Reborn Concept

A passionate and dedicated activist working tirelessly to create positive change in her community and beyond.

[African Stream @african_stream]

HOW SACRED STOOL SCARED BRITISH RULE

Here’s one African treasure the British could never get their thieving hands on. The Golden Stool is a sacred bit of furniture that’s been revered by the Ashanti people of Ghana for centuries. They believed it gave them special powers when fighting the colonial Brits. So much so, the British governor made it his mission to find it. Luckily, locals kept it safely hidden and it remains a central part of Ashanti culture today.
Fair to say, without that hidy-hole, The Golden Stool would have ended up in some British museum.
Anyway, let’s celebrate the fact it hasn't!
It's an amazing story. Enjoy.

[African Stream @african_stream]

HUMAN ZOOS

Belgium is being forced to cough up compensation for stealing mixed-race children from African mothers in their colony in Congo. Here’s another thing it should make amends for - organising human zoos. The last was held in Brussels in 1958.

[African Stream @african_stream]

ILLEGAL MINERS TERRORISE SOUTH AFRICAN RESIDENTS

An estimated 2,000 illegal artisanal miners in South Africa - known locally as Zama Zamara - will be spending their Christmas underground in a disused mining shaft in the town of Stilfontein, following a police crackdown. For weeks, officers have surrounded the entrances to the mineshaft and prevented food from entering in a bid to force the Zama Zamas out.

The situation highlights the illegal-mining crisis that has bedevilled South Africa. The huge job losses in the country’s mining sector and widespread poverty have seen the illicit sector boom. And that’s also led to a boom in violent crime, as gangs vie for control of abandoned mines across the country.

Residents of one slum near Joburg have been pleading with the authorities to do more amid a surge in rapes and murders - blamed on illegal mining gangs. It’s led to a debate about what the root cause of this violence is: is it pure criminality or the lack of opportunity most face? Let us know your views on the issue in the replies.

@FungaiNzala

[African Stream @african_stream]

RWANDA’S AMAZING COW DUNG ART

The traditional, bright and colourful Rwandan art form of Imigongo is being revived after almost disappearing during the country’s genocide in 1994. Looking at these beautiful works, you’d never guess they’re made from cow dung. But they have a rich, royal history and provide vital income and psychological benefits to locals.

[African Stream @african_stream]

HOW INTL OIL ‘SABOTAGED’ AFRICAN REFINERY

Neo-colonialism, as defined by Kwame Nkrumah, is the practice of using economic, political and cultural tools to control a country without direct military occupation. The effective sabotage in 2024 of Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery is a textbook example of neo-colonialism at play. It demonstrates how multinational corporations and foreign governments work together to maintain a system that benefits the West at Africa’s expense.

When Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, announced his ambitious plan to build a $20-billion refinery in Nigeria, it sent shockwaves through the oil industry. Its goal is nothing short of revolutionary: to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand for refined petroleum products, eliminate the need for imports and even export to other African countries. But such a move was never going to be welcomed by those who benefit from the status quo. One of the most blatant acts of sabotage came from international oil companies, which essentially refused to sell Nigerian crude oil to the Dangote Refinery. Instead, they demanded a $6 premium above the market price, a move designed to make the refinery’s operations financially unviable. Forced to look elsewhere, the Dangote Refinery had to source crude oil from Brazil and the United States at higher costs, further straining its operations, even though the local market desperately needs petroleum products and the country wastes fortunes importing them.

The sabotage of the Dangote Refinery is a stark reminder that the fight for African independence is far from over. While the days of formal colonialism may be behind us, the structures of exploitation remain firmly in place.

Over the years, numerous attempts by African nations to build refining capacity and move up the value chain have been thwarted by the stranglehold of foreign corporations. For example, Angola, Africa’s second-largest oil producer, exports most of its crude oil - while importing over 80% of its refined petroleum products. Efforts to build local refineries have been repeatedly delayed or derailed, often due to pressure from foreign interests.

The situation extends beyond oil. Africa’s vast reserves of minerals, timber, and agricultural products are similarly exported as raw materials, with the value-added processing taking place in Europe, North America, or China. Despite the interference, it’s hoped Dangote’s refinery will - eventually - boost pan-African integration and pave the way for a more self-reliant energy future across the continent.

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

Veteran Nigerian Actor, Zack Orji In ‘Critical Condition In Abuja Hospital After Slumping.

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

BREAKING:

US Navy obliterates Houthis.

Houthi rebels in 4 speedboats have attacked the Danish container ship MAERSK Hangzhou, shooting at it and trying to board it.

They also fired at a US Navy helicopter that came to its aid.

The Americans returned fire, sinking 3 speedboats

[Instablog9ja @instablog9ja]

Abd¥cted lady k+lled by her abd¥ctors despite collecting ransom

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

World Looks Other Way As Christians Are 'Killed For Sport By Jihadists' In Nigeria

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

Living in the present moment is not always easy, but it is a skill that can be cultivated with practice. When we are able to live in the present moment, we are more likely to experience joy, peace, and contentment.

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

Whether through meditation, mindful breathing, or integrating mindfulness into daily activities, taking small steps towards this practice can have profound effects on our mental health. Exploring mindfulness is a journey that can bring greater balance & resilience into our lives.

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

Incorporating mindfulness into our daily lives can be a powerful tool for improving mental well-being in a busy world. By cultivating present-moment awareness, we can reduce stress, enhance focus, and lead more fulfilling lives.

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

Starting a mindfulness practice may not always be easy, especially in a busy world. We will address common challenges and provide tips on staying consistent and motivated on this transformative journey.

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

Mindfulness can also enhance our relationships by improving communication and empathy. By being present and fully engaged in our interactions, we can strengthen connections and foster deeper understanding with others.

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

Being fully present in these moments can turn mundane tasks into opportunities for relaxation and self-awareness. Technology has become an integral part of our lives, but it can also contribute to stress and distract us from the present moment.

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

Meditation is another powerful technique that fosters mindfulness. We will explore different meditation exercises to suit various lifestyles and preferences. Mindfulness doesn't have to be limited to sitting meditation. We can bring this practice into our everyday activities.

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

Mindfulness also promotes resilience, helping us cope with life's challenges more effectively. One of the simplest ways to begin a mindfulness practice is through mindful breathing. By paying attention to our breath, we anchor ourselves in the present moment and calm the mind.

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

Research has shown that mindfulness can have numerous positive effects on mental well-being. It can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and enhance emotional regulation.

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

By cultivating mindfulness, we can enhance our self-awareness and develop a deeper understanding of ourselves.

[Reborn Concept @RebornConcept]

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. It encourages us to live in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.