Residential buildings in Nigeria exhibit a various vary of architectural types and designations, reflecting cultural heritage, socioeconomic components, and regional variations. The terminology used to explain dwellings can differ considerably relying on the precise locality, ethnic group, and the aim of the constructing. As an illustration, a standard mud home in a rural space will doubtless carry a special title than a contemporary condo constructing in a serious metropolis.
Understanding the nomenclature related to dwellings in Nigeria gives invaluable insights into the nation’s cultural panorama and the evolution of its housing practices. Historic context usually shapes the names and designs of those buildings. Components equivalent to local weather, availability of supplies, and social customs contribute to the distinctive traits of every kind of residence. This data facilitates communication and understanding throughout totally different areas and communities.
Subsequently, a radical examination of Nigerian residential structure requires exploring the varied terminologies used, their origins, and the cultural significance they maintain. Subsequent sections will delve into particular examples of home sorts throughout totally different areas, offering an in depth overview of their building, objective, and native names.
1. Architectural Variety
Architectural variety in Nigeria straight influences the names assigned to residential buildings. The huge spectrum of constructing types, starting from conventional compounds to modern flats, necessitates a assorted vocabulary to precisely describe and differentiate these dwellings. This variety arises from a mix of things, together with geographical location, cultural heritage, financial standing, and technological developments in building. As an illustration, within the northern areas, conventional Hausa structure usually options enclosed compounds often known as “Gidan Hausa,” constructed from mud bricks and characterised by their useful design suited to the arid local weather. In distinction, the southern areas, notably in city facilities like Lagos, showcase fashionable high-rise flats and sprawling bungalows, also known as “mansions” or just “estates,” reflecting affluence and modern architectural traits.
The sensible significance of understanding this relationship between architectural variety and home names lies in facilitating clear communication and avoiding ambiguity. Correct terminology permits for exact descriptions in actual property transactions, city planning initiatives, and cultural documentation. For instance, misinterpreting a “Gidan Hausa” as a generic “home” would fail to convey its particular architectural options and cultural significance. Equally, categorizing a contemporary condo as merely a “home” overlooks its structural complexity and the approach to life it represents. This understanding turns into notably necessary in authorized contexts, property assessments, and historic preservation efforts.
In abstract, the number of architectural types prevalent throughout Nigeria straight shapes the terminology used to explain residential buildings. This connection is crucial for correct communication, cultural preservation, and efficient city planning. The challenges lie in documenting and standardizing this various vocabulary to keep away from misinterpretations and guarantee a complete understanding of Nigeria’s wealthy architectural heritage. Additional analysis and documentation are required to seize the nuances of native dialects and architectural traditions, contributing to a extra full image of Nigerian housing and its related nomenclature.
2. Regional Variations
Regional variations exert a profound affect on the naming conventions of homes throughout Nigeria. Geographical location, local weather, out there constructing supplies, and dominant ethnic teams inside a area all contribute to distinct architectural types and, consequently, particular phrases used to establish dwellings. As an illustration, within the arid northern areas, the prevailing architectural fashion employs mud and clay because of their availability and thermal properties. Homes in these areas are sometimes referred to by names reflecting this building technique, equivalent to “Gidan Kasa” (Hausa for ‘home of earth’). Conversely, within the southern rainforest areas, timber and corrugated iron are extra frequent, resulting in totally different home names and designs suited to the humid local weather and ample sources. Coastal areas could exhibit stilt homes to mitigate the consequences of flooding and excessive tides, buildings that bear names particular to their adaptation to the setting.
The sensible significance of understanding this connection lies in its significance for efficient communication, correct property evaluation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Recognizing that the time period “home” encompasses a mess of architectural kinds, every with its personal regional title and traits, permits for extra exact descriptions in authorized paperwork, actual property transactions, and concrete planning initiatives. For instance, when conducting property surveys, it’s important to distinguish between a “compound” within the east and a “face-me-I-face-you” dwelling in Lagos, as every displays distinctive residing preparations and architectural configurations. Such consciousness additionally facilitates knowledgeable decision-making in catastrophe administration and humanitarian help, guaranteeing that interventions are tailor-made to the precise housing wants of affected communities.
In abstract, regional variations function a elementary determinant within the naming of homes in Nigeria. Acknowledging and appreciating these various terminologies is essential for selling cultural sensitivity, bettering communication accuracy, and enabling efficient coverage implementation. Future analysis ought to deal with documenting and standardizing these regional naming conventions to create a complete glossary of Nigerian housing phrases, thus contributing to a extra nuanced understanding of the nation’s architectural heritage and its affect on society.
3. Cultural Affect
Cultural affect considerably shapes the names and traits of homes in Nigeria. Conventional architectural types, constructing supplies, and spatial preparations usually mirror the customs, beliefs, and social buildings of various ethnic teams. These cultural norms straight affect the terminology used to explain residences. For instance, among the many Yoruba individuals, the idea of a “compound home,” or “agbo ile,” is deeply rooted of their communal residing preparations. The title “agbo ile” itself signifies a gathering of members of the family, reflecting the significance of kinship and shared sources. Equally, in Igbo tradition, the time period “obu” refers to a standard assembly home or household shrine, usually included into the residential compound, thus influencing the general design and designation of the dwelling. The prevalence of those conventional housing kinds and their related names demonstrates the enduring affect of cultural values on residential structure.
The sensible significance of understanding this cultural affect lies in its relevance to historic preservation, city planning, and social cohesion. Preserving conventional housing types and their related names helps preserve cultural identification and historic continuity. City planning initiatives that acknowledge and incorporate these cultural components are extra doubtless to achieve success in creating sustainable and culturally delicate communities. Moreover, understanding the cultural significance of various housing sorts can promote social cohesion by fostering respect and appreciation for various cultural practices. As an illustration, recognizing the significance of communal areas inside conventional compounds can inform the design of contemporary housing developments, selling a way of neighborhood and belonging.
In conclusion, cultural affect is a major determinant within the naming and design of homes in Nigeria. Recognizing and respecting these cultural nuances is crucial for preserving cultural heritage, selling efficient city planning, and fostering social cohesion. Future analysis ought to deal with documenting and analyzing the various vary of cultural influences on Nigerian structure, contributing to a extra complete understanding of the nation’s wealthy cultural panorama.
4. Socioeconomic Components
Socioeconomic components exert a major affect on the forms of homes present in Nigeria and the phrases used to explain them. Financial standing, entry to sources, and social standing usually dictate housing decisions and architectural types, subsequently affecting the nomenclature utilized to dwellings.
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Earnings Stage and Housing Sort
Earnings degree straight correlates with the kind of housing people can afford. Excessive-income earners usually reside in indifferent homes or luxurious flats, phrases equivalent to “mansion,” “duplex,” or “penthouse” turning into commonplace. Conversely, lower-income people could reside in casual settlements, tenements, or single-room flats, usually described utilizing phrases like “face-me-I-face-you,” “batcher,” or “shanty,” reflecting the residing circumstances and affordability constraints. The financial disparity in Nigeria creates a variety of housing sorts, every with its personal distinct terminology.
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Entry to Assets and Constructing Supplies
Socioeconomic standing impacts entry to constructing supplies and building applied sciences. Prosperous people can afford fashionable supplies like concrete, metal, and glass, leading to homes described as “fashionable,” “modern,” or “architect-designed.” These with restricted sources could depend on conventional supplies like mud, thatch, and corrugated iron, resulting in homes often known as “mud homes,” “thatched roofs,” or “zinc homes.” The supply and affordability of supplies straight form the architectural fashion and the corresponding naming conventions.
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Social Standing and Housing Location
Social standing usually influences housing location and the related status. Excessive-status people could reside in unique neighborhoods or gated communities, the place homes are also known as “estates,” “villas,” or “luxurious residences.” Decrease-status people could also be relegated to much less fascinating areas, characterised by casual settlements or overcrowded tenements. The situation and neighborhood of a home can considerably affect its perceived worth and the terminology used to explain it.
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Urbanization and Housing Demand
Speedy urbanization in Nigeria has led to elevated demand for housing, notably in main cities. This demand has pushed the development of high-rise flats and mass-produced housing items, usually described as “flats,” “condominiums,” or “housing schemes.” The socioeconomic pressures of urbanization have remodeled the housing panorama and launched new terminologies reflecting the altering demographics and residing patterns.
These socioeconomic components collectively form the various housing panorama of Nigeria and affect the phrases used to explain residential buildings. Understanding these connections is essential for addressing housing inequalities and growing sustainable housing insurance policies that cater to the wants of all socioeconomic teams.
5. Constructing supplies
The collection of constructing supplies straight influences the names and characterization of homes in Nigeria. The prevalent supplies utilized in building usually dictate the descriptive phrases utilized to residential buildings. For instance, in areas the place mud and clay are ample, the ensuing homes are steadily known as “mud homes” or, in native languages, by phrases that translate equally. The usage of corrugated iron sheets results in designations equivalent to “zinc homes.” Conversely, homes constructed with cement blocks and bolstered concrete could also be described as “fashionable homes” or “block homes,” reflecting the fabric composition and building methods employed. This connection stems from the basic function of constructing supplies in shaping the aesthetic and structural identification of a dwelling.
The significance of understanding this relationship is sensible. In property valuation, figuring out the first constructing supplies utilized in building is essential for assessing the structural integrity and market worth of a home. As an illustration, a mud home will usually have a decrease valuation than a comparable construction constructed with cement blocks because of variations in sturdiness and upkeep necessities. Equally, constructing codes and laws usually specify permissible supplies primarily based on components like local weather and environmental concerns. Data of the supplies utilized in building is subsequently important for compliance and sustainable growth. Moreover, from a cultural perspective, the supplies used mirror native traditions and out there sources, contributing to the distinctive architectural character of various areas in Nigeria. A deeper appreciation for the connection between constructing supplies and home names enhances understanding of native architectural types and promotes the preservation of cultural heritage.
In abstract, the selection of constructing supplies acts as a major determinant within the nomenclature and classification of homes throughout Nigeria. This connection influences property valuation, regulatory compliance, and cultural understanding. Challenges come up from the rising use of imported supplies and the potential lack of conventional constructing data. Addressing these challenges requires selling sustainable constructing practices and documenting native architectural traditions to protect Nigeria’s various housing heritage.
6. City vs. rural
The excellence between city and rural areas considerably shapes the terminology used to explain homes in Nigeria. In city facilities, fashionable architectural types and supplies usually dominate, leading to phrases equivalent to “condo,” “condominium,” “duplex,” or “mansion” turning into commonplace. These names mirror the upper density residing, use of up to date building methods, and affiliation with socioeconomic standing prevalent in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The prevalence of standardized constructing codes and formal housing developments additional reinforces using these comparatively uniform descriptors. Conversely, in rural areas, conventional constructing strategies and domestically sourced supplies like mud, thatch, and bamboo are extra frequent. This results in using phrases equivalent to “mud home,” “thatched hut,” or regional-specific names derived from native languages that describe the development fashion or perform. The dispersed settlement patterns and reliance on agricultural livelihoods in rural communities contribute to the persistence of those vernacular phrases.
The sensible significance of understanding this urban-rural divide in housing nomenclature lies in its implications for city planning, rural growth, and cultural preservation. City planners should acknowledge that making use of standardized housing phrases throughout the board can overlook the distinctive traits and wishes of various communities. Rural growth initiatives ought to intention to protect and promote sustainable conventional constructing practices whereas acknowledging the altering aspirations of rural populations. Actual property valuation additionally requires sensitivity to the nuances of city and rural housing markets, as the identical descriptor can indicate totally different worth and high quality relying on the placement. Moreover, the cultural significance of conventional housing types and their names in rural areas ought to be acknowledged and guarded to keep up cultural identification and heritage.
In abstract, the dichotomy between city and rural environments performs a vital function in figuring out the names and forms of homes present in Nigeria. Recognizing this distinction is crucial for efficient planning, equitable growth, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The problem lies in balancing modernization and urbanization with the preservation of conventional architectural types and terminologies, guaranteeing that housing insurance policies are delicate to the various wants and cultural contexts of each city and rural communities.
7. Historic Context
The historic context of Nigeria profoundly shapes the terminology used to explain its residential buildings. The pre-colonial period noticed the event of various architectural types reflecting various cultural traditions and societal buildings. For instance, the walled cities of the Hausa states within the north featured compounds known as “Gidan Gona,” serving as each residences and agricultural facilities. Equally, within the south-western areas, Yoruba compounds, often known as “Agbo Ile,” housed prolonged households and have been organized round courtyards. These phrases and architectural types persist in lots of areas, at the same time as fashionable influences introduce new constructing kinds and naming conventions. The colonial interval introduced in regards to the introduction of European architectural types, leading to bungalows and villas, usually named to mirror colonial hierarchies and the social standing of their occupants. The post-colonial period has witnessed a mix of indigenous and international architectural components, resulting in a posh interaction of conventional and fashionable terminologies.
Understanding this historic development is essential for precisely deciphering the prevailing housing panorama and its related terminology. As an illustration, recognizing {that a} “Gidan Gona” isn’t merely a home however a historic embodiment of a farming neighborhood gives invaluable insights into land use patterns and social group. Equally, understanding the colonial origins of sure housing types and names reveals the affect of energy dynamics and social stratification on residential structure. Moreover, this historic consciousness is crucial for preserving cultural heritage by guaranteeing that conventional constructing methods and architectural types are documented and guarded. In city planning, incorporating historic concerns can result in the creation of extra culturally delicate and sustainable communities.
In conclusion, the historic context serves as a elementary framework for understanding the various nomenclature of homes in Nigeria. From pre-colonial compounds to colonial bungalows and post-colonial hybrids, the evolution of architectural types and naming conventions displays the nation’s complicated historical past and cultural heritage. Recognizing this connection is crucial for preserving cultural identification, selling sustainable growth, and creating extra inclusive and culturally delicate communities. The problem lies in balancing modernization with the preservation of historic legacies, guaranteeing that the housing panorama continues to mirror Nigeria’s wealthy and various previous.
8. Ethnic variations
Ethnic variations considerably affect the names and architectural types of homes throughout Nigeria. The nation’s various ethnic teams, every with distinct cultural traditions and constructing practices, contribute to a wealthy tapestry of residential structure. As an illustration, the Hausa individuals of northern Nigeria historically assemble mud-brick homes often known as “Gidan Hausa,” characterised by their enclosed compounds and useful design suited to the arid local weather. In distinction, the Yoruba individuals of the southwest usually reside in compound homes referred to as “Agbo Ile,” reflecting their emphasis on prolonged household residing and communal areas. The Igbo individuals of the southeast historically construct household compounds with distinct buildings for various functions, usually referred to by particular Igbo phrases that denote their perform inside the compound. These examples illustrate how ethnic identification straight shapes the architectural fashion and the related nomenclature of residential dwellings. The absence of consideration for these ethnic variations in housing initiatives can result in culturally inappropriate or unsustainable developments.
The sensible significance of recognizing these ethnic variations lies in its significance for city planning, cultural preservation, and efficient communication. In city planning, understanding the distinctive housing wants and preferences of various ethnic teams is essential for designing inclusive and culturally delicate communities. For instance, incorporating communal areas and conventional architectural components into fashionable housing developments can promote social cohesion and protect cultural identification. Moreover, documenting and preserving the terminology related to totally different housing types might help preserve cultural heritage and transmit conventional data to future generations. Correct communication in actual property transactions and building initiatives additionally depends on an understanding of those ethnic nuances, stopping misunderstandings and guaranteeing that housing initiatives meet the precise wants of the goal neighborhood.
In conclusion, ethnic variations are a elementary issue influencing the names and traits of homes in Nigeria. Acknowledging and respecting these variations is crucial for selling cultural preservation, facilitating efficient city planning, and guaranteeing that housing initiatives are culturally acceptable and sustainable. The problem lies in balancing the necessity for modernization and standardization with the preservation of conventional architectural types and terminologies, guaranteeing that the housing panorama continues to mirror Nigeria’s wealthy cultural variety. Additional analysis and documentation are wanted to seize the nuances of native languages and architectural traditions, contributing to a extra full understanding of Nigerian housing and its related ethnic identities.
9. Fashionable adaptation
Fashionable adaptation considerably influences the names and architectural attributes of residential buildings in Nigeria. Modern constructing methods, supplies, and design rules are reshaping the housing panorama, leading to new terminologies and alterations to conventional naming conventions.
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Hybrid Architectural Types
Fashionable adaptation usually ends in hybrid architectural types that mix conventional components with modern designs. For instance, a home would possibly retain the courtyard structure of a standard “Agbo Ile” (Yoruba compound) however incorporate fashionable supplies like concrete and glass. This mixing results in new descriptive phrases that seize the hybrid nature of the dwelling, equivalent to “fashionable compound home” or “modern household property.” These names mirror each the historic roots and the fashionable improvements included into the design.
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Affect of International Architectural Tendencies
International architectural traits exert a substantial affect on housing types in Nigeria, notably in city areas. Ideas like open-plan residing, minimalist design, and sustainable structure are more and more adopted, resulting in the development of homes described as “fashionable villas,” “eco-friendly houses,” or “luxurious flats.” These phrases mirror the affect of worldwide design requirements and the will for modern residing areas. Such diversifications usually necessitate the adoption of latest terminologies that align with world architectural discourse.
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Technological Developments in Building
The introduction of latest building applied sciences, equivalent to prefabrication, modular building, and superior constructing administration programs, impacts the design and naming of homes. Houses constructed utilizing these methods could also be known as “good houses,” “eco-efficient homes,” or “prefabricated residences.” These phrases spotlight the technological improvements included into the development course of and the ensuing options of the dwelling. This adaptation of know-how necessitates a shift in naming conventions to mirror the modernized facets.
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Altering Socioeconomic Dynamics
Evolving socioeconomic dynamics, together with elevated urbanization, altering household buildings, and rising revenue ranges, affect the demand for various kinds of housing. This results in the development of condo complexes, townhouses, and gated communities, usually named to mirror their exclusivity and fashionable facilities. Phrases like “luxurious flats,” “government residences,” or “gated estates” develop into frequent, signifying the socioeconomic standing and way of life related to these housing choices. The adoption of those phrases displays the altering aspirations and financial realities of the Nigerian inhabitants.
In conclusion, fashionable adaptation considerably reshapes the architectural panorama of Nigeria and, consequently, the terminology used to explain residential buildings. The interaction of conventional components, world traits, technological developments, and socioeconomic dynamics ends in a various vary of housing types and naming conventions that mirror the evolving character of the nation.
Steadily Requested Questions
The next questions and solutions handle frequent inquiries relating to the naming conventions of homes in Nigeria, specializing in the components that affect these designations.
Query 1: What are the first influences on home names in Nigeria?
Home names in Nigeria are primarily influenced by a mix of things together with architectural fashion, regional variations, cultural heritage, socioeconomic standing, constructing supplies, and historic context. These components work together to form the various terminology used to explain residential buildings throughout the nation.
Query 2: How do regional variations have an effect on home names in Nigeria?
Regional variations play a major function in figuring out home names. The geographical location, local weather, and dominant ethnic teams inside a area affect architectural types and constructing supplies, resulting in particular phrases used to establish dwellings. As an illustration, the names for homes within the arid north differ significantly from these within the rainforest areas of the south.
Query 3: In what methods does cultural heritage form home names?
Cultural heritage exerts a powerful affect on home names. Conventional architectural types, constructing supplies, and spatial preparations usually mirror the customs, beliefs, and social buildings of various ethnic teams. These cultural norms straight affect the terminology used to explain residences, preserving cultural identification and historic continuity.
Query 4: How do socioeconomic components affect home names in Nigeria?
Socioeconomic components, equivalent to revenue degree, entry to sources, and social standing, considerably affect the forms of homes present in Nigeria and the phrases used to explain them. Prosperous people could reside in luxurious residences with related names, whereas these with restricted sources could reside in less complicated dwellings with distinct terminologies.
Query 5: How does the selection of constructing supplies affect the names given to homes?
The collection of constructing supplies straight influences the names of homes. The prevalent supplies utilized in building, equivalent to mud, corrugated iron, or cement blocks, usually dictate the descriptive phrases utilized to residential buildings. The names steadily mirror the composition and building methods employed.
Query 6: What’s the impact of contemporary adaptation on conventional home names?
Fashionable adaptation introduces new terminologies and alters conventional naming conventions. Modern constructing methods, supplies, and design rules are reshaping the housing panorama, resulting in hybrid architectural types and revolutionary naming practices that mirror each historic roots and fashionable improvements.
In abstract, understanding the components influencing home names in Nigeria requires contemplating the interaction of architectural variety, regional variations, cultural heritage, socioeconomic components, constructing supplies, and historic context. These components collectively form the various and nuanced nomenclature of residential buildings throughout the nation.
The next article part will delve into particular examples of home sorts and their related names throughout totally different areas of Nigeria, offering a complete overview of the nation’s residential structure.
Navigating the Terminology of Nigerian Residences
Understanding the various names used for homes in Nigeria requires cautious consideration of varied components. This part gives actionable ideas for navigating this complicated panorama.
Tip 1: Prioritize Regional Context: Acknowledge that phrases range considerably throughout areas. Analysis the precise area of curiosity to know its distinctive housing nomenclature. Misinterpreting regional phrases can result in misunderstandings in property transactions or cultural exchanges.
Tip 2: Contemplate Ethnic Influences: Acknowledge that totally different ethnic teams usually have distinct architectural types and related names for homes. Studying in regards to the main ethnic teams in a selected space will help in deciphering native housing terminology. For instance, understanding the time period “Agbo Ile” requires data of Yoruba tradition and its prolonged household buildings.
Tip 3: Establish Constructing Supplies: The supplies utilized in building steadily dictate the names of homes. Familiarize your self with frequent constructing supplies in Nigeria, equivalent to mud, corrugated iron, and cement blocks, and the phrases related to them. Figuring out a “zinc home” versus a “block home” gives invaluable details about its building and sturdiness.
Tip 4: Assess Socioeconomic Indicators: Socioeconomic components affect housing sorts and their corresponding names. Concentrate on the financial panorama of an space to know the implications of phrases like “mansion,” “tenement,” or “luxurious condo.” These phrases mirror the financial standing of residents and the standard of housing.
Tip 5: Analysis Historic Background: Examine the historic context of architectural types and naming conventions. Understanding the colonial affect on housing types, for example, sheds mild on the origins and implications of sure phrases. Recognizing the historic significance of housing sorts helps protect cultural heritage.
Tip 6: Account for Fashionable Diversifications: Acknowledge that modern constructing methods and designs are consistently evolving. Keep up to date on new housing traits and the terminologies used to explain them. Fashionable diversifications usually mix conventional components with modern types, creating hybrid names that require cautious interpretation.
Tip 7: Make clear with Native Consultants: Search clarification from native consultants, equivalent to actual property brokers, architects, or neighborhood leaders, when encountering unfamiliar phrases. They possess invaluable data about regional nuances and might present correct definitions. Native experience ensures that housing terminology is interpreted accurately.
Understanding the naming conventions for homes throughout Nigeria is essential for varied sectors. Actual property professionals, city planners, researchers, and cultural fanatics alike want these tricks to accurately perceive Nigeria housing names to function or do researches successfully and present respect for all cultures.
By implementing these methods, one can navigate the various panorama of residential nomenclature in Nigeria with larger accuracy and cultural sensitivity.
Conclusion
This exploration of “what is the title of the homes in Nigeria” has revealed the intricate interaction of architectural types, regional variations, cultural heritage, socioeconomic components, constructing supplies, historic context, ethnic variations, and fashionable diversifications. The terminology used to explain residential buildings isn’t arbitrary, however somewhat a mirrored image of the various forces shaping the nation’s housing panorama. Correct interpretation of those names is crucial for fostering efficient communication, knowledgeable decision-making, and the preservation of cultural identification.
Continued analysis and documentation are important to additional unravel the nuances of Nigerian residential nomenclature. Recognizing and respecting the wealthy tapestry of housing names contributes to a deeper understanding of the nation’s multifaceted identification, offering invaluable insights for city planning, coverage growth, and cultural appreciation. Preservation of this information ensures its transmission to future generations, safeguarding a major side of Nigeria’s heritage.
