BY MERCY TARTSEA ANSHASE AND RUTH BARNABAS.
Before the coming of the colonial masters, different cultures and ethnic groups such as the Igbos, Yorubas, and Hausa existed before the entity called Nigeria evolved. However, the predominant economic activities were agriculture, local industry craft and trade as well as services. Those who engaged in farming used crude implements such as hoes, cutlass, sickles and so on. Other pre-colonial occupations include hunting, fishing and pastoralism.
These occupations had great economic importance, as crops such as yam, guinea corn, beans, millet, pepper, sweet potatoes, kola nuts, cotton vegetables were cultivated majorly for family consumption and small scale commercial purpose. Cultural activities were mainly localized for entertainment, and at major events such as marriage ceremonies, burial rites and other important occasions.
During the colonial era, these activities increased considerably to include tax and other levies as well as the discovery and exploration of oil. Cultural activities began to be noticed and used at a relatively wider scales as more communities and ethnic groups show-cased their cultural music, dance and attires and foods.
Post colonial era saw the cultural and economic activities of Nigeria beyond the shores of the countries through export crops, and other resources such as crude oil, groundnut, cocoa, rubber and others. The rich and diverse cultures in Nigeria attracted foreign tourists which also expanded transportation and trade. This was also the beginning of the various economic and cultural policies in Nigeria. The policies also cut across socio-political and foreign affairs. Prominent among the cultural events which attracts tourists from other states within Nigeria and other countries is the popular Calabar Carnival and Festac 1977 in Lagos.
Culture it is said, is a way of life of a people. Culture affects every aspect of a country and of a person’s life. Nigeria has a huge and diverse cultural and economic landscape. It is home to several ethnic groups and each contributes in one way or the other to the rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and economy. Historically the nation’s economy relied heavily on oil, with gradual diversification into other sectors such as agriculture as well as services in order to enhance sustainability and reduce dependency on oil.
Culture and economy are inseparable twins with tremendous social, economic and political values in Nigeria
. Though mainly challenged with corruption and infrastructural deficits, successive governments or administrations have always made efforts, on at least, earmarked efforts and policies to address the issues for a more robust cultural and economic future.
History had it that Nigerians diverse culture has been shaped by numerous ethnic groups, the major ones being the Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, each having distinct traditions, cultures, beliefs, languages and customs.
There was no formally documented cultural and economic activities before the coming of the colonial masters and rulers. However, the era of colonial rule influences the social-cultural and economic life of Nigeria significantly because the British administration brought about changes in culture, governance, education, and economic structures.
Initially, the Nigerian economy thrived heavily on agriculture; fishery, farm produce such as yam, cassava, groundnuts, cotton to mention but only a few. Subsequently, the discovery of oil in the 1950s drastically shifted the focus from socio-cultural and economic values of the people of Nigeria. Then came political instability and a civil war in the late 1960s which further impacted negatively on the nation’s cultural and economic potential.
As time went on, efforts were made to diversify the economy, signifying the need for resilience beyond the oil. Consequently, cultural heritage remains strong, which contribute immensely to Nigeria’s identify, economy and socio-political systems. As economic challenges persists, there is need for ongoing strategic planning and development initiatives.
The groundnut pyramid has historical, cultural and economic phenomenon in Nigeria. Its cultural and economic significance was predominantly in the Northern region where groundnuts were a major agricultural produce. The cultivation and trade of groundnuts were deeply embedded in the local culture and daily life of the northern people of Nigeria. During the 1940s and 1950s, groundnuts were not only a major produce, they also formed what is termed
“ground pyramid” which refers to large stacks or heaps of groundnuts that were created as a result the abundance of this crop. The economy of the groundnut Pyramid was mainly based on the export of groundnuts which formed a significant source of foreign exchange and general revenue for Nigeria at that time. The groundnut trade play a crucial role in the country’s economic landscape, that contributed tremendously to foreign exchange earnings. The question remains; where is the groundnuts Pyramid today? Can the groundnuts pyramid with its large economic and cultural values be restored in Nigeria?
The era of groundnut pyramid faced serious challenges such as fluctuations in global commodity prices and the vulnerability of relying heavily on a single crop. Events had it that factors such as pests, diseases and the constantly changing global markets dynamics led to the decline of the groundnuts pyramid and a shift towards a more diversified agricultural and economic landscape in Nigeria.
Groundnut cultivation was often intertwined with cultural practices and traditions. Many communities had specific rituals and ceremonies associated with the planting and harvesting of groundnuts, which reflects the importance of agriculture in their life. Though the groundnut planting and harvesting ceremonies may not be as popular as the new yam festivals that exist in the Igbo culture till date. People see planting of groundnut as belonging to the womenfolk. So, men in such cultures do the tilling of the ground.
There is also the Argungu fishing Festival in the northern region of Nigeria, that attracted a lot of international tourists and revenue. The Argungu fish festival usually holds in the town of
Argungu, located in Kebbi State of Nigeria.
The festival is well known for its fishing competition, where thousands of local fishermen gather at Argungu River to compete in catching the largest fish. The festival usually attracts participants, spectators, and international tourists from within and around the globe, which makes it one of the notable cultural and social events in the country.
Cotton is another cash crop that has both cultural and economic importance in Nigeria. Cotton is grown in several states in the Northern and South Western regions of Nigeria, such as Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kwara, Ogun, Ondo, and Oyo. Although, cotton is also grown in other states across the country, the northern states have favourable agro-climatic conditions for cotton farming. Cotton cultivation contributes to the socio-cultural, agricultural and economic landscape of these states and Nigeria in general. It also has a historical importance as a cash crop, that provides raw material for local and foreign textile industry that supports the livelihoods of several farmers in Nigeria and beyond.
Nigeria, being rich in cultural diversity, various ethnic groups celebrate a multitude of cultural festivals through out the country thereby creating opportunity for tourism, social cultural, and economic exchange among the states within Nigeria and beyond. Some of the notable cultural festivals include Eyo Festival in Lagos state; Nigeria it is also known as “Adamu Orisha Play.” This festival features vibrant masquerades, traditional music and processions. It is usually associated with the indigenes. Others include Durbar Festival often celebrated in most Northern regions. It is commonly marked by colourful parades, traditional music and equestrian displays. This festival is held mostly during Muslim celebrations, such as Eid al-fitr and Eid al-Adha. Socio-cultural and economic values areexchanged as many people travel from one state to another for the celebration.
There is also Osogbo Festival in Osun state. This is a UNESCO-listed cultural festival in Nigeria that has a huge socio-cultural and economic value. Usually it is held at the Osun-Oshogbo sacred Grove, devotees of this cultural festivals, tourists, and locals gather for rituals, processions and cultural performances in honour of the river goddess of Osun.
New Yam festival is a cultural feast observed mostly by the Igbos in Eastern part of Nigeria. Ethnic groups in this region celebrates this feast in commemoration of the harvest season. The festival involves performances, feasting and ceremonies that bring about socio-economic activities.
Ojude Oba festival in Ogun State, Ikeji Festival in Enugu State, Sharo/Shadi Festival belongs to the Fulanis in the nOrthern Nigeria. Oja;a Festival in Anambra State, usually celebrated by the Ibgo people, particularly in Onitsha. The Ofala Festival is celebrated with colourful ceremonies, cultural dances and the appearance of the Obi (King) in his royal regalia as the traditional ruler.
These festivals showcase Nigeria’s rich culture, traditions, and the diversity of its people. Each celebration reflects the unique rich cultural and economic heritage of the ethnic groups involved.
