Obitun Festival in Ondo: An Initiation Rite into Womanhood

The Ondo people live in southwestern Nigeria and represent one of the largest subgroups of the Yoruba ethnic group. The Ondo people live as one large family because they share the same historical context, traditions and cultural heritage that define them . The culture and traditions of the Ondo people are very rich, fascinating and exciting. In the heart of Ondo city, the Ekimoguni, as the Ondo people are known, celebrate their daughters’ transition into womanhood through a celebratory ritual called “Obitun,” meaning “new woman.” The Obitun Festival, held by the Ondo people in ancient times, is very different from the modern Obitun cultural dance, which is now performed only for entertainment at public events.Only the dance aspect of…

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350 Ethnic Groups and their Locations in Nigeria

The nation now known as Nigeria emerged from the merger of various ethnic groups. Below is a list of over 350 ethnic groups/tribes that make up Nigeria and the states in which they are found. 1 Abayon Cross River 2 Abua (Odual) Rivers 3 Achipa (Achipawa) Kebbi 4 Adim Cross River 5 Adun Cross River 6 Affade Yobe 7 Afizere Plateau 8 Afo Plateau 9 Agbo Cross River 10 Akaju-Ndem (Akajuk) Cross River 11…

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Pre-Destined Names in Yorubaland

In Yoruba land, one of the most important things after a child is born is to give it a name. This happens after the ritual birth of the baby, massage of certain parts of the body and other rituals. Names are given to the child by the father, mother, grandparents (paternal and maternal) and some relatives. However, sometimes the circumstances of a child’s birth automatically give it a name. This name is known in Yorubaland as “orúko àmútọ̀runwá” (predestination or generic name). The most common generic names (orúko àmútọ̀runwá) in Yoruba…

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Nigerian Military Ranking System

Below are the ranks and symbols of the Nigerian Army, which includes the Army, Air Force and Navy. Military Ranks of the Nigerian Army (Commissioned Officers) [10 Ranks] * Field Marshal- Highest rank of a commissioned officer * General * Lieutenant General * Major General * Brigadier General * Colonel * Lieutenant Colonel * Major Captain…

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Abbreviations Used in Nigeria and the Meaninngs

Below are some notable acronyms/abbreviations in Nigeria and the world their meanings  * AU– African Union * NAF– Nigeria Air Force * NN– Nigeria Navy * JAMB– Joint Admission and Matriculation Board * AIDS– Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome * NPA– Nigerian Ports Authority * ASUU– Academic Staff Union of Universities * ASUP– Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics * AIT– Africa Independent Television * OPEC– Organization…

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Deities in the Yoruba Kingdom

An Orisha(also spelled Orisa or Orixa) is a spirit or deity that reflects one of the manifestations of God in the Yoruba spiritual or religious system. *. Olorun(Olorun, Olodumaré, Olofin)- God, the creator. *. Eshu(Eleggua, Exú, Eṣu, Elegba, Ellegua, Legbara, Papa Legba)- Eshu is the messenger between the human and divine worlds, Orisha of duality,…

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