Nigeria S Diverse Peoples

Exploring the history of ethnic, regional, and religious diversity in Nigeria, this volume traces most of the country's current problems to its colonial exploitation. Plagued by ethnic divisions, economic inequality, and corruption, Nigeria appears to conform to the stereotypical view that Africa's problems are mostly the result of primitive tribalism. But as Nigeria's Diverse Peoples demonstrates, most of Nigeria's problems today were set in motion by Europeans during the slave trade and colonial eras. Focusing on three main ethnic groups (Hausa-Falani, Yoruba, and Igbo) and ranging from precolonial times to independence in 1960 to the present, this breakthrough study portrays a Nigeria now striving to make a unified nation of itself. Offering a fresh understanding not just of Nigeria but of Africa as well, readers will enter the richly complex world of Nigeria's ethnic history.

"Nigerians are proud of their diverse culture comprising more than 250 ethnic groups. Important changes in their economy and political system are helping them cope with challenges in the modern world. Culture and Customs of Nigeria illuminates a dynamic society - how Nigerians today live, work, worship, interact, relax and express themselves."--Jacket.

Written by leading experts in African studies, this broad introduction to Nigeria follows the history of the republic from the early period to the present day. As Africa's most populated country and major world exporter of oil, Nigeria is a nation with considerable international importance—a role that is hampered by its economic underdevelopment and political instability. This book examines all major aspects of Nigeria's geography, politics, and culture, addressing the area's current attempts at building a strong nation, developing a robust economy, and stabilizing its domestic affairs. Perfect for students of African history, geography, anthropology, and political science, this guidebook provides an overview and history of Nigeria from the early period to contemporary times. Chapters focus on each region in the country; the government, economy and culture of Nigeria; the challenges and problems Nigerians face since the country's independence; and topics affecting everyday life, including music, food, etiquette, gender roles, and marriage.

Research Paper from the year 2012 in the subject African Studies, grade: none, - (University of Benin), course: International Studies and Diplomacy, language: English, abstract: Observably, most developing countries are ethnically diverse. Ethnic diversity may lead to increased civil dissonance. The National Question in Nigeria is probably one of the most complicated in the world with her over 250 ethnic groups and 120 different languages spoken in the country. The colonialist while pretending to carry out a mission of uniting the warring ethnic groups, wilfully and systematically separated the various Nigerian people thereby creating a suitable atmosphere for conflict. With the heterogeneous nature of the country, the tendency of the various nationals is towards parochial consciousness at the expense of national consciousness. This paper, therefore, relies on content analysis as its methodology to examine ethnic conflicts in Nigeria. It also examined the fundamental causes of ethnic conflicts in the country and identifies the possible issues for resolution. The paper also proffered suggestions on how to curb ethnic conflicts in future Nigeria.

“The encyclopedia gives a complex, yet detailed, presentation of the Yorùbá, a dominant ethnic group in West Africa . . . an invaluable resource.” —Yoruba Studies Review The Yoruba people today number more than thirty million strong, with significant numbers in the United States, Nigeria, Europe, and Brazil. This landmark reference work emphasizes Yoruba history, geography and demography, language and linguistics, literature, philosophy, religion, and art. The 285 entries include biographies of prominent Yoruba figures, artists, and authors; the histories of political institutions; and the impact of technology and media, urban living, and contemporary culture on Yoruba people worldwide. Written by Yoruba experts on all continents, this encyclopedia provides comprehensive background to the global Yoruba and their distinctive and vibrant history and culture. “Readers unfamiliar with the Yoruba will find the introduction a concise and valuable overview of their language and its dialects, recent history, mythology and religion, and diaspora movements . . . Highly recommended.” —Choice

Re-Inventing Nigeria presents a political analysis of the country, showing how to make Nigeria’s federation work. It proffers a democratic initiative to keep Nigeria together as one strong united federal republic, while providing a democratic model that other countries with similar multiethnic challenges can emulate. The book focuses on how the Nigerian Federal Project can be restructured to make it more functional and service driven. It begins with a historical review, concluding that the foundations of Nigeria were faulty from the start, with no agreement made towards nationhood by the federating units. Instead, Nigeria’s different ethnic nationalities held themselves in mutual suspicion, even in contempt, before independence. A new form of democratic government, called plebisciterianism, is recommended because of its inbuilt recourse to the plebiscite. This ensures that all nationalities are included in the government at any given time.