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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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UPDATE: Four-storey building collapses in Lagos (Photos)

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A four-storey building has collapsed in Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos, with occupants trapped, and some feared dead.

Panic gripped residents when the uncompleted building suddenly collapsed on Saturday.

The building houses the popular Equal Right Restaurant.

The incident happened at about 11a.m., today.

As of press time, men of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, as well as the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, who had been contacted have arrived at the scene.

See photos below:

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BREAKING: Many feared trapped, as Building collapses in Ojodu Lagos

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An unspecific number of people are believed to be trapped under an uncompleted storey building which collapsed in Lagos.

The building housing Equal Rights restaurant located at Oremeta Street, Ojodu Lagos, went down on Saturday morning.

It is believed, however, that some people are still trapped underneath the rubble.

Details later….

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Crime

Police rescue 10 kidnapped University of Benin students

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Edo State Police Command says it has rescued 10 University of Benin, UNIBEN, students abducted by suspected kidnappers at Ofosu area along the Benin-Ore expressway.

It was gathered that the students were on their way to Babcock University for Annual GYC Africa Conference when they were kidnapped on April 16 at the community bordering Edo and Ondo States.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Moses Yamu disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen.

Yamu said the rescued students are eight males and two females.

He said during the rescue operation, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, while other escaped with bullet wounds.

He also disclosed that one of the Police officers, an Inspector sustained gunshot injury and is currently responding to treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

The statement read: “The Command wishes to update the general public of the unfortunate kidnap of some students who were on their way to Babcock University for Annual GYC Africa Conference on 16/04/2025 at a location bordering Edo and Ondo States.

“On receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, immediately deployed operatives of the Ohosu Division, IRT, tactical teams alongside vigilantes and hunters into the bushes for possible rescue of the victims and arrest of suspects.

“During the operation, operatives engaged in a gun duel with these kidnappers. In the process, one of the kidnappers was neutralised, while others escaped with bullet wounds.

“The operatives were cautious to avoid collateral damages as the kidnappers used the victims as human shields. Unfortunately, an Inspector of Police sustained a gunshot injury and is currently responding to treatment.

“This rescue effort eventually paid off as the ten (10) kidnapped students comprising eight (8) male and (2) females were released due to intense pressure mounted on them.”

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