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EDUCATION: Japa, agbero, 419, eba, yahoo boy, 15 other Nigerian words added to Oxford English Dictionary •FULL LIST

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The Oxford English Dictionary has expanded its lexicon with 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update.

The newly added entries include popular terms like “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” among others.

These words, deeply rooted in the everyday lives of Nigerians, highlight the influence of Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural expressions that are increasingly gaining global recognition.

Notably, some of the words, such as “japa” and “jand,” appear as both nouns and verbs in the dictionary.

Pronunciation guides have also been provided to assist non-Nigerians in accurately articulating the words.

A Nigerian English consultant to the Oxford English Dictionary, Kingsley Ugwuanyi, announced the update on LinkedIn yesterday.

He expressed excitement over his role in drafting the words and recording their pronunciations.

Ugwuanyi wrote, “I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP has officially published its latest updates, featuring an amazing collection of Nigerian English words that beautifully reflect Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and the unique ways we express ourselves as Nigerians.

“This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their hashtag#pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my hashtag#voice bringing these words to life.

”Among the entries, “japa” is defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”

“Agbero” is described as “a person (usually a boy or young man) who works as a tout, typically at car parks and bus stops, collecting money from passengers and drivers, and ushering passengers onto vehicles.

”The term “419,” widely known in Nigeria, is defined as, “Fraud (now usually perpetrated on the internet) involving requests for advance payment in return for a substantial share of a large amount of money, which ultimately is never given.

Frequently as a modifier, as in 419 email,

419 scam, etc. C. yahoo.

”Here is the complete list of Nigerian words added to the OED:

419

abi

adire

agbero

area boy

cross-carpet

cross-carpeting

eba

Edo

gele

jand (noun, verb)

janded (adjective)

Japa (noun, verb)

Kanuri

Kobo

Naija

suya

Yahoo

yahoo boy

Yarn Dust

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I did not authorise manhandling of Obaseki, says Oba of Benin

The Benin monarch, who spoke in a statement signed by Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, advised youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.

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The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has said that he never authorised the manhandling of a former Managing Director of Daar Communication, Dr. Pedro Obaseki.Oba Ewuare II said he remained a father of all.

The former Daar Communication boss was, last Sunday, abducted where he was playing football by suspected thugs.

He was beaten, stripped naked and paraded through the streets of Benin City on allegation of being an ‘Oghionba’ (enemy of the Oba).

Obaseki was taken to the Oba’s Palace from where he was taken to the police station.

He was beaten, stripped naked and paraded through the streets of Benin City on allegation of being an ‘Oghionba’ (enemy of the Oba).Obaseki was taken to the Oba’s Palace from where he was taken to the police station.

But the Benin monarch, who spoke in a statement signed by Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, advised youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.

In the statement, “The Benin Traditional Council use this medium to inform the general public that the unfortunate incidence in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorized by the Oba of Benin.

And it cannot be authorized because it is not in the character of our revered monarch to do so. The Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all.

“The Benin Traditional Council also wish to advice our youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.

They should always respect the laws of the land in all actions and utterances and allow appropriate Security Agencies handle all matters.

“Social media users should equally endeavour to cross-check information appropriately before posting.”

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Police arrests Kidnappers in “Love Nwantiti” with victims

During their captivity, the women reportedly pretended to reciprocate the suspects’ affections to survive, even exchanging phone numbers.

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Kaduna police have arrested two suspected kidnappers who allegedly developed romantic feelings for the women they abducted.

The suspects are accused of abducting and sexually assaulting two married women.

During their captivity, the women reportedly pretended to reciprocate the suspects’ affections to survive, even exchanging phone numbers.

Acting on intelligence, police intercepted and arrested the suspects at the meeting location on Tuesday.

After being released, the women continued communication with the suspects and arranged a meeting under the pretense of a romantic encounter.

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BREAKING: Kebbi Rice Mill Collapse , one dead, 5 trapped

The Kebbi State Government has expressed deep sympathy to the management and staff of NIA-AGRI following the partial collapse of a section of its rice mill in the state capital.

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Photo: Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, who led a high-powered delegation on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the facility…

A tragedy has struck in Kebbi State as a private Rice Milks Located in Birnin Kebbi metropolis has collapsed causing the death of a staff member while five other persons were trapped under the metal wreckage of the facility.

Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Umar Tafida has visited the site, where rescue efforts are still ongoing to save the five trapped victims.

The Kebbi State Government has expressed deep sympathy to the management and staff of NIA-AGRI following the partial collapse of a section of its rice mill in the state capital.

Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, who led a high-powered delegation on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the facility on Tuesday evening, said the visit was aimed at ascertaining the extent of the damage and overseeing the emergency response.

Tragically, the delegation was informed at the site by the Project Engineer that the incident had resulted in at least one fatality.

It was further reported that five other individuals remained trapped under the rubble as of the time of the visit, with intensive rescue operations ongoing.

A combined team of the State Fire Service and Government Emergency Response workers has been engaged in continuous efforts to locate and rescue the trapped workers.

The cause of the collapse is yet to be determined.

The Deputy Governor indicated that a full investigation would be launched once the rescue phase is concluded.

The Kebbi State Government has pledged to continue supporting the rescue operation until all affected individuals are accounted for.

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