₦airaland Forum

Imagine how terrible things would be for Nigerians, with the ongoing war if there is no Dangote refinery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUnk03yg7kI

For years, Nigeria has been doing something that never really made sense…
Export crude oil
Then import refined fuel at a higher price

A country rich in oil… dependent on others to refine it.

Now, that story is changing.

The Dangote Refinery was built to break that cycle, and it’s already having an impact.
• Fuel supply is increasing
• Imports are reducing
• Pressure on dollar demand is easing

But here’s the real gist
The refinery is about to be listed on the Nigerian Exchange, according to Aliko Dangote himself.
Yes… IPO loading.
Meaning Nigerians could soon buy shares in Africa’s largest refinery.

Initial reports suggest:
• About 10% will be offered to the public
• It could happen in the next few months
• Dividend will be either in dollar or Naira- Awesome

Let’s put this into perspective:

This is not just a refinery.
You’re looking at:
• 650,000 barrels per day capacity
• The largest single-train refinery in the world
• A complex with port, petrochemicals, storage, and power

Investing here means exposure to:
• Energy infrastructure
• Nigeria’s fuel market
• Petrochemical exports
• Africa’s industrial growth

NNPC already owns about 7.25% on behalf of Nigerians.

Now imagine when the public gets access…
This could easily become:
• One of the biggest IPOs in Nigeria
• A major stock on NGX
• A turning point for local investing

The real question is
When this IPO drops…
Will you invest or just watch from the sidelines?

This isnt a good time to be an Iranian leader.

Israel started the Iran war big by assassinating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief, the Iranian military chief, and the Iranian defense minister all on February 28.

However, US leaks have indicated that US President Donald Trump had said he did not expect Israel to kill over 40 senior officials in those attacks, and that, in fact, some of the officials he had hoped would be more moderate and replace Khamenei were also killed.

Trump went so far as to admit that the US might need to restart its process of looking for a more moderate Iranian leader to deal with. While there were additional senior Iranian official assassinations over the next two weeks, it seems that to some extent, Trump or Israel, or both, wanted to give the new surviving leaders a chance to moderate their terms for surviving the war in power.

For Trump, at minimum, this would involve giving up the entire nuclear program.

For Israel, it would hope that the ballistic missile program would also be limited.

No significant moderation occurred.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the Ayatollah's son, was appointed the new supreme leader, and leaks have indicated that any Iranian outreach has seemed like an attempt to get the US and Israel to stop attacking without making key concessions up front.

Iran's top advisor Ali Larijani was killed in a Monday overnight strike, Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Tuesday.

The killing of Larijani, who has either been the real man running Iran, or was at minimum, running much of its day-to-day operations on behalf of the wounded Mojtaba, was a message to any still surviving Iranian leaders: you are out of time.

In other words, those surviving Iranian leaders either can clearly and publicly make dramatic concessions to bring an end to the war, or they can be in the crosshairs after having had a two-week reprieve, and just hope that they survive long enough before Trump pulls the plug on the war.

There could be additional major assassinations soon if a deal is not reached.

Or Trump could finally end the war and move on, having tried another hard push to coerce Iran's surviving leaders into a deal.

The strike on Larijani on Monday shows that the message has been sent, but as the war unfolds, it will have to be seen if Iran has received it.

Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890243

The economic impact of the current Middle East conflict is no longer something that might happen in the future.
For many people around the world, including Nigerians, it is already showing up in everyday life.
Fuel prices are rising.
Transport fares are increasing.
Businesses are adjusting prices.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYeeYGR2u2w

Economists are now asking an important question:
If prices are already rising this quickly… what happens if the conflict escalates further?

Oil Prices Have Already Jumped

One of the clearest signs of the impact is in the global oil market.
Before the conflict intensified in late February 2026, oil prices were relatively stable.
Brent crude oil, the global benchmark was trading around $70 per barrel.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the main U.S. benchmark, was about $67 per barrel.
But within days of the conflict escalating, prices surged dramatically.
Brent crude jumped to about $120 per barrel, while WTI climbed to around $119.
That is an increase of nearly 70% in a very short period.
Energy markets are reacting to fears that the conflict could disrupt oil supplies coming from the Middle East.
And when oil prices move this quickly, the effects spread across the global economy almost immediately.

Nigerians Are Already Feeling It
For most people, the first place this shock appears is at the fuel pump.
In Nigeria, petrol prices in many areas have jumped from around ₦820 per litre to about ₦1,300 per litre.
Transport operators in cities like Lagos and Abuja have already increased fares.
For many commuters, the cost of getting to work has suddenly become much higher.
Small businesses are also feeling the pressure.
Delivery costs are rising.
Logistics expenses are increasing.
And many businesses are beginning to pass those costs on to customers.
This is one of the reasons food prices often rise when fuel prices increase.

Why Oil Prices Affect Almost Everything
Truth is, oil sits at the center of the modern global economy.
It powers transportation systems.
It fuels trucks that move goods across countries.
It powers aircraft that connect global markets.
And it supports industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and construction.
When oil prices rise sharply, the ripple effect spreads quickly.
Transport becomes more expensive.
Food distribution costs increase.
Airline tickets rise.
Construction and manufacturing costs go up.
Within weeks, these pressures begin to show up in everyday prices.
This is why economists often see sudden energy price spikes as an early warning sign of economic instability.

The Strait of Hormuz: A Critical Oil Route
Another reason markets are reacting strongly is geography.
A large portion of the world’s oil exports passes through a narrow shipping route known as the Strait of Hormuz.
This passage connects the Persian Gulf to international markets.
Every day, oil tankers transport crude from countries like:
• Saudi Arabia
• Iraq
• Kuwait
• United Arab Emirates
In total, about one-fifth of global oil supply moves through this single route.
The problem?
The strait runs directly along Iran’s coastline.
If tensions escalate and shipping becomes unsafe, even a partial disruption could remove millions of barrels of oil from global supply.
Energy experts are already warning that oil prices could rise much higher if that happens.
Some analysts say crude oil could surge to $150 per barrel or even higher.

History Shows What Can Happen
The world has seen this kind of situation before.
In 1990, when Iraq invaded Kuwait, global oil markets reacted immediately.
Within months, oil prices jumped from about $21 to over $46 per barrel.
Earlier crises also showed how sensitive the global economy can be to energy disruptions.
The 1973 oil crisis caused major fuel shortages and pushed several economies into recession.
A few years later, the 1979 energy crisis again sent prices sharply higher.
These events demonstrated how quickly energy shocks can ripple through the global economy.

What Could Happen Next
Right now, markets are reacting mostly to risk and uncertainty, not a full disruption of supply.
But if the conflict expands and begins affecting oil infrastructure or shipping routes, prices could rise even further.
Higher energy prices would likely push inflation up across many countries.
Central banks might keep interest rates high.
Businesses could delay investment.
Consumers might start cutting spending.
These are the kinds of conditions that sometimes lead to economic slowdowns or recessions.
For now, the global economy is not yet in crisis.
But the warning signs are becoming clearer.
Oil prices have surged.
Fuel costs are rising.
Transport and logistics are becoming more expensive.
And people across many countries, including Nigeria are already feeling the impact.
The Middle East conflict is still unfolding.
But its economic consequences are already spreading through the global system.
What happens next will depend not only on military developments…
but also on how energy markets respond in the weeks ahead.

Ten days into Operation Epic Fury, the data tells a decisive and irreversible story. Iran’s ballistic missile launch rate has fallen approximately 92% from its day one peak, collapsing from 480 launches on February 28 to just 40 on March 9.

Drone launches have followed the identical curve, down 92% from 720 to 60. According to CENTCOM, over 3,000 targets have been struck nationwide across 30 of Iran’s 31 provinces. The IDF has conducted 2,600 sorties in 150 strike waves, dropping roughly 6,500 munitions. More than 60% of Iran’s missile launchers have been neutralized. Forty-three Iranian naval vessels have been destroyed or damaged. The trajectory is not declining. It is terminal.

This collapse mirrors and far exceeds the pattern observed during the June 2025 Twelve-Day War, when Iran’s missile rate fell from roughly 100 per day on day one to just five per day by day nine.

The critical difference is that in 2026, the absolute volumes started five times higher and the rate of collapse has been steeper. By day ten, Iran is firing fewer missiles per day than it managed even at the nadir of the June war, despite starting with an estimated arsenal of 2,500 ballistic missiles.

Daily missile launches: Twelve-Day War vs Operation Roaring Lion / Epic Fury


The reason for the faster collapse is structural, not tactical. The scale of suppression is unprecedented.

The US and Israel have struck over 3,000 targets in ten days, neutralizing more than 60% of Iran’s missile launchers. Iran’s navy has been entirely eliminated: 43 vessels destroyed or damaged, including the IRIS Dena (torpedoed by a US submarine off Sri Lanka) and the IRIS Bushehr (disabled, 204 sailors transferred to Sri Lanka). Iran’s air defenses have been degraded by 80%. Iran’s airspace remains closed to most international traffic. Severe internet and telecommunications disruptions continue nationwide.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnHQGv6-VoY

Assessment
A 90% probability that Iran’s missile fire rate continues to decline over the next seven days, falling below 20 per day by day twelve and approaching single digits by day fourteen. The underlying capacity is being physically destroyed. This is degradation, not conservation. The succession of Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader, with IRGC, armed forces, and national police pledging allegiance, suggests institutional continuity but not military reconstitution.

The 10% counter-probability accounts for either of the following, neither of which is likely to reverse the structural trend that Iran has dispersed reserves into hardened civilian infrastructure not yet located, including in the 4,000+ damaged civilian buildings that may conceal military assets. The IRGC has also shifted to asymmetric ground operations signals a new doctrine after conventional defeat, with Russia reportedly providing real-time intelligence on US positions.

The Ten days that dwarfed Twelve
The scale disparity between the two conflicts is now staggering. In ten days, Operation Roaring Lion has expended approximately 2,410 ballistic missiles and 3,560 drones, vastly exceeding the entirety of the Twelve-Day War (627 missiles, 735 drones).

Operation Roaring Lion surpassed the entire Twelve-Day War by day three.

Here is a day-by-day comparison of the cumulative missiles fired.


Iran rebuilt its arsenal far beyond pre-June 2025 levels, entering 2026 with an estimated 2,500 ballistic missiles.

After ten days, approximately 2,410 have been fired and over 60% of launchers destroyed. The IDF estimates Iran retains between 100 and 200 active launchers. But the stockpile is being consumed far faster than it can be replenished, while the infrastructure to launch what remains is being systematically eliminated. The asymmetry is now existential for Iran’s conventional military.

Projectiles by target country
Unlike June 2025, when the war was almost exclusively Iran-versus-Israel, the 2026 conflict has turned the entire Gulf into a warzone. Iran has been distributing fire across 13 countries, overwhelming regional air defenses and forcing every Gulf state into the conflict. Critically, the data now confirms that the UAE has absorbed far more total projectiles than Israel, with 1,468 projectiles versus 392. The INSS Israel assessment confirmed that Iran launched 2.5 times more missiles and 20 times more drones at Gulf states than at Israel.

Israel has absorbed just 12.8% of all projectiles, while the UAE has received 48%. The distribution reveals that Iran’s strategy is economic punishment, not military victory. The UAE (1,468 projectiles), Kuwait (562), and Bahrain (231) are being hit to destroy energy infrastructure, close airports, and create political pressure on US allies. Three AWS data centers have been struck. Saudi refineries are shut. Bapco in Bahrain has declared force majeure. Qatar’s entire LNG output, 20% of global supply, is offline. Oil is at $119.50 per barrel and rising. US gas prices have spiked $0.27 per gallon in three days to $3.25.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeCdv_za_Lg

Could NATO be drawn in?
On March 4, NATO air defense systems intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile heading toward Turkish airspace. Debris fell in Dortyol, southern Turkey. This was the first time NATO forces had directly intercepted an Iranian missile approaching a member state.

There remains a 10% probability of formal NATO Article 5 invocation. This is low, but no longer negligible. The logic chain is as follows.

For escalation: If the missile was deliberate, it constitutes an armed attack on a NATO member. Article 5 has been invoked only once, after 9/11. Turkey has legal standing to request Article 4 consultations. France has already authorized US use of French military bases (BFMTV, March 5). Italy is considering deploying the destroyer Caio Duilio to Cyprus. European NATO members are physically positioning for a role. Greece, Germany, and the UK have also deployed assets.

Against escalation: Turkey borders Iran and has every incentive to treat this as overshoot rather than attack. Turkey has been a mediator. The interception was successful with no casualties. Iran denies the missile, suggesting an Israeli false flag. NATO’s institutional inertia is enormous: the alliance prefers to deter, not join wars mid-stream. Article 5 would obligate all 32 NATO members to respond.

What could change the probability: A second or third missile entering Turkish airspace. Any Turkish casualties. If Iran explicitly threatens Turkey. A drone striking Incirlik or Konya. Any of those could push the probability from 10% toward 30-40% within days.

Black Swans: What hasn’t been priced in
Every major conflict produces events outside the consensus scenario range. Below are risks that appear underweighted in current analysis.

Source: https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-889435

Imagine waking up tomorrow and the headlines say:
“Iran has forced the United States and Israel to back down.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnHQGv6-VoY

At first, that sounds impossible.
The United States has the most powerful military in on earth. Israel has some of the most advanced weapons in the world.
So how could Iran possibly win?

Here’s the surprising truth: Winning a war doesn’t always necessarily mean conquering territory.

Victory sometimes victory simply means surviving long enough and making the war too costly for your enemy to continue, and so they withdraw.

For Iran, “winning” may not mean defeating the U.S. military directly, which is not so likey. Instead, it could mean achieving three key objectives:
1. Avoid regime collapse
2. Continue retaliation through missiles, drones, and allies
3. Make the war extremely expensive politically and economically

If Iran manages to do this long enough, the pressure could shift to Washington and Tel Aviv. Political divisions grow. War costs increase. Citizens begin to weigh the cost and ask why doing it anyway, then public support drops.

And suddenly leaders begin asking:
Is continuing this war really worth the cost?

History shows this scenario is possible.
# In the Vietnam War, the stronger military eventually withdrew after years of costly conflict.
# In Afghanistan (2001–2021), the U.S. spent nearly $2 trillion over 20 years, yet the Taliban eventually returned to power.

The weaker side didn’t need to win every battle. They only needed to endure.

Another major factor is oil.
Iran sits next to one of the most important shipping routes in the world - the Strait of Hormuz.
Nearly 20% of global oil supply passes through that narrow waterway every day. Within the first day of this conflict, a barrel of crude has crossed $100. And the effect, there has been increase in petrol price in many countries. Its as much as 50% increase already in America
If conflict disrupts that route, even partially, oil prices could surge dramatically. Some analysts warn prices could jump above $150 or even $200 per barrel.

That would trigger a global chain reaction as we are beginning to see already:
• Fuel prices rise
• Transportation costs surge
• Food becomes more expensive
• Inflation spreads worldwide

Suddenly a regional conflict becomes a global economic crisis.

Iran also has another advantage many people underestimate: its regional network of allies and militias across the Middle East, though largely degraded, but not totally out.

This means the conflict could spread across multiple fronts as it is already doing through Hezbollah’s rockets, drones and more.

But perhaps the biggest impact would be symbolic.
If Iran survives a major campaign and forces a halt to the war, it could reshape perceptions of power in the Middle East and challenge decades of American dominance in the region.
And that could change alliances, diplomacy, and global strategy for years to come.

So the real question is not simply who wins the war.

The real question is:
Can Iran make the war so expensive that its enemies decide it’s no longer worth fighting?
Because history shows that sometimes survival itself is victory.

New satellite images released by the Vantor imaging company reveal extensive damage across multiple Iranian military sites following recent strikes, including destroyed aircraft at Shiraz airport and heavy damage to an Iranian naval base near the Strait of Hormuz.

The images show five aircraft destroyed at Shiraz airport, including two Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jets. According to BBC Persian, the strikes also damaged two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and another aircraft believed to be either a passenger plane or an additional Iranian transport plane of the Ilyushin Il-76 type.
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Satellite photographs from the Shiraz airport show the aircraft burned and heavily damaged on the ground.
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Heavy damage to Iranian naval base
Additional satellite imagery shows significant destruction at the Iranian naval base in Bandar Bahbuh, located near the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas along the Persian Gulf and close to the Strait of Hormuz.
The images show several buildings at the naval installation destroyed or severely damaged following the strikes.
Other images released by Vantor indicate substantial damage in nearby areas used for drone storage and operations, as well as at an Iranian air defense base.

Missile base and other strategic sites hit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeCdv_za_Lg
Earlier this week, satellite images published by the company Planet Labs also revealed extensive destruction at several military installations across Iran.
Among the sites heavily damaged was the missile base in Kermanshah in western Iran, which appears to have been almost completely destroyed. Most buildings at the facility were flattened and entrances to underground tunnels were damaged.
The strategic base, located in an area from which missiles could be launched toward Israel and Gulf states, included underground facilities and two missile storage zones.

Additional satellite images from recent days also show damage at the port of Bandar Abbas, Iran’s most important commercial port, as well as strikes on missile bases in Isfahan and Khurgu in Hormozgan province.
Other images show destroyed storage bunkers at the Iranian naval base in Konarak, damage to buildings at the Natanz nuclear site that had previously been targeted by U.S. strikes in an earlier operation, and damage to structures and equipment at the Chuka Bulk Alireza drone base in Iran.

The satellite images offer one of the clearest visual indications so far of the scale of damage inflicted on Iranian military infrastructure during the ongoing conflict.

Source: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkezqptf11l

US President Donald Trump said there will be no deal with Iran except “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER,” in a post on Truth Social on Friday.

“There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” Trump wrote, adding that after that and the selection of a “GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s),” the United States and its allies would work to rebuild Iran.

“Iran will have a great future. MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!),” he wrote

Get more details - The Middle East just changed overnight.

Why did the U.S. and Israel strike Iran?
What really happened behind the scenes?
And what happens next?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeCdv_za_Lg

Details clearly in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeCdv_za_Lg

Jesus is right there with you. He is more eager to come in than you are eager to receive Him. But He doesn't force Himself in.

He said I knock.

All you have to do is to sincerely open up your mind and say these few words as a prayer, because with your mouth, confession is made unto salvation.

Say
"Jesus, come into my heart. I accept you today, as my Lord and my saviour. I confess that I am a sinner and that you died for my sins.
And you rose for my justification.
You washed my sis with your blood.
Now I cofess you as the Lord of my life.
Amen. "

He said, whosoever will confess Him on earth, He will confess before His father in heaven.

When you says those words, as simple as they seems, you will experience true joy and peace all-around you. I experienced it too. It took away my worries.

God bless you.

chevrolet60:
A mentor, a coach, a spiritual father who can lead me to Christ is all I want now. Life without Christ is often characterized with crises.

“Whoever harms our hostages - their blood on his head. We will settle accounts with him" - Isreali Prime Minister

Israel isnt a nation to mess with.
Mr Sinwar miscalculated, dragging his people into an avoidable war. I really sympathize with the innocent people that live Gaza.
Hope we come to some kind of closure about now, Isreal.... please.

Orthodontic experts who examined the jaw and teeth of a corpse found in Gaza compared them with X-rays of Yahya Sinwar, revealing a unique and matching dental structure.

Speculation is mounting that Sinwar may have been killed, as oral and orthodontic specialists confirm that the jaw structure of the body discovered in the Gaza ruins matches Sinwar’s distinctive dental features.

According to the experts, several unique characteristics in the corpse’s jaw align with Sinwar’s. Notably, tooth 31 is significantly tilted, and a gap, or diastema, is present between teeth 31 and 32, as well as between teeth 11 and 21.

Additionally, tooth 21 has a fracture known as "pitzaim," and tooth 41 is positioned higher than the occlusal plane.

Dental identifications
Dental identification is crucial, particularly when bodies are unrecognizable due to severe damage from fires, accidents, or war-related injuries. Teeth, being among the most durable parts of the body, often retain their unique features even in extreme conditions.

Forensic dental experts typically compare X-rays, medical records, and the structure of the teeth, including unique markings such as fillings, crowns, or root canals, with the findings from the deceased. Advanced dental technologies and genetic markers in teeth can also assist in the identification process. This method becomes vital when other identification means, such as DNA testing or fingerprints, are unavailable or compromised. As Sinwar had been imprisoned in Israel, it is likely that his dental X-rays, fingerprints, or DNA are on record, aiding in the confirmation of identity. In many cases, even one distinct dental feature can provide a definitive identification.

Israel Foreign Minister, Katz Just confirmed it to foreign counterparts.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/fm-katz-becomes-first-israeli-official-to-confirm-sinwars-death-in-message-to-foreign-counterparts/

Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-825034
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-825018

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/17/live-food-running-out-dozens-buried-in-gazas-jabalia-amid-israeli-siege

Hezbollah leadership has become the most hazardous jobs on earth presently.
If you must take it, please endeavor to wear metal helmets.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a video on Tuesday Israel had killed the replacement of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hashem Safieddine.

He also said Israel had eliminated Safieddine's replacement.

Netanyahu addressed the citizens of Lebanon, saying "a gang of tyrants and terrorists" had destroyed their country, which ensued in war and havoc.

The prime minister added that Iran had conquered Lebanon. It "finances and arms Hezbollah who serve Iran's interests at Lebanon's expense."

He emphasized that "Israel has a right to win," noting Israel had killed thousands of Hezbollah terrorists.

Netanyahu called on the Lebanese people to take back their country and put it on the right path. "If you don't, Hezbollah will continue to try to fight Israel from densely populated areas at your expense."

"There is a better way," he said, adding, "You deserve to restore Lebanon to its days of tranquility."

'Take your country back'
"Stand up and take your country back; you have an opportunity that hasn't existed in decades," he stated.

"Free your country from Hezbollah so that this war can end," Netanyahu further said, "so that future generations of Lebanese and Israeli children will know neither war nor bloodshed but will finally live together in peace."

Source: https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-823790

Esmail Qaani, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps’ (IRGC) Quds Force, has been reportedly missing after Israeli airstrikes in Beirut on Friday. While the Iranian media has been silent on his whereabouts, some Turkish and Israeli news outlets have claimed that Qaani could be dead.

According to reports, the Israeli airstrikes in Beirut's southern suburb Dahiyeh were targeted at Hashem Safieddine, the successor to slain Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Safieddine has also been reportedly unreachable after the strikes.

According to the Israeli N12 news, the Iranian brigadier-general was present in Dahiyeh at the time and could have been wounded in the Israeli strike. Another Israeli news outlet Channel 12 claimed that Lebanese authorities confirmed Qaani’s death, though the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have not claimed the killing of the Iranian commander.

Some reports also speculated that Qaani could have been put under increased surveillance due to fear of Israeli operations after Iran's missile strikes on October 1. Some Saudi news channels even suggested that Qaani might have been executed by Iran on suspicion of collaborating with the Mossad, Israel's spy agency.

Qaani's absence was noted during the Friday prayers led by Iran's Supreme Ali Khamenei. According to a report in the New York Times, Qaani had travelled to Beirut to meet Hezbollah officials amid the Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

WHO IS ESMAIL QAANI?
Esmail Qaani succeeded Qassem Soleimani as Iran’s leader for foreign operations. Soleimani was killed in January 2020 in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq.

After Soleimani's assassination, Qaani played a pivotal role in shaping Iran’s military strategy in the region. Before assuming charge of the Quds Force, Qaani held positions in the counterintelligence unit and managed drug operations in Afghanistan and Iran.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/irans-quds-force-leader-missing-after-israeli-strike-in-beirut-reports-2612198-2024-10-06

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been transferred to a secure location inside the country with heightened security measures in place, two regional officials briefed by Tehran told Reuters.

The sources said Iran was in constant contact with Lebanon's Hezbollah and other regional proxy groups to determine the next step after Israel announced that it had killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in a strike on south Beirut on Friday.

Nasrallah was killed yesterday by an Israeli strike at the Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut.

See earlier post on his death https://www.nairaland.com/8225052/head-hezbollah-nasrallah-dead-official

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was killed in the IDF's strike on Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut on Friday, the IDF announced Saturday morning.

Early life and rise to power
Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary-general of Hezbollah, has led the Shia militant and political organization since 1992. Born in Beirut in 1960, Nasrallah started his political journey in the Amal Movement before joining Hezbollah in the early 1980s. Under his leadership, Hezbollah grew into a powerful force with significant military capabilities and political influence in Lebanon.

Hezbollah’s conflicts with Israel
Hezbollah, under Nasrallah's command, has frequently clashed with Israel, with notable confrontations like the 2006 Lebanon War. Nasrallah’s leadership during these conflicts has boosted his popularity, especially among those who view Hezbollah as a symbol of resistance against Israeli occupation.

Despite the heavy toll on Lebanon, Hezbollah emerged with a narrative of defiance and survival that Nasrallah has used to galvanize support​.

Recent escalations and challenges
In recent weeks, tensions have escalated as Israel continues targeted strikes against Hezbollah, focusing on its operatives and infrastructure. Nasrallah has condemned these actions as acts of war, accusing Israel of targeting civilian areas in Lebanon. He vowed retaliation, warning that Hezbollah is prepared for a prolonged confrontation if necessary​.

Strategic position and future threats
While Nasrallah projects confidence, he also faces significant challenges, including military setbacks and internal Lebanese opposition. Israeli officials, like retired IDF Colonel Kobi Marom, argue that this is an opportune moment to strike at Hezbollah’s leadership to prevent future escalations.

Nasrallah’s cautious approach reflects a delicate balance between military engagement and avoiding a broader conflict that could undermine Hezbollah’s position​.

Whichever side you are, you have to be concerned.
Hezbollar and Iran will really be careful in their response.
Dont know what further surprises Israel might have on their sleeves, waiting for the right time.
Israel too dont have to gloat on this, guess the reason whvy they wouldnt claim responsibility.
No one in his right mind should under estimate the potential of a well trained and harmed group like Hezbollah, who are driven with strong religion ideology.

Pray it doesnt escalate further.

Let there be peace!

19 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members were killed after their pagers had exploded in Deir ez-Zur in eastern Syria, Saudi news source Al-Hadath reported Wednesday afternoon.

An additional 150 IRCG members were also wounded in the explosions, Army Radio reported, citing the Saudi news source.

The report came a day after around 4,000 Hezbollah members had their pagers also exploded in an attack reportedly attributed to Israel. Foreign reports attribute the attack to the Mossad and IDF.


https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-820674

Blessedman98:
What was he doing with a pager

Well they said Pagers were Hebollah members' prefered means of comnunication since the leader warn them against smart phones.

The NYT reports that #Iran's regime's ambassador to #Lebanon Mojtaba Amani, who is essentially an #IRGCterrorists affiliate, lost one eye and severely injured his other eye when a pager he was carrying exploded today. Stands in stark contrast to the downplaying of his injuries by Tehran earlier in the day. He is being medevaced back to Tehran.
https://nytimes.com/live/2024/09/17/world/israel-hamas-war-news?smid=url-share#irans-ambassador-to-lebanon-is-injured-in-the-apparent-attack-state-media-reports

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k56my7QhAzg?si=HwPdZUAJx3NOERRN

Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon Is Injured in Pager Attack, State Media Reports

Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amini, lost one eye and severely injured his other eye when a pager he was carrying exploded in a simultaneous wave of blasts targeting wireless electronic devices, according to two members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps briefed on the attack.

The Guards members, who had knowledge of the attacks and spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said Mr. Amini’s injuries were more serious than Iran initially reported and that he would be medevacked to Tehran for treatment.

Hossein Soleimani, the editor in chief of Mashregh, the main Revolutionary Guards news website, confirmed the extent of Mr. Amini’s injuries in a post on social media. “Unfortunately the injuries sustained by Iran’s ambassador were extremely severe and in his eyes,” Mr. Soleimani wrote.

A video of Mr. Amini being transported to the hospital, published by Iranian news media outlets, shows him on a chaotic Beirut street with his eyes covered by bandages and the front of his white shirt covered in blood.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the attack in a call with Lebanon’s foreign minister and said Iran was ready to medevac the ambassador and other injured people to Iran for medical treatment if needed, according to a statement released by his office. He spoke to Mr. Amini’s wife in Beirut and wished the ambassador a speedy recovery, the statement said.

Narges Ghadirian, the ambassador’s wife, said in a post on social media earlier on Tuesday that her husband “is slightly injured but thank God he is all right and the danger has passed.”

Iranian media reported that two of the ambassador’s bodyguards were also injured because they were carrying pagers that exploded. Tasnim News agency, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, said similar devices also exploded in Syria.

One of the Guards members said the pagers, including the one used by the ambassador, beeped for about 10 seconds before exploding, prompting some victims to hold the devices close to their eyes and faces to check for a message. The two Guards members said the pagers were used only by Hezbollah members and operatives and not widely distributed among ordinary citizens.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/18/world/middleeast/iran-ambassador-mojtaba-amini-pager-attack.html

Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was among those injured by the pager explosions, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported... according to Aljazeera.com

Dozens of members of Hezbollah were seriously wounded on Tuesday in Lebanon's south and the southern suburbs of Beirut when the pagers they use to communicate exploded, security sources told Reuters.

A Reuters journalist saw hundreds of Hezbollah members bleeding from wounds in the southern suburb of Beirut known as Dahiyeh.

The news comes only hours after the Shin Bet revealed that Hezbollah recently attempted to assassinate a top former Israeli defense official in Tel Aviv.

The situation is far from clear and developing, but given the juxtaposition in the timing and the last few hysterical hours in Israel about a security situation with Lebanon, did Israel just carry out only its second attack on Hezbollah in Beirut of the nearly year-long war in retaliation for the Lebanese terror group's failed assassination attempt?

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-september-17-2024/
The last time Israel attacked Beirut was on July 30, when it assassinated Hezbollah military chief Fuad Shukr in retaliation for the terrorists' killing of around a dozen Israeli-Druze in Majdal Shams via rocket attacks in the North.

People gather near a site hit by what security sources said was a strike on Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon July 30, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Ahmed Al-Kerdi)Enlrage image
People gather near a site hit by what security sources said was a strike on Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon July 30, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Ahmed Al-Kerdi)
This almost led to a full-scale war between the sides on August 25. Still, the IDF managed a preemptive strike that substantially reduced Hezbollah's ability to fire more than a fraction of the rockets that it had wanted to use to attack Israel, including northern Tel Aviv.

Nasrallah's pledge
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has pledged that any attack on Beirut will be met with a massive counter-strike.

Will he keep his promise, or will Hezbollah back down, given that this round started from its attempted assassination and given the IDF's success against Hezbollah on August 25?

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Lagos, Nigeria – [2nd September, 2024] – MTN Nigeria has once again demonstrated its market leadership by emerging as the Most Popular Brand in Nigeria for 2024, according to the results of the Top of the Mind (TOM) Survey conducted by TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA®. This year’s outcome is particularly significant as it represents an aggregate of three years of survey data, reflecting the consistent and enduring appeal of the brands that have captured the hearts and minds of Nigerian consumers.

The TOM Survey
The TOM Survey, a critical component of the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) model, serves as a measurement for brand popularity in Nigeria. This survey is unique in its approach, as it draws insights from Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and heads of corporate communications across various sectors in Nigeria. These industry leaders bring a wealth of experience in brand building, market dynamics, and consumer behavior, providing a deep understanding of what drives brand popularity.

Taiwo Oluboyede, CEO of TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA®, emphasized the importance of brand popularity during the public presentation of the survey results. He remarked, “Brand popularity is a measure of how well-liked and recognized a brand is among its audience. It reflects a brand’s reputation, trust appeal, and its ability to connect with consumers on an emotional level. This, in turn, impacts customer loyalty, sales, and ultimately, a brand’s success.”

Oluboyede further emphasized the role of brand popularity in a highly competitive market like Nigeria. “In a market as dynamic as ours, brand popularity plays a crucial role in determining which companies dominate and capture the attention of consumers. Often, the most popular brand becomes the preferred choice for consumers, and this preference can translate into significant market share.”

Top 10 Most Popular Brands in Nigeria for 2024
MTN Nigeria (81.5%)
MTN Nigeria topped the list, achieving an impressive 81.5% recall rate in the survey.

This is immediately followed by Globacom, another telecoms brand, with 79.6% mention.

Dangote came third with 76% recall rate, while Coca-Cola Nigeria came 4th with 74%.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) holds a 70% recall rate at the 5th place

Others among the top 10 are

First Bank (66.4%), Zenith Bank (66.1%), Nestle Nigeria (66%), Dufil Foods (65.9%), Airtel Nigeria (62.4%)

Key Insights and Trends
The 2024 TOM Survey highlights several key trends in the on brands in Nigerian:

Telecommunications Dominance: Three out of the top five most popular brands belong to the telecommunications sector, indicating the critical role of connectivity and communication in today’s digital age.
Banking and Financial Services: The strong performance of GTCO, First Bank, and Zenith Bank reflects the growing importance of financial services in the daily lives of Nigerians, driven by digital banking innovations and customer-centric approaches.
Resilient Nigerian Brands: Seven of the top 10 brands are homegrown, showcasing the resilience and innovation of Nigerian companies in a competitive market. These brands have not only thrived domestically but have also expanded their reach internationally.
24 of the 50 Most Popular Brands are Nigerian, while 26, an equivalent of 52% are multinationals brands.
The results of the 2024 TOM Survey provide valuable insights into the brand preferences of Nigerian consumers. As these brands continue to innovate and connect with their audiences by fulfilling their promises, their popularity is expected to grow even further. The findings also highlight the importance of brand reputation, trust, and consumer engagement in driving success in a competitive market.

Celebrating Excellence and Resilience

Lagos, Nigeria – [2nd September, 2024] – We are thrilled to present the 2024 edition of the TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA® rankings, an annual celebration of the most influential and valuable brands in the country. This year’s list is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and enduring relevance of brands that continue to shape Nigeria’s economic, particularly in challenging times.

Dangote’s 7th Consecutive Lead

Dangote Industries has once again solidified its position as Nigeria’s Most Valuable Brand, marking the seventh consecutive year it has held this prestigious title. As a formidable force driving growth and transformation across Africa, it continues to set the pace, demonstrating the strength and potential of Nigerian home-grown brands on the global stage.

MTN- Most Popular

This is immediately followed by MTN Nigeria, which not only ranks second overall but also emerged as the Most Popular Brand in the country for the year, according to the Top-of-Mind (TOM) survey. MTN’s strong consumer connection and widespread recognition highlight its significant impact on the telecommunications sector and beyond.

At the third place this year is Globacom Nigeria, a leading Nigerian multinational telecommunications company known for its innovative solutions and commitment to progress. Globacom’s consistent ranking among the top brands indicate its significant role in Nigeria’s digital and technological advancement.

Airtel Nigeria, another key player in the telecommunications sector, secured the fourth position.

Access Bank ranked in the fifth position, topping the Banking & Financial Services sector.

Others in the top 10 are Zenith Bank Plc, Coca-Cola Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria, BUA Group and GTCO Plc, rounding up the top 10 at the 6-10th positions respectively.

Furthermore,

The Banking & Financial Services sector demonstrated remarkable strength within the top 10, with four brands. These are —Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Bank, and GTCO.

Similarly, the Telecoms sector showcased its market dominance, with MTN, Airtel, and Globacom all ranking highly.

A significant highlight this year is that seven of the first 10 brands out of the 50 are Nigerian, emphasizing the resilience and global competitiveness of home-grown brands, most of which had spread abroad.

Additionally, it is impressive to note the consistency among the top brands, with seven of them maintaining their positions from last year. This stability reflects their continued relevance, strong market presence, and ability to navigate the complexities of the Nigerian business environment.

Overall,

Nigerian brands account for 24 spots on the top brands list this year, while international brands hold 26 positions, representing 52% of the total.

The 2024 list also witnessed the entry of two new brands, these are Opay Nigeria and Flutterwave, which made their debut in the annual Top 50 evaluation. These new entrants highlight the growing influence of fintech and digital payment platforms in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.

Notably, 14 brands maintained their positions from the previous year, reflecting their consistent performance and consumer trust.

Another set of notes in the presentation are the 10 Brands to Watch – These are vibrant and upcoming brands, who, though not among the 50 Top Brands yet, but with significant visibility and promises. This year, 9 of the 10 Brands to Watch are Nigerian.

During the public presentation, Taiwo Oluboyede, CEO of TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA®, commended the brands for their exceptional performance resilience, particularly in the face of the present economic challenges. “These brands deserve commendation, really, especially in times like this. The past year has been tough for many businesses, with some relocating out of Nigeria and others barely holding on. However, the majority of these brands have shown the resilient Naija spirit by weathering the storms and standing strong with positive projections into the future” He went on “As the saying goes, tough times never last, but tough people do. It’s in times like this that you differentiate between the boys and the men, as these brands have shown.” Concluded Oluboyede.

The 2024 TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA® list is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of growth. As these brands continue to innovate and adapt, they set the standard for what it means to be a top brand in Nigeria. We look forward to witnessing their continued success and contribution to Nigeria’s economic development in the years to come.

Nigeria, our dear country, is special in certain ways.

We’ve got something special here. It’s called the Naija spirit. It’s that thing that makes us keep going, even when things are tough a we have had the past years, but still keep going.

Imagine this: You know that feeling when you’re down, but you just keep pushing? That’s Naija spirit. It’s like that market woman who wakes up super early to sell her stuff, rain or shine, she had to feed her children, her tomorrow. Or that small business owner who turns nothing into something big - came to lagos with a paper bag and 2 pairs of trouses and shirt, that guy that fix your phone when no one else can, that one that sells stuffs in traffic, when the sun is 37 degree, hoping that someday, e go better. It’s the hope we all have that tomorrow will be better. And many ended up achieving greatness in short time.

We’ve seen it in sports. Our football teams, basketball players, remember the Dream Team, Atlanta 96, The Tigress at the Paris Olympic – they don’t just play, they fight. They show the world what Naija spirit is all about. Even when we lose, we cheer them on. That’s us!

From music to movies, we’re taking over the world. Our stories, our beats, they’re global now. That’s Naija spirit making waves. We turn lemons into lemonade, you know? Life can be tough, but we find a way to shine.

Few years ago, it was discovered that Nigerians are the most educated ethnic group in the United State, i believe same will be applicable elsewhere. An average Nigerian oversea will work 2,3, even more jobs to sponsor himself and still keep his family, both home and abroad. Ask people that have Nigerians as co-workers oversea, we are the people who wouldnt compain for overtime, so far the pay is good. A Naija man/woma would sacrifice their Christmass holidays, just to have something to send home

So, let’s celebrate this amazing spirit of ours. It’s who we are. It’s what makes Nigeria special. Let’s keep it alive, let’s keep it growing. Naija spirit for the win!


[url=https://www.top50brandsnigeria.com/resilient-naija-spirit ] You can read more[/url]