There is a difficulty in discussing the entire perspective in how culture influence and affected the socio-economic and political growth in Nigeria. To the degree of my insight and understanding of my country's cultural heritage, origin, historical background, political drive (leadership) at pre-colonial and colonial times, the evolutional drive, ethnic issues and other socio-economic revolution to which and for which I have been given an esteem privilege to write my view point is my greatest delight.
Neither in the sphere of economics, nor in the sphere of politics, Nigeria authorities and Nigeria intellectuals has ever denied culture a very important role. The need to integrate cultural activities and value in all sphere of life has been very loudly pronounced in the post-independent development of Nigeria. General ideas on Nigerian development were linked to the authentic cultural values.
Nigeria as an Entity
Nigeria is the geographical entity found in the curve of Africa, equidistant from the extreme concern of the continent so that it's takes a short time travel by air to any part of Africa.
It is surrounded by French speaking countries. Nigeria is made up of various states, empires and smaller territories called the minorities, most influential was the Fulani empires in the north, in the south was the Oyo (Yoruba) and Benin Kingdoms. In the south-south was other tribes like Annang, Ibibio, Efik, Ijaws, etc (called minorities). East of Nigeria lived the Igbo's who had their own unique system of traditional government.
Culture
This is a way of life, the custom and beliefs, art, way of life and social organization of a particular country or group OR the beliefs and attitudes about something that people in a particular group or organization share.
The most important issue of cultural development is certainly the creation of either national Nigerian or affirmation of ethnic cultural identity. This is also an important political issue, as the Nigerian federalism tried to put together the achievement of the modern democratic west European state and local cultural traditions, the whole process of restoration and adjustment is in fact the process of fining the identity of Nigeria people and individual.
The local culture milieu of Nigeria is extremely diversity field, and depends not only on the ethnic cultural values and habit, but also on religion habit and obligations. There are also major difference between rural and urban cultural life, and rural and urban habit and norms. Generally speaking, the cultural life in Nigeria is to the large extend market by transition and transitional form of cultural event are most popular; festivals, exhibition, performing, playing music and dancing in the open.
Culture and the Child
Before the inception of European culture in the colonial era, the Nigeria society in the pre-colonial era was simple and pre-industrial. The people (our Ancestors) were satisfied with their simple social, economic and political life styles as there were shape with inherited culture. Children were seen as social security and economic assets, parent took time to educate and socialize them by passing on knowledge, attitude, values and occupational skills which had been developed and preserved as cultural heritage.
But today, this advancement of the society in knowledge, skill, technology, information dissemination and communications as brought several cultural changes that as influence and affected socio-economic and political growth of a Nigerian child. A child is not born as a social being but gradually becomes one under the influence of cultural, socio-economic and political environment he or she finds himself or herself.
In Nigeria socio-cultural system, the traditional cultural system which represents the rural, semi-rural societies still adhere to their traditional norms and values which may post a treat on socio-economic and political growth or bring about growth in socio-economic and political growth in Nigeria. Nigeria as a complex society, consisting of an estimated 374 ethno-linguistic and cultural groups is characterized by differences in language, history and cultures.
They all regard the preservation their individual identities, social, economic, political and cultural heritage with great concern and sensitivity. These people have their own peculiar cultural, social and political norms and values which they transmit to younger generations that may post a treat or influence and affect socio-economic and political growth in Nigeria for good or for bad.
Culture, Socio-Economic and Political Growth in the Pre-Colonia Era
History as revealed to us that two event characterized this era, which is “Trade and War”. Before colonialist came to our great country Nigeria, various ethnical groups like the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Benin, Efik, Ibibio, Annang and others own their system of government which were either distinct from one another or were similar in nature. The system centered on the basic functions of government namely legislation, executive and judicial functions. At most of the time, the three functions was carried out by one person which was around a religious sacredness, so that people (the subjects) were made to obey through fear and the wrath of the gods.
