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MUST READ!!!  COPING WITH ENGLISH ADJECTIVES

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Experts in the studies of the English Language categorised the users of the English Language in Nigeria into three, these are:

 

Low level:
These are the people who speak the English pidgin and cannot speak the standard English.

Middle Level:
These are the group who have some levels of competence in the use of the language but still demonstrate some obvious errors which listeners can easily notice when they speak.

High Level:
This group has attained a high degree of competence in the use of the language. They write, speak and pronounce confidently.
One of the ways through which an individual can improve his or her use of English is the identification of the parts of speech. In our previous editions, we discussed other word classes like NOUN and PRONOUN.
In this edition, we want to investigate adjectives.
Adjectives can be attributed or predictive. Adjectives are attractive when they are placed before a noun.
They are predictive when they come after a noun in a sentence.
One of the errors that are peculiar to the Nigerian users of the language is the problem with the comparisons of Adjectives.
Adjectives are compared at three levels
Positive, comparative and superlative.
Positive represents and qualifies a noun or pronoun.
Comparative compares two nouns or pronouns.
Superlative compares three nouns or pronouns.
Examples
Big-Bigger-Biggest
Wise-Wiser-Wisest
Angry-Angrier-Angriest
Rough-Rougher-Roughest
Nigerians tend to use the comparative and superlative interchangeably.
You are worst than your brother. Of course here, two nouns are compared and the comparative WORSE should be used.
Some amazing comparatives and superlatives
Shy-Shyer-Shyest
Noisy-Noisier-Noisiest
Nice-Nicer-Nicest
Double comparative and superlative are also common in Nigeria.
People often say,
It is (more )better than that.
I am(more)faster than you.
Some adjectives are absolute that they cannot be compared like other ones. They are known as ABSOLUTE ADJECTIVES.
Examples of such adjectives are:
Dead, Unique, Perfect, Wrong, Empty, Excellent and Straight.
The implication of that is this. All the adjectives  mentioned cannot be compared.
Never say
Unique-More Unique-Most Unique
Some adjectives, however, are usually wrongly used and this leads to their wrong interpretation.
FATAL
Fatal is often used by us to mean serious. A fatal accident  may mean that the accident is serious. Do you know that an accident is only fatal if some people died in it. Otherwise,ghastly should be used.
NAKED
Naked is often used as a verb by some users. You must heard the expression
The people naked her.
LAZY in place of WEAK
I was surprised when a man who gave birth to a female child was addressed as being LAZY. Lazy or weak?
TALKATIVE
Talkative is often used as a noun.
Do you usually hear people  say this
She is a talkative.
Talkative is an adjective and not a noun. It cannot be used as a noun.
A person can be talkative  and not a talkative.
BEAUTIFUL /PRETTY
Beautiful and Pretty are both used to talk about the look of a feminine. They do not suggest the same.
Pretty is concerned with the face. A lady is pretty when the emphasis is on the face.
Beautiful implies the appearance of the person. A lady is beautiful when the body shape and the face are all attractive.
TALL/LONG
Tall and long both suggest something with a lot of length.
Long, however, implies something that is horizontal. A long snake…
Tall represents something that is measured vertically.
Long can contain LEFT and RIGHT  while tall can contain UP and DOWN.
SICK/ILL
Sick has almost the same meaning with ill. Ill implies that a person has a failing health. Sick also suggest a failing health but it involves vomit.
STATURE
Stature is often used to mean a person’s body shape. If a person tells you that he or she likes your stature,you may think that the person likes your look. A person’s stature means a person’s natural height. Your stature is your height.

Also, some adjectives are wrongly used in some popular sayings
Incorrect
1.If the worse comes to the worst
2.I enjoyed myself to the fullest.
3.Don’t take it personal.
4.Take your studies serious.
Correct
1.If the worst comes to the worst
2.I enjoyed myself to the full.
3.Don’t take it personally.
4.Take your studies seriously.

You need to improve your use of English so as to speak and write confidently.
Contact us at the Stylisticians English Language School so as to help you develop the necessary skills.

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Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

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General Buratai Urges Dangote Not To Succumb To Marketers Blackmail, Reveals Why

Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

… Nigerians praise Dangote-MRS partnership

 

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, a prominent player in the Nigerian downstream oil industry, has implemented a new petrol price of N935 per litre across all its retail service stations nationwide. This follows an announcement by the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has partnered with MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre.

In response, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has instructed all its outlets to implement the new price immediately, setting up a digital platform and monitoring team to ensure full compliance. The company has also called on Nigerians to report any outlets that fail to adhere to the new price structure.

“Petrol is now being sold at N935 at MRS Filling Stations nationwide. If you find any station not following this price, please report it. Call 08009447853 or email: [email protected],” the company stated in a release.

Emphasising the eco-friendly nature of its products, MRS Oil added, *“We call on all petrol station owners to join MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in improving the supply chain of our beloved country, ensuring product quality and availability in every corner of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.”*

Checks by our correspondents yesterday confirmed that the new price had been implemented at all MRS Oil and Gas retail outlets nationwide.

In Lagos, commuters were seen queuing at MRS filling stations to purchase petrol. Many expressed their gratitude to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil and Gas, urging other marketers to support the indigenous refinery rather than import off-spec products into the country.

Mrs. Ibukun Phillips, a commuter at the MRS station at Alapere on the Lagos Ibadan Express way, could not hide her joy as her husband filled up their car.

“I am very happy today. This is a victory for Nigeria,” she said. “The price reduction is the best gift of the season. But beyond just the reduction, we are buying standard, eco-friendly petrol at a lower rate. My husband and I have decided we will only be using MRS from now on because we are confident in the quality of the product and supporting the economy.”

Commercial bus driver Adio Ajibade described the price reduction as a great relief, especially during the festive season.

“The reduction is a great relief. It will reduce transportation costs and benefit Nigerians. God will continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.

A public affairs analyst and university lecturer, Dr. Tunde Akanni, said the collaboration between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil represents a significant step towards improving the affordability, quality, and sustainability of petroleum products in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Akanni, “this move will not only help ease the financial burden on Nigerians but also promote a more environmentally conscious approach to fuel consumption, benefitting both the economy and public health in the long term.”

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

 

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

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