Similoluwa Adebiyi, November 2, 2025
Nigeria, popularly known as the Giant of Africa, is more than just a country—it’s a symphony of cultures. With over 360 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages, it stands as one of the most ethnically diverse nations in the world. As a local, I can tell you: Nigeria isn’t just somewhere you visit—it’s something you feel. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the ancient walls of Kano, every corner tells a story—one of resilience, laughter, music, and connection.
The People
When you land in Nigeria, the first thing that greets you isn’t the heat—it’s the energy the people give.
(Alright, maybe both hit you at once.)
But what truly makes Nigeria unforgettable is its people.
Nigerians are vibrant, social, and effortlessly engaging, loud in laughter, bold in expression, and never afraid to turn a stranger into a friend. From the endless online banter about who makes the best jollof rice to the market woman already calling you “my brother” or “my sister” five minutes after meeting you, Nigerians carry a kind of warmth that makes you feel at home, even when you’re thousands of miles away from yours.
Culture and Festivals
Nigeria’s culture is as vast as its geography. With over 360 ethnic groups, each adds its own distinct flavor to the national pot—but three stand tall in influence: the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa.
In the West, you’ll find royalty and pageantry woven into festivals like the Ojude Oba in Ijebu-Ode, where colorfully adorned horses and elegant attires fill the streets, or the Eyo Festival, unique to Lagos, featuring masquerades and theatrical performances that celebrate the city’s rich heritage.
Travel East, and the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) awaits , a celebration of harvest and gratitude marked by drumming, dancing, and laughter. It signals the end of one farming season and the beginning of another, with the yam proudly taking center stage as the region’s revered “King of Crops.”
Head North, and you might witness the Argungu Fishing Festival, a spectacular blend of competition, tradition, and unity. Thousands dive into the river in a spirited contest, joined by vibrant water sports and cultural displays that turn the event into a grand northern carnival.
Music And Afrobeats
Then there’s our rhythm—Afrobeats. It’s not just music; it’s an attitude, a declaration that we’re here. From Fela’s political fire to Burna Boy’s global sound and Tems’ soulful voice, Afrobeats has carried Nigeria’s heartbeat across oceans. Afrobeats is that pulse that unites everyone, no matter where they’re from.
Food
If you really want to experience Nigeria, eat like a Nigerian. Start with our pride and joy—Jollof rice, the fiery, red masterpiece that unites the entire country and the envy of other West African countries.
In the West, try iyan (pounded yam) with egusi or the legendary amala and ewedu combo, flavors that redefine comfort food. Travel North for tuwo or masa, soft and satisfying, and, of course, the ever-popular suya, smoky, spicy, unforgettable. In the East, abacha (African salad) steals the show, bright, tangy, and rich in tradition, alongside soups like ofe oha and ofe nsala.
Landmarks and Natural Wonders
You can cool off under the misty spray of Erin Ijesha Waterfalls in Osun or hike the dramatic slopes of Idanre Hills in Ondo. Marvel at the monolithic Zuma Rock in Abuja—the ‘Gateway to the North.’ Relax in the soothing waters of Ikogosi Warm Springs, where hot and cold meet in nature’s quiet harmony. For a retreat above the clouds, visit the Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River, a paradise of rolling hills, cable cars, and endless skies. And for a taste of the wild, Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi offers elephants, baboons, and warm springs—proof that Nigeria’s heart beats in both its people and its land.
Leaving with More Than Memories
Nigeria isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience. You’ll dance, you’ll laugh, you’ll get lost—not just in the music or the cities, but in the spirit of the people. And when you leave, you won’t just take photos—you’ll take stories. So, pack your curiosity and come with an open heart. Because Nigeria doesn’t just welcome you—she embraces you.
“And when we do return, it shall not be like other travellers, without being able to give one accurate idea of anything. We will know where we have gone — we will recollect what we have seen.” — Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice
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