period in Nigeria started with the coming of Navigators, explorers especially the
Portuguese and British in 1472. In 1950s the British established their presence around LAGOS. The
whole idea started with the creation of the Northern and Sounthern protectorate as well as the Lagos
colony by the British government in 1900. This was followed by the AMALGAMATION of the colony of
Lagos and the Southern protectrorate in 1906. The unification of the Southern protectorate and the
Lagos colony was possible and less cumbersome due to the cultural and physical contiguity existent
between the two places

On January 1st 1914, the Northern and Southern Lagos were amalgamated by the colonial
government through the first colonial governor, Sir Lord Lugar, The Amalgamation was however, for
ease of administration especially in terms of cost of governance. This amalgamation was to further
establish colonial rule in Nigeria and protect the territory from INCUNSION by other colonail interests.
Lagos, however became and remained the Headquarters of thr colonial government.

Colonial government adopted the indirect rule system in their administration of the territories
due language barriers, huge loss of administration and differences in the cultural background.

The constitutional evolution of after 1914 started in 1922 with Hugh Clifford constitution which
made provision for elected members at the legislative council.

However, same colonial activities and policies met resistance in the Country, a case in point is
the Aba women riot of 1929 due to introduction of tax to women of the Eastern part of Nigeria by the
colonial administration.

The colony of Lagos, the Northern, Eastern and Western provinces were created in 1940. This
creation of units was followed by the Sir Arthur Richard Son's constitutionb of 1946 which established
and strengthened regionalism in Nigeria. The process of Decolonization of Nigeria began in 1946-1960 as
a result of the activities of the Nationalist movement. By 1950 the conference of Northern and Southern
deligates was held at Ibadan southern Nigeria.

The political activities of Nigeria was said to be matured quickly through constitutional
conferences in 1957, 1958 and final 1959 which gave birth to Nigeria's Independence on 1st
October,1960.

NIGERIA POS INDEPENDENCE 1960 TILL DATE.

 On the 1st October,1960 Nigeria became Independent and a sovereign nation from our former
colonial master. Poritain, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the prime minister. In 1964, Mid
western was created from Western region to make it 4 regions. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe as the governor
General (Presisdent). Within this first republic the following political parties were formed- National
Council Of Nigeria and Cameroun (NCAC), The Northern people's Congress (NPC), The Action Group
(AG), The United Middle belt (UMBC), Some minor political political crisis which threatened Nigerian
peace after independence included, the Action Group Crisis of 1962,The National census crisis of 1962,
creation of Mid west region of 1962, the TIV riot of 1964, the 1964 Federal election crisis, the 1965
Western regional election crisis and 1966 assasination of political figures such as Sir Tafawa Balewa, S.L
Akintola, Sir Ahmadu Bello and General Mai-Malavi.

MILITARY GOVERNMENT 1966-1999.

As a result of all of the above crisis, the army seized power on January 15th 1966.Major General
J.T.U 15th January 1966-29th July,1966. From July 1966-July 29th 1975. General Yakubu Gowon
government was overthrown. General Murtala Mohammed 1975-1976-General Olusegun Obansanjo
1976-1979.

THE SECOND REPUBLIC 1979-December 1983.

The president Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Shagari government was overthrown by General Muhammed
Burahi on 31st December 1983 by 27th August 1985 the government of Muhammed Buhari was
overthrown by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, by 1993 General IBB step aside, and interim
National Government headed by chief Alex Shonekan which was ousted by General Sani Abacha on 17th
November,1993, General Sani Abacha died in office in 7th June 1998. General Abubakar Abdulsalami
took over as military head of state 7th June 1998- 29th May 1999 when president Olusegun Obasanjo
took over.

On 29th May, 1999 and handed over to president Umar Musa Yaradua on 29th May, 2007 and
by 29th May 2015 President Goodluck Jonathan handed over to current president Muhammed Buhari.

THE PEOPLE OF THE MANGROVES

Most of the mangrove is concentrated in the Delta region. It has 5400 square kilometers, the
biggest in the world. It has many acquatic animals and polane environment.

_Rain from April-October (wet-season)

-Nov-March(Dry season)

Yet rain do come even in dry season.

RIVERS, CREEKS and sreams spread across the region.

 LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL GROUPING

1. Ijaw group- They consist of all ijaw speaking communities which cut across bayelsa, edo, delta,ondo,
rivers and akwa ibom.

2. Edo group- Comprises mainly of edo. isoko and urhobo speaking people,

3. Delta group- Comprises of ibiobio,and ibeno speaking people.

4. Akwa Ibom State- Comprises of obolo, andari, odu. ogba, and ogani people of rivers state.

5. Igbo group- They consist of ukwuan people of delta as well as egbera, kkpeye, kwere, ndoni and ogba
people of river state.

6. Yoruba group- The yoruba group comprises of the itsekiris, ilaje,and the ikale peoples of the delta and
ondo states.

However , only the ijaws and the yorubas are predominantly within the mangrove coastal areas
of southern nigeria.

THE PEOPLE OF THE FOREST

The yoruba speaking peoples of nigeria are found in the states of ogun, oyo, ondo, ekiti, Lagos
and parts of kwara , edo, and southern parts of the benin republic. Apart from linguistic homogeneity,
they share common traditions and traced descendant from a a common ancestor ''ODUDUWA''who is
beliexed to have migrated from egypt (or descended from heaven) and established IFE-DYNASTY.Though
despite common trace of origin(variations exist). The yorubas are divided into dialects such as the Egba,
Ijebu, Ekiti, Ikale, Owp, Oyo, Ijesha, e.t.c They are predominantly agriculturists producing crops such as
cocoa, oil palm, kolanuts , fruits, rppts and tubers, grains. They also rear livestocks and practise fishing in
the rivers.

Finally, the people of the forest comprises of the following ethnic languages i.e The yorubas , Edos,
Igbos and the Ibiobios resoectively.

THE PEOPLE OF THE SAVANNAH

The savannah, also known as THE GRASSLAND hosts about 70%-80% of the nigerian people ,The
central nigeria area is noted for concentration of very small ethnic groups,but there exists other large
and prominent `ethnic groups such as Tiv, igala, nupe, kakanda,jukun, gbagyi among others.The hausas
are the most numerous and political dominant groups in the savannah. Though concentrated in the
states of sokoto, kebbi, kano, kaduna,jigawa and zamfara, the language is the most widely spoken in
nigeria. It is one of the LINGUA-FRANCA of africa.

The true origin of hausa people remains uncertain, some scholars believed the people were a
product of inter-marriage between BERBER migrants and negro populations. Another group saw them
as escendants of BAGHDAD whose first set of offspring founded the most famous famous seven hausa
states and Biram. Daura, Katsina, Kano, tarca, rano and gobir. They are predominanly farmers, traders,
and a few artisabs. fishermen, even with the establishment of the sokoto CALIPHATE in the 19th
century.
 GST 103 : NIGERIAN PEOPLES AND CULTURE

STATES CREATION IN NIGERIA AS AT 1914-2019 (till date)

1. 2---regions in 1914 by Lord Lugard.

2. 3--- region in 1956 by Lord Lugard.

3. 4--- regions in 1963 by Zik/Balewa

4. 12--- states in 1967 by General Yakubu Gowon

5. 19--- states in 1976 by General Murtala Muhammed.

6. 21--- states in 1987 by General I.B Babangida.

7. 30 --- states in 1991 by General Sanni Abacha

Nigeria has a total of 774 local government areas

3 Tier government.

* Senators- 109

* National Assembly Members- 360

* Six(6) Geo-Political Zones. i.e North east, North west , North cemtral, South east , South West, South
South.

CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PRE AND POST INDEPENDENT IN NIGERIA

* Clifford Constitution- 1922

* Richard Constitution - 1946

* MacPherson Constitution - 1951

* Lyttleton Constitution - 1954

* The Independence Constitution - 1960

* The Republicans Constitution - 1963

* The Presidential Constitutional- 1979

* '' '' ''' - 1989

* '' '' ''' - 1999

 The nations capital city relocated from Lagos to Abuja under General Ibrahim Babangida regime on
december 1991.

CULTURE

Culture id the highest degree of human existence or life. It is man most universal heritage .These
heritage covers art, literature, custom, religion e.t.c and any meaningful thing in their life.

Culture is the entire social heritage of a people. The way of life of its members , collections, habits
and capabilities which they learn, share and transmit from generation to generations. It is made up of its
members customs , traditions and believes , their behavipurs , dress, language , work, way of living,
relationships between works and attitudes to life , culture, portray the ideal standard of living which
members of a society believe most or should be used to guide their living and behaviour. Culture is
learned by new members as they grow to conform with the accepted pattern of behaviour of the
society.

BASIC ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT CULTURE

1.Culture is an adoptive mechanism

2.It is interelated

3.It is dynamic

4.It is shared

5.It is learned and transmitted

6. It is universal and relative

FUNCTIONS OF CULTURE

Culture plays a vital role in every society.

-Culture guides the behaviours of members of the society and acts as an agent of social control.

-Culture provides the individuals in the society with social roles which they are to play,such as the role of
father and mother e.t.c

-It gives room for every society to have its own identity which could be distinguished from others.
-Culture helps to preserve the society from one generation to another.

-Culture provides the basis for social Cooperation and solidarity among members of the society.

-Culture moulds the personality in the society as the social status of any member as well as his or her
personality is partly influenced y societal Culture.

IDENTIFICATION OF CULTURE

There are different ways by which culture is identified ,they include the following ways;

*FACIAL MASKS: This helps to identify some ethnic groups like the yorubas, the tivs , ighalas . and some
other groups. Such facial marks differ considerably from one cultural group to another.

*COSTUME: Women wear various fancy ornaments for beautification, for instance kanuri women wear
gold rings on their noses which is not common among other nigerian groups , some design their legs and
hands to add beauty.

*NAME: The names given to people are sometimes a means of cultural identification ; For instance,
BOLAJI, KOREDE. BOSE, OMOLADE, e.t.c are names common to the yorubas while NDAKO, GINEBA,
WODU. RABI, RAMATUR are for nupes as igbos answer OJUKWU, NNANEANI, CHINYERE, e.t.c

*DRESSES: People wore because the basis of identification, christian priest put on a long gown while
muslim imams often were turban. female muslims are also known with hijab . In nigeria . services are
differentiated with uniform types.

*LANGUAGE: The spoken language of a group of people becomes the basis of identification and
differentiation with others. It is the spoken language or dialect that was used to classify Nigerian ethnic
groups e.g Hausa/fulani, yoruba , igbo.E.t.c

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

This refers to the diverse nature of culture within societies and among humans. It simply explains
differences in culture from one society to the other. There is a wider variation from culture of values and
norms of behaviour, For example, the gwaris carry their loads on their shoulders , because of the believe
that their head carry their burden.
 GST 103

THE NIGERIAN PEOPLE AND CULTURE

TOPIC:KINGSHIP SYSTEMS IN NIGERIA

The kingship formation in nigeria is formed or constituted in two ways .These are :

1. By Marriage

2. By Blood

Spouses--Parentor Father

Though any child born out of wedlock in some communities, such children are not counted among the
kingship especially communities in South-South Nigeria, they are not regarded to as true children of
their parents these children lose the right t of inheritance which is kingship conferred on him or her.

-Another rule that confirms marital legitimacy and validity is the payment of dowries or bride price as
the case may be.

-SIBLINGS : Children born for two legal families i.e husband and wife.

In nigeria , societies kingship are traced to;

1. A unilinear descent principle : THIS IS TRACED through singles lines and ancestorse.g
Yoruba(Oduduwa).

2. Matrilinear Kingship system : This is common in the ashanti kingdom of central ghana where women
usually inherit status and property directly from their mothers in matrilinear .

Finally. kingship terms such as father and mother , are predictions of social behaviours in the
society.Through these expressions, certain obligations, social cautions and norms are imposed on
individuals , which enlarges social orderliness in the society . For instance, somebody called FATHER
neeeds to exhibit fatherly role.

MARRIAGE SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

 Steps to marriage in nigeria :

1. search period

2. courtship

3. introduction /engagement and marriage

TYPES OF MARRIAGES

-Religious Marriage

-civil marriage

-traditional marrage

tiv society in central nigeria , the tiv association kingship with the community structure as kingship
determines who is linked with each other.

FULANI NOMADIC MARRIAGE

Fulanis practise endogamous marriage ( marriage within first cousins ) this is encouraged because
husband and wife discover that they have a relationship by blood

modibbo-- muslim cleric a young CORO given to wife as SADAAKI

Another fulani SHARO THROUGH THIS PROCESS FULANI SECOND WIFE.