NIGERIA CULTURE AND HERITAGE

The Nigerian government in September, 1988, launched the “National Cultural

Policy”. This policy document defined culture as “ the totality of the way of life
evolved by a people in their attempt to meet the challenges in their environment
which gives order and meaning to their social, political, economic, aesthetic and
religious norms and modes of organization, thus distinguishing a people from their
neighbour”. As a further step, the Federal Government in June 1999, created the
Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism by mid 2006, the ministry was renamed
Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, with the mandate
to promote the nation’s rich cultural heritage, through the identification,
development and marketing, of the diverse cultural and tourism potentials.
However In November 2015, Ministry of Culture and Tourism was later merged
with ministry of information, which is now known as Ministry of Information,
Culture and Tourism.

The culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria’s multiple ethnic groups. The country
has over 50 languages and over 250 dialects and ethnic groups. The three largest
ethnic groups are the Hausa-Fulani who are predominant in the north, the Igbo who
are predominant in the south-east, and the Yoruba who are predominant in the
southwest. The Edo people are predominant in the region between Yoruba land and
Igbo land. Much of the Edo tends to be Christian while the remaining 25 percent
worship deities called Ogu. This group is followed by the Ibibio/Annang/Efik
people of the coastal southeastern Nigeria and the Ijaw of the Niger Delta.

The rest of Nigeria’s ethnic groups (sometimes called ‘minorities’) are found all
over the country but especially in the middle belt and north. The Hausa tend to be
Muslim and the Igbo are predominantly Christian. The Efik, Ibibio, Annang people
are mainly Christian. The Yoruba have a balance of members that are adherent to
both Islam and Christianity. Indigenous are often blended with Christian beliefs.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND COMMON TIES

It is popularly believed that Nigeria has about three hundred fifty linguistic groups
Language is the vehicle for creating and mastering the complex realities that define
any geographical expression. It is the most dynamic element of any culture or
society. Languages are vital for transmitting knowledge, world views and verbal
arts over the years. These languages and the cultures they transmit are however not
barriers but bridges of understanding and mutual cooperation across their
respective frontiers which differentiates them as entities sometimes referred to as
“ethnic nationalities”.

Some super structures are known to have grown which help to mediate the
diversities and channel them into harmonies and unity. This is why today we talk
about “Unity in Diversity”. Examples of such include, dress modes, inter-ethnic
marriages, shared religious beliefs and practices as well as commerce. People have
equally developed interest in other cultures to the extent of speaking different
languages and taking names from other cultures for their children.

In the area of dressing, Nigeria is characterized by the diversity of its traditional

attires. It is fashionable for Nigerians to wear the traditional dresses of their
regions or ethnic groups of origin. The Igbo men from southeast geo- political
region for instance are known for their red caps just as the hat is a peculiar feature
of men’s traditional wears in the Niger Delta region. In Benue State the “Ange”
cloth characterized by its zebra-like black and white stripes is used by the Tiv
people while their Idoma neighbours wear similar clothes with red and black
stripes.

But it is not uncommon for Nigerians to adopt particular attires from other regions
which have become very popular. The ensemble “Baban riga” (or “Agbada”),
“Buba” and “Shokoto”, completed with a cap to match, or the “Kaftan” which are
popular among the men-folk in the north (predominantly Hausa/Fulani) are now
worn by people from other parts of the country. In western Nigeria, the Yoruba
brand of the “Agbada”, “Buba”, “Shokoto”, with the cap to match, has become
popular too.

The recently introduced attire, referred to as “resource control”, which was initially
associated with men from the Niger-Delta region has today become a common
outfit across the length and breadth of Nigeria. As for the women- folk, the
“Buba”, “Iro”, “Gele”, “Ipele” have been adopted across the regions with minor
nuances of style. Although attached to the uniqueness of the traditional attires of
their places of origin, Nigerians are also simple lovers of beauty and so do not
hesitate to adopt a fashion or an object of beauty that appeals to them. Most of
these cloths are products of hand-woven fabrics such as “Akwete”, “Aso-Oke”,
“Batik”, “Tie and Dye”, “Ota- ochi”. These materials are the vogue in the textile
industry. Nigerians have carved a niche for themselves in the fashion world. The
use of “Ankara” materials by both men and women sets Nigerians apart in fashion
at home and internationally.
LITERARY AND PERFORMING ARTS

Writers and performing artistes, the world over are regarded as the “cultural
engineers” of the society. This is because they help to create and lubricate the
fabrics of societal stands and joints through their creativity. Literary arts in
Nigeria, has enjoyed greater patronage since Independence in 1960. With the
increasing documentation of folklore and traditions, the literary arts, has witnessed
a phenomenal growth. This has equally given prominence to Nigerian authors and
scholars within and outside the country.

These literary icons include Wole Soyinka, the first Black writer to win the Noble
Prize of literature in 1986, late Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, John Pepper
Clark, Gabriel Okara, Abubakar Imam, Flora Nwapa, Zulu Sofola, Amos Tutuola,
Chukwemeka Ike, Elechi Amadi, Chimamandia Adiche to mention these few. This
development has encouraged script writers to have a reservoir of materials for film
scripts used especially by Nollywood film producers.

NIGERIAN CUISINE AND GASTRONOMY

The Nigeria culinary practice is as diverse as the country’s ethnic groups. Every
ethnic group is associated with particular cuisine which they hold as dear to them.
The major traditional dishes and delicacies which have become national heritage
include: Edikaikon, Okoho, Fufu, Tuwo, Akpu, Suya, Kilishi ,Gbegeri, Owo, Bush
meat, Fura de nunu, Kunu, Amala, Eba, Pounded yam. Today, Nigerians from
various cultures prefer these foods to the western or so called continental dishes.
The popular snacks include Akara, Boli and Corn (boiled, popped or roasted). The
beauty in the Nigerian experience is that guests are fed generously.

NIGERIAN ARTS AND CRAFT IN BUILDING DECORATION AND

LANDSCAPING

It is not particularly an easy exercise to draw a straight line of demarcation

between arts and crafts. This is usually so because the same artist (genius) who
produced the beautiful bronze head, could be involved in the production of
ornaments of brass, just as the same carver who produced a door panel could be
involved in making stool, comb or ritual drum. It is however accepted that the first
product by the same artist from a mould represents an art, while subsequent
products from that same mould are classified as craft, though coming from the
same artist.
Each product is intended for a specific usage. Generally, climate, geography and
religious factors play vital role in art or craft production as the main motive or idea
was utility and aesthetic satisfaction. These factors are equally responsible for the
decoration of such objects of everyday use, for example granary, door panels,
bowls, knife handle, drinking horns, special design of the rulers roofs and walls
(interior and exterior), etc.

Nigerian craftsmen have been in their trade for over two thousand years. Their
efforts are known to have produced the terra-cotta and iron smelting tradition of
Nok, Ife, Igbo- ukwu and Benin bronze respectively. These high quality works of
art represent the evidence of early civilization in Nigeria. The works of art enjoy
patronage especially from the royal palaces and homes of wealthy personalities in
the Nigerian society. Such patronage encouraged the production of state swords,
sceptres, royal drums, ivory ornaments, whisks fans beaded handles, crowns and
various royal regalia. A few examples may suffice.

Calabash carving is a prominent craft practice with long standing tradition in

Nigeria. For instance, Old Oyo is well associated with this practice as well as some
communities in Plateau, Bauchi, Sokoto, Adamawa and Bornu states. They
produced burnt or engraved geometric designs on calabashes which are widely
used and marketed across the country. These crafts now enjoy patronage in many
African countries. This craft item is sometimes used as wall hanging, so also are
raffia based crafts.

In the area of buildings decorated with arts and crafts, Nigeria has a long tradition
of such practice. This is where door panels, wooden and stone objects are utilised
as “Installation Art” pieces. It is a common feature these days to see beautiful art
displays and expression on edifices across the country. Most of these designs
utilise marble materials as “Mosaïc”. There are also giant art works in front of
edifices, developed from wood, bronze, Iron and Fibre.

An example of this art expression is the giant art work at the defunct NEPA
building in Lagos. In Nigeria, landscaping appears to be incomplete without works
of art. This is why most round abouts across the country are adorned with giant art
pieces. Some of these works tell the tourist about the dominant cultural activities of
the people of the region. For example, a tourist entering Makurdi the Capital of
Benue State is presented with an art expression that this is the “Food Basket of the
Nation”. These decorations depict Nigerians as lovers of beautiful environment and
as people endowed with creativity.
CONTEMPORARY PAINTING AND SCULPTURE

The creative inspirations of early civilization such as the Nok, Ife, Benin and Igbo-
Ukwu presented the foundation and platform for the creative evolution of cycles
and generations of modern artists in Nigeria. Art traditions which started with
traditional carvers have today metamorphosed into contemporary art with
“western-trained” artists. Nigeria has since Independence produced five
generations of modern artists. What started with people like Aina Onabolu has
produced young artists like Samuel Onyilo, Paul Oluwole, etc.These artists were
trained in Art Schools in Nigeria.

In the area of painting, their works cover a wide range of colours and expressions.
These expressions or art forms use water colours and acrylics to produce wide
range of techniques. Some undertake a technique known as wood burning or mixed
media. Nigerian sculptors are very outstanding in their art forms and expressions.
They produce works on wood, Iron, Bronze and Stones among other features.
Their works are found in major galleries and private homes globally, some of their
commissioned works adorn major round-about in most cities across the country.
The patronage covers private individuals, companies and government agencies.

TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE

The development of modern music and dance had their foundation or origins in the
traditions of the various communities in Nigeria. Different communities are known
to have their music and dance forms, which they use for entertaining themselves
and important guests. Every occasion or event attracts its own form of music.
There is music for entertaining workmen in farms drums, especially with double
membrane, on hollow wood produce the music and is supported by the gong, horns
and trumpets. There is music for naming ceremony, installation of kings and at
burials. Both genders are involved, cutting across generations.

For example the Idoma of Benue state, have the “Ajah”, Oghrinye, Odumu and
Ichicha to mention a few. Their Tiv neighbours have the Swange and Kwagh-hir ;
Atilogu and Nkponkiti is common in southeast ; Sakara, Bata, Sato, Ponse,
Yemoja, Gelede, is popular in southwest; while Chalawa, Dabe, Goje hold sway in
the northeast and northwest respectively; and Igbabo is well known in Edo State
(south-south region).

Nigeria is famous for its English language literature, apart from English language
being its international language, pidgin is also a lingua franca that was common
among illiterates and the street touts who cannot speak the formal English but
nowadays everybody including the rich and the poor, the literates and the illiterates
all speak Pidgin English which is a picture of English and other slang like ‘How
you dey’ instead of ‘How are you’ and its popular music. Since the 1990s the
Nigerian movie industry, sometimes called “Nollywood” has emerged as a fast
growing cultural force all over the continent. All over the country, and even
increasingly in the conservative north, western music, dresses and movies are ever
popular.

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY NOLLYWOOD AND NIGERIAN MUSIC

Nollywood emerged in 1992 and quickly imposed itself as one of the world’s
largest film industries. Today, it comes just behind “Hollywood and “Bollywood”,
American and Indian film industries respectively. It is a unifying brand for
practitioners in scripting, directing, sound, High Definition (HD) techniques,
acting, cinematography, make-up, editing, etc. in Nigeria, Nollywood is the
Nigerian national movie industry articulated around a few major production
centres like Lagos, Onitsha, Enugu, Asaba and Abuja. The distribution of the films
also hinge on these same production centres as well as other major distribution
points in Nigeria such as Aba.

The movie “Living in Bondage” by Mr. Kenneth Nnebue was the bold step that
made a journey of a million miles worth embarking upon. Today, looking behind
to its trail blazing achievements, Nollywood with its sister – Nigerian Music
Industry, is proud to take the world stage, by identifying its relevance and essence
in filling the gap created by the dearth of quality productions in the local television
channels and radio stations, Nollywood has established itself as a major cultural
and economic force in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. The entertainment industry
which they constitute accounted for over 1.4% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) in 2013 and this figure is fast growing.

Nollywood today boasts an impressive number of star actors and actresses as well
as film producers. Suffice it to mention a few names as examples: Pete Edochie,
Olu Jacobs, Nkem Owoh (alias Osuofia or Ukwa), Segun Arinze, Francis Duru, the
famous duo Chidi Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, Desmond Eliot, Emeka Ike, Ojoho
Okafor, etc. are among the outstanding actors, while actresses who have become
familiar house-hold names include Ebere Okaro-Onyiuke, Patience Ozokwor, Rita
Dominic, Genevieve Nnaji, Ini Edo, Omotala Jolade Ekeinde, Ngozi Ezeonu,
Mercy Johnson, Stephanie Okereke-Linus, Funke Akindele, Rachael Oniga, Uche
Jumbo, Joke Silva etc.
The music fact of the entertainment industry has waxed relatively strong,
expanding year after year, turning in billions of naira to the economy. There is no
gainsaying the fact that music is part of our every- day life and, more or less, an
integral part of visual and audio media productions, including soundtracks in both
local and foreign movies. With an apparently inexhaustible stream talents and
capacity to innovate, the Nigerian music industry is one that can neither be
hindered by economic depression nor lack relevance.

Nigerian music has the necessary resources to rule the air waves of not only
Nigeria but also the length and breadth of Africa and the world at large. It is
noteworthy that the number of stakeholders in the Nigerian music business is ever
increasing. The stakeholders include artistes, musicians, producers, promoters,
managers, distributors, marketers, etc. In the past six years, interestingly, the
growing numbers of new production studios and artistes springing up has paved
way for a more vibrant and self-sustaining industry. A lot of Nigerian artistes are
already enjoying cooperate sponsorship for their unique talents and achievements.
Some have recorded landmark albums sale, sometimes running into hundreds of
thousands of copies.

Others have won prestigious awards in international contests and events, hence
attracting more and more investments from very many sources. The investments
have no doubt aided production of world class quality music as a result of
innovations in sounds, rhythms and recording techniques Pace-setters, Nigerian
musicians have developed a vast spectrum of music genres, blending hip-hop, rap,
rhythm and blues, reggae, gospel, etc. with traditional Nigerian beats and
instruments.

Some of the popular names include: Onyeka Onwenu, Christy Essien-Igbokwe,

Omonigho Oboli, Osita Osadebe, Ebenezar Obey, Sunny Ade, Oriental Brothers,
Rex Lawson, Bongos Ikwue, 2-Face Idibia, P-Square, Davido, Timaya, Tiwa
Savage, M.I, Bracket, Olamide, Flavour, Wizkid, D’Banj, Kcee, Asa, Skales, Don
Jazzy, MC Galaxy, Yemi Alade, Patoranking, etc. A good number have also made
name in Gospel music: Chris Morgan, Panam Percy Paul, Yinka Ayefele, Frank
Edward, Sinach, Osinachi, David G., Ada, Steve Crown etc.

STAND-UP COMEDIANS ON THE RISE

Stand-up comedians have come to complete Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.

They distill humour and jokes inspired by the every-day life experience of
Nigerians to a wide variety of audience, through direct stage shows or recorded
VCD/DVDs, in English or Nigerian Pidgin. Among the most popular of these
highly talented comedians are: I go dye, Gordons, Klint d’drunk, Basketmouth,
AY, Lepasious Bose, Funny Bone, Akpororo, Seyi Law, Bovi, Helen Paul, Chi-
girl, etc.

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Nigeria as country is blessed with both natural and human resources that make the
country a preferred tourist destination. The rich and diverse natural, ecological and
cultural resources coupled with over 177 million people in the country inform the
appellation the “Giant of Africa”. These resources are spread with- in a landmass
of about 932,768 km2 located wholly within the tropics and within a territory that
extends about 650 miles (1,050 km) from north to south and 700 miles (1, 130km)
East to West.

The natural features of the country which readily attract the visitor include a warm,
sunny climate, fascinating beaches and evergreen vegetation in the south; while in
the north; alluring landforms overshadow wide expanses of savannah grassland.
There are other interesting natural features including hill formations, waterfalls,
and springs, pockets of mountainous areas with temperate-like climate and a range
of unique and uncommon species of wildlife.

NIGERIA’S TOURISM POTENTIALS

The diverse cultural features of the country which is a manifestation of the socio-
cultural differences of the over 250 ethnic groups that have inhabited the land for
ages have attracted several international recognitions. Some of the big cultural
events with tourism potentials include: the Grand Durbar Festival and the famous
Argungu Fishing Festival in the north, the Atilogwu Dancers and the New Yam
Festival in the East; the boat Regatta in Lagos and Yenagoa; the Olofin Festival in
Idanre, Ondo State; the Olojo Festival at Ile-Ife; the Oshun Festival in Osogbo,
Osun State; Abuja, Calabar and Rivers carnivals among others.

The quest for Eco-Tourism by travelers who are interested in exotic natural
environment and passion for conservation efforts and observations of wildlife in
natural setting has catalyzed the development of such attractions. Eco-tourism
attractions in the country include overland safaris, natural parks, gorilla viewing,
deep sea recreational fishing, lake and river fishing, archaeological towns, beach
resorts and hotels, transportation – water, land and air, exceptional beaches lined
with coconut and palm grooves such as Bar Beach, Eleko Beach and Badagry,
Beach. Include: the Grand Durbar Festival and the famous Argungu Fishing
Festival in the north, the Atilogwu Dancers and the New Yam Festival in the East;
the boat Regatta in Lagos and Yenagoa; the Olofin Festival in Idanre, Ondo State;
the Olojo Festival at Ile-Ife; the Osun Festival in Osogbo, Osun State; Abuja,
Calabar and Rivers carnivals among others.

NATURAL TOURIST SITES

 Sukur Landscape: A UNESCO-listed World Heritage site. The Sukur

landscape lies within the Cameroon-Nigeria border- lands in present day
Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The entire Sukur
cultural landscape is a scenic blend of nature and culture. The Sukur site
possesses rich soils and adequate supplies of natural and spring water. The
plateau is also the home of Hidi (i.e. the king). It is a strategic location from
which the Sukur resisted attacks from hostile neighbours.

 Zuma Rock: Located along Kaduna- Abuja Highway in Niger State, about
half an hour drive from the centre of the new Federal Capital, this is a
beautiful giant rock used for defensive purposes by the Gwari people against
invading neighbouring tribes during the inter-tribal wars. The legend, it is
said, goes that the indigenes in the olden days believed that a couple of
depressions that form a patch on the upper part of the rock were actual- ly
eyes with which it could foresee danger from the sur- rounding and warn
them through oracles. Zuma rock represents a beautiful and unique granite
rock formation. It offers a good environment for picnicking and relaxation.

 Olumo Rock: It is located in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Olumo rock is a

massive outcrop of granite rocks of primitive formation. The highest point
on the rock is about 137metres from the base of the rock. It is a historical
monument, which served as a shelter and fortress for the Egba people during
the Yoruba inter-city wars. The centre consists of a fast food outlet, a
museum, a giant telescope to view Abeokuta, a recreational park, etc. The
centre has a heavy duty escalator band glass elevator running through the
different levels of the rock alongside the old stairway for visitors who love
climbing.

 Kura Falls: Kura falls is located 77 km from Jos, Plateau State. It is a

fascinating and exciting place to visit. The village is situated within rich
savannah vegetation with mountainous ranges and lakes, providing a
beautiful scenery ideal for picnic, bird watching and nature trail.
 Shere Hills: The Shere hill is the apex of the Jos Plateau. The hill peaks at
1, 829metres above sea level. The hilltop presents beautiful and relaxing
scenery in an area excellent for picnic, mountaineering, and sightseeing and
camping.

 Agbokim Waterfalls: Agbokim waterfalls is a beautiful scenic attraction.

Water from the falls run into a large pool surrounded by thick vegetation.

 Gurara Water Falls: Gurara waterfalls, best described as Nigeria’s premier

falls, is located off Minna Suleja road in Niger State. It is one of the nation’s
greatest holiday resorts. The fascinating periods of the falls occur when the
water level is at its peak during the months of April-August. However, it is
low between September and March there by giving a good view of the
waterbed.

 Erin Ijesha waterfalls: This waterfall lies some 20 km east of Ilesha Akure
road. The waterfall has about five layers. The water flows among rocks and
splashes down with great force to the evergreen vegetation ground. The area
is also useful for mountaineering exercises. The breeze at the waterfall is
cool and refreshing.

 Mambilla Plateau: The Mambilla plateau is a table land located at Gembu

in Sarduna local government council of Taraba State. The Plateau is about
1,830metres above sea level with a temperate climate comparable to any
temperate region of the world. The Mambilla Plateau is characterized by an
undulating landscape and the clean free flow of Barup, Manchewa, Rufi,
Tiba and Bambika waterfalls. It is an ideal site for high altitude sport,
training, gaming, adventure, relaxation, pic- nicking, leadership training and
holidaying.

 Idanre and Oka Hills: Idanre hill is located 15km southwest of Akure,
Ondo state. Idanre hill is steep sided, smooth and dome- shaped. It is an
inspiring and beautiful site for tourists. Oke-Maria (Virgin Mary Hill) is
located at Oka Akoko about 113 km from Akure town. It has a beautiful
Virgin Mary statue at the top of the hill. It provides an attractive scenery and
excellent environment for pilgrims.

 Obudu Cattle Ranch: Obudu cattle ranch is about 350 km from Calabar,
Cross river state. It is located at the exotic Oban Obudu Plateau which is
over 5,200 feet above sea level. The ranch provides a semi-temperate
climate of between 26°C (78°F) and 32°C (89.6°F), which may drop to
between 4°C (36°F) and 10°C (50°F). The scenery is breathtakingly
beautiful with hills, valleys as far as the eyes can see. The ranch is peaceful
and close to nature: it comprises stone-walled, chalets, ranch, bar and
restaurant, lawn tennis court and cable cars for utmost recreational
experience.

 Oguta Lake: The Oguta Lake in Imo State is a lake resort complex
comprising a motel, an 18-hole golf course, relics of the civil war, natural
confluence of Oguta Lake and Orashi River. Activities at the Lake include:
boat cruising, fishing and bird watching.

 Ikogosi Spring: It is located in Ikogosi, Ekiti state, about 52km North- West
of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. This is an irresistible site where warm and cold
water ooze out from different sources. The springs flow side by side and
meet at a spot with each maintaining its thermal identity- the first of such in
the world. The natural vegetation of the spring is left untouched for eco-
tourism appeal.

 Lekki Beach: The Oso-Lekki break water is located at Lekki Peninsula area
of Lagos. It is the site for the state fishing and cultural festival.

 Mayegun Beach: Mayegun beach is splendid resort located at the beginning

of Lekki peninsula.

 Bar Beach: Bar beach is a captivating long stretch of beach, located along
Ahmadu Bello way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

 The whispering Palm Resort: It is located along Badagry Expressway,

Iworu-Ajido, Lagos. It is one of the exotic palm resorts in Nigeria. The
resort offers classic recreational and relaxation facilities. An ideal place for
camping, honeymoon, picnics etc.

PARK AND GAME RESERVES

 Yankari National Park: The Park is located around the Gaji River in
Alkaleri Local Government Area; about 110 km south-west of Bauchi State.
The reserve covers an area of about 2,224.10/km2 of savannah woodland
and is stocked with elephants, baboons, waterbucks, monkeys, buffaloes,
hippocampus, among several other big animals. The park is inhabited by a
variety of birds such as saddle bills, herons, and eagles. Within the park is
the Wiki warm spring which is one of the best features of the park.

 Kuyamba Game Reserve: This resort is a wildlife reserve of about 10 km2

at Madada in Kuyambana, Zamfara State. The reserve is known to be a
natural habitat for wild animals such as lions, tigers, hyenas, etc. It is an
ideal site for game hunting, adventure, e.t.c.

 Okumu Wildlife Sanctuary: It has an area of about 300 km2 and is about
65 km west of Benin City, Edo state. The forest has a unique collection of
animal species including the endangered white- throated monkey.

 Gashaka Gumpti Park: The Gashaka Gumpti Park in Taraba State is a

natural conservation of rare fauna and flora located at the foot of the
Mambilla Plateau. The park is over 15km2. The animal species include
white monkeys, birds, crocodiles, etc.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

ANCESTRAL FESTIVALS

 Durbar Festival: This is a rich display of horses mounted by colourfully

dressed cavaliers, who pay traditional homage to the Emir to commemorate
Sallah. It is held in some states in Northern Nigeria such as Katsina, Kaduna
and Kano States.

 Eyo Festival: This is a Lagos indigenous festival staged to mark the

transition of an important indigene to the great beyond.

 Osun Festival: This is an annual worship of the Osun goddess of fertility in

the second week of August. It takes place in Osogbo, Osun State.

 Argungu Fishing Festival: It is a bare hand fishing competition that is held

in Argungu in Kebbi state. It also includes water sports and wrestling
contests.

 New yam Festival: Mainly celebrated among the Igbo in the Southeast

 Ige-Agba Festival: This is new yam festival celebrated by the Igede people
of Benue State at Oju and Obi. It holds every first week of September.
 Mamanwu Festival: It holds every November in Enugu. It is a colourful
display of masquerades to usher in the new yam.

 Ovie Orese Festival: The festival is a mandatory marital rite for virgins in
Ogori land. It is a sort of initiation into adulthood. The venue is Ogori land
in Kogi State.

 Olojo/Ibogun Festival (Ile-Ife): This is a festival celebrated annually and it

takes place every month of October in Ile-Ife. The festival is performed by
worshipping and offerings at Oke-Mogun in Ile ife. The festival lasts for
four days.

 Igbogo Festival (Owo): This is an annual celebration in Owo, Ondo State

every September with pump and pageantry.