As someone once said, “Culture is not just who we are; it’s how we live.” Being cultured in Nigeria is not just about speaking good English or knowing how to use cutlery; it’s about embracing a rich cultural heritage. It’s much bigger than that.
It’s how you treat others, what you wear, how you talk, what you believe in, and how you carry yourself every day and also about showing respect, being proud of where you’re from, and continuing to learn from others.
Across the country, people are mixing old ways with new ones. Young and old are asking, What does it mean to be cultured? Is he wearing native clothes? Speaking your mother tongue? Or just being polite and well-behaved?
In this article, we’ll examine what being cultured means to Nigerians today. What has stayed the same, what has changed, and how people feel about it.
What Does Being Cultured in Nigeria Mean?
1. Respect for Others
Being cultured in Nigeria in 2025 starts with respect. In most Nigerian homes, people greet elders with special care. For example, in Yoruba culture, boys kneel or lie flat, while girls kneel when greeting older people.
In the North, Hausa children bow or lower their gaze to show respect. Even in large cities like Lagos or Abuja, this way of showing respect remains a significant part of daily life.
When someone is polite, listens to others, and doesn’t speak rudely, people say, “This one is well raised.” That’s how many Nigerians tell who is cultured.
2. Pride in Culture
Being cultured in Nigeria in 2025 also means taking pride in your heritage. Many young people wear traditional clothes, such as aso-ebi, ankara, or kaftan, to parties and school events.
Cultural centres, such as the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture in Lagos, help young people learn more about their roots. These places teach music, stories, dances, and the meanings behind old customs.
Even with modern trends on TikTok and Instagram, many young Nigerians continue to showcase their traditional attire and hometown pride. Being cultured now means embracing and proudly sharing one’s culture.
3. Having Good Character
Nigerians value character. In Yoruba, there’s a word called Omoluwabi, which means someone who is honest, respectful, brave, kind, and speaks the truth. People with this kind of character are perceived as cultured, regardless of their financial status or educational background.
In 2025, Nigerians continue to teach their children to greet properly, keep their promises, and treat others fairly. A cultured person doesn’t brag or cheat. Instead, they act in ways that bring peace and honour to their family and community.
4. Speaking and Celebrating Your Language
A significant aspect of being culturally aware in Nigeria is knowing and using your native language. With over 500 languages spoken across the country, each one carries its wisdom, humour, and way of seeing the world.
Speaking your mother tongue is not just about words. It reveals where you come from and what you stand for.
Even though English is the official language, many families now make an effort to speak Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ibibio, or Tiv at home. Some schools even offer classes in local languages.
On social media, more young people are making funny videos and music in their own languages, and this makes culture fun and alive again.
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Keeping Traditions Alive
The Igbo still hold New Yam Festivals, the Yoruba have Eyo festivals, and the Hausa keep strong storytelling traditions through Tales by Moonlight-style family evenings.
Writers like Chimamanda Adichie and historians remind us that tradition is not old or boring. It’s a gift. It shows us how to live better, treat others well, and pass on valuable lessons to the next generation.
Blending Old and New
Today, being cultured in Nigeria in 2025 means knowing how to blend old values with modern life. You can wear jeans and still respect your elders.
You can use social media and still speak your native language, and can attend church or a mosque and still follow family customs that have been passed down for years.
More Nigerians now mix tradition with global culture. For example, you might see a bride dancing to Afrobeats in full aso-ebi at a wedding. Or someone posting a video in Igbo while wearing modern makeup. Culture now lives online too, and that’s okay.
Regional and Social Differences
Being cultured in Nigeria can take different forms, depending on where you live or your level of income. In cities like Lagos, many people dress in trendy clothes, speak more English, and follow global fashion or tech trends.
In Abuja, being cultured may mean dressing neatly, speaking clearly, and acting calmly, especially in rich or government circles. Also, in Onitsha or smaller towns, people tend to place greater emphasis on respect, family ties, and local traditions.
Additionally, individuals with more financial means or higher education often adhere to different rules than others. For example, they may think being cultured means speaking only English or going to art shows.
However, someone else may interpret it to mean praying often, greeting elders, and dressing modestly. Both views are valid. Culture is influenced by where you live, how you were raised, and what you value.
How the World Has Changed Us
Due to the internet and global travel, being cultured in Nigeria is no longer just about traditional customs. Young people now mix African and Western ideas every day.
You might see someone wearing Ankara with sneakers or greeting in Yoruba and texting in English. This mix is called cultural fusion, and it’s very common today.
Many Nigerians also reside abroad in countries such as the UK, Canada, or the US. When they return home, or even online, they bring back new habits, slang, and fashion. This creates new versions of culture.
For example, some Nigerians now celebrate Christmas with jollof rice and pizza, or add local spices to foreign meals. This blend demonstrates how culture is constantly evolving, adapting, and thriving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Does Being Cultured in Nigeria in 2025 Mean?
It means showing respect, being proud of your roots, speaking kindly, and striking a balance between tradition and modern life. It’s about how you live and treat others.
2. Is Being Cultured the Same in Every Part of Nigeria?
No. Being cultured in Nigeria in 2025 looks different in places like Lagos, Onitsha, or Abuja. Culture is influenced by where you live, your background, and your values.
3. How Are Young People Changing What It Means to Be Cultured?
Young Nigerians are blending traditional ways with modern trends. They’re using music, language, fashion, and digital tools to shape culture in fresh and exciting ways.