THE CULTURAL EVOLUTION OF NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA: AN INTERROGATION OF ITS INFLUENCE AND COMPLIANCE

Abstract

Investigating the influence and compliance of the cultural evolution among the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria with a critical attempt to highlight the key roles played by the cultural institutions in the life of the people of this region is the key concern of this research. The work covered the origin of the Niger Delta people as well as the socio-political organization of the area. Through qualitative method of rigorous research ranging from field work, use of libraries, review of books, the role of culture and its compliance was examined. Interesting issues such as the religious beliefs of the Niger Delta people and the art of the people were studied. Similarly, critical study on oil and its significance in the Niger Delta Region were highlighted. However, in spite of the efforts made by the indigenous people of Niger Delta in the areas of arts, industry, etc., their contributions to development were ascribed colonial oriented. The paper, therefore, argues that, the people of Niger Delta are exposed in areas of interpersonal and intergroup relation as a result of their early contact with people outside Nigeria. Therefore, with the level of exposure of the people of Niger Delta, it was generally observed that, Niger Delta people had been active participant in the economic and political development of the area and are even prepared to contribute more to make area a centre of economic and political excellence.