Nigerian People: South West and South-South – Basic 2 Nigerian History Lesson Note (First Term)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Explain the meaning of ethnic group
2. List Nigerian people in the South West
3. List various South-South groups
4. Locate these ethnic nationalities on the political map of Nigeria

Lesson Content

What is an Ethnic Group? An ethnic group is a group of people who share the same language, culture, traditions, and often live in the same area.

South West Nigeria The South West is one part of Nigeria where people speak similar languages.

Major Ethnic Groups in South West:

• Yoruba – the main group (includes Awori, Ijebu, Egba, etc.)

• Edo/Bini – in Edo State

• Itsekiri – in Delta State (part)

States in South West: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Edo States

South-South Nigeria The South-South is the area close to the sea in Nigeria.

Major Ethnic Groups in South-South:

• Ijaw – largest group in the area
• Efik/Ibibio – in Cross River and Akwa Ibom
• Urhobo – in Delta State
• Ogoni – in Rivers State
• Itsekiri – in Delta State
• Annang – in Akwa Ibom State

States in South-South: Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Edo States

Important Facts

• Both regions are close to the Atlantic Ocean
• People in these areas do a lot of fishing
• They produce oil (petroleum) for Nigeria
• Many speak English and their local languages

Location on Map

• South West: Upper part of southern Nigeria
• South-South: Lower part of southern Nigeria, by the sea
• Both are in the southern part of Nigeria

Multiple Choice Exercise

1. What is an ethnic group? a) People who live in the same house b) People who share the same language and culture c) People who eat the same food d) People who wear the same clothes
2. Which is the main ethnic group in South West Nigeria? a) Igbo b) Hausa c) Yoruba d) Fulani
3. Which ethnic group is the largest in South-South? a) Yoruba b) Ijaw c) Hausa d) Igbo
4. How many states are mainly in South West Nigeria? a) 5 b) 6 c) 7 d) 8
5. What do South West and South-South regions have in common? a) They are far from water b) They are close to the Atlantic Ocean c) They don’t speak English d) They don’t fish

Answers: 1(b), 2(c), 3(b), 4(c), 5(b)