The Hospitality And Inter-Ethnic Marriages Of Nigerian

Nigerian hospitality is premised on the fact that no one man is an island on himself or herself. Rather, each and every member is an important part of the whole community. This important aspect of our culture, which dates back to the days of old, is expressed in our folklores, customs and institutions. More succinctly, Nigerian hospitality expresses the African sense of communality. That is, instead of “I think, therefore, I exist” (cogito ergo sum) of the French Philosopher- Rene Descartes, the African rather avers that “I am because we are,” or “I am related, therefore, I am” (cognatus ergo sum). Therefore, the leading principle of human relations in modern day Nigeria is “live-and-let-live”. Everyone is conscious of the fact that each individual has something to contribute to the community's welfare, no matter how infinitesimal or minute. The framework of human relation is that of being another brother’s keeper and actually caring for each other’s welfare. It is based on this that Chieka Ifemesia wrote “A way of life emphatically centered upon human interest and values; a mode of living evidently characterized by empathy, and by consideration and compassion for human beings”.

Also, the art of communication is a cherished value in Nigeria. People freely discuss their problems and look for suggestions together in line with the adage "a problem shared is half-solved". It should be noted that the average Nigerian believes that he who discusses his affairs with others hardly runs into difficulties or make errors in the execution of his plans. However, there is room for the respect of individuals’ sentiments, hence conversations that may cause qualms to arise, are avoided. This is what the Yoruba people mean in their adage: “The fingers of a man who has only nine are not counted in his presence”.

All of these account for why the weak and aged, the incurable, the helpless, the sick are all affectionately taken care of in a comforting family atmosphere through visitations and the various other forms of help and support

Inter-ethnic marriages

Statistics has shown that Nigeria comprises of more than 300 ethnic groups with the trio of Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo gaining more prominence than others. Marriage is a basic social institution which is crucial and fundamental to the formation of the family- an irreplaceable building block of any society- hence its universality (Fox, 1967). Inter-tribal marriages has so far to some extent helped mitigate our ethnic diverseness and strengthen our nascent democracy. It no doubt encourages social interaction and is still bringing about brotherly love among the different tribes in the country.