#BBB NEWS| ‘The View’ Names First Black Female Executive Producer

Black Girl Magic is in full swing over at ABC. After announcing last week Channing Dungey is the network’s first African-American woman president, it’s also being reported daytime talk show. 

The View has been renewed for its 20th season, and the interim show runner Candi Carter will be the show’s first black female executive producer.

Since Barber Walters left the show in May of 2013, it’s been a revolving door of co-hosts. Variety reports a dip in ratings after Rose O’Donnell exited the Hot Topic segment, and last summer Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace were ousted.

#BBB NEWS| REC Confirms Nov 26, Governorship Poll In Ondo State

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has confirmed the November 26, 2016, as the date for the governorship election in the State.

Olusegun Agbaje, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the State made the confirmation to SaharaReporters on Thursday in Akure shortly after an announcement from INEC’s office in Abuja.

Mr. Agbaje said the election would be held in November and the commission would give more details of its schedule concerning activities prior to the poll.

"Yes, I just confirmed it now from our headquarters office in Abuja that the governorship election in Ondo State will be held on November 26.

#BBB NEWS| ‘Niger Delta Vandals Are Enemies Of Progress’ - Ex-Militants Leaders

On Thursday, scores of ex-militant leaders from the 9 States of the Niger Delta region gathered in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, to review the recent attacks on pipelines and oil installations in the area.

The ex-militants warned the perpetrators of these acts to cease their activities and branded them as "enemies of progress".

The ex-militants, who spoke under the aegis of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiatives (LPCDI),  also warned against efforts to unseat the Chairman of the Amnesty Implementation Programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh.

The assembled leaders warned the politicians behind the attempt to remove Mr. Boroh would cause the practical development of the region to falter.

#BBB NEWS| Court Dismisses Olisa Metuh’s Suit Against FG

Justice Okon Abang of the federal high court, Abuja, has ordered Olisa Metuh, spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to pay N20, 000 each to of the six respondents in a fundamental rights suit he filed against the federal government.

‎Metuh had filed the suit in January to challenge the grounds of his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

But when the suit was to be heard on Thursday, Abang was “surprised” that neither Metuh nor his lawyer showed up. He wondered why Metuh did not notify the court of his absence.

#BBB NEWS| Measles Outbreak Leaves 23 Children Dead In Sokoto State

Over the past 23 days, twenty children have been killed by measles in 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State, according to media reports.

During an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the executive secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Sani Labaran, confirmed the deaths.

Mr. Labaran described the current situation as an epidemic.  He noted that there were over 300 cases reported at various hospitals across the State.

He did note that the situation was stabilizing as several of the affected children were currently receiving treatment.

#BBB NEWS| 20 Percent Of Donald Trump’s Supporters Believe Freeing The Slaves Was A Bad Idea

In case anyone was wondering, Donald Trump’s supporters are not exactly the most tolerant people in America.

This fact was further proven – you know, besides commentary by Trump himself – by data from new public opinion surveys compiled by The New York Times.

Featuring responses from exit poll data and January polls by YouGov/Economist and Public Policy Polling, the resulting percentages point to Trump championing a group of voters who have prejudiced ideas.

“The results suggest how Mr. Trump has upended the contemporary divide in the party and built a significant part of his coalition of voters on people who are responsive to religious, social and racial intolerance,” the report reads.

#BBB NEWS| J. Cole To Perform For President Obama At Democratic National Committee Fundraiser [PHOTO]

If you’re J. Cole, “When the President asks,” you come through and perform. The Fayetteville, N.C. rapper is slated to perform for Barack Obama and the Democratic National Committee on March 11 for a fundraising event in Austin, Tx.

Hosted by will.i.am and Will “Whurley” Hurley, founder of employee retirement startup Honest Dollar, general admission tickets for the event run for $250, while preferred seats are $500.

The big ticket items are a photo with Obama for $10,000, and a co-host seat is $33,400.

A description of the reception was posted on the committee website:

#BBB NEWS| Leaders Of The African Immigrant Community Meet With White House Officials [PHOTOS]

On Monday, key members of the President Barack Obama’s policy team briefed over 100 leaders of the African community in the United States.

The policy briefing focused on US-Africa policy, immigration policy, and included a strategy session with the Democratic National Congress (DNC).

The meeting was facilitated by the President of the United People for African Congress, Dr. Sylvester Okere.

During the briefing, Dr. Okere remarked on the lack of government engagement with African immigrants.

“For far too long Africans have not been allowed to make their full contributions to this great nation.

#BBB NEWS| MTN Withdraws Suit, Pays N50bn ‘In Good Faith’

NCC had fined MTN N1.04 trillion for failing to deactivate 5.1 million unregistered SIM cards and later reduced the amount to N780 billion after the first round of negotiations.

However, MTN filed a suit as the December 31, 2015 deadline drew near, and later requested an out-of-court settlement.

On Wednesday, the mobile phone company finally withdrew the case at the federal high court in Lagos in response to a request by the Nigerian authorities.

Ferdi  Moolman, the CEO of MTN Nigeria said on the withdrawal: “This is a most encouraging development. It demonstrates a willingness and sincerity  by both parties to work together towards a positive outcome.”

#BBB NEWS| Tupac’s Long-Lost Song For MC Hammer Has Surfaced [AUDIO/VIDEO]

Tupac Shakur’s final months before his death were spent in the lab creating music he hoped would further his legacy in the music history.

There reportedly was in a condition in his contract with Suge Knight that stated the West Coast legend would help with material with other Death Row artists.

Not only was the “All Eyez On Me” rapper making music for himself, he penned and produced songs for other artists — like MC Hammer — who signed to the label in 1995. The “Can’t Touch This” rapper had began to work on an album called Too Tight, which was never released.

Although we’ve heard his unreleased song with 2Pac and Big Daddy Kane, we’ve never heard Pac’s rendition of the title track of Hammer’s unreleased album in full.

#BBB NEWS| President Obama Nominates The First Black Librarian Of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden [VIDEO]

Before President Obama exits The White House, he wants to make sure he still keeps on making history, especially within the African-American community.

His next move: appointing Dr. Carla D. Hayden as the 14th Librarian of Congress—making her the first woman and African-American to hold this prestigious position in the library’s 214 year history.

The POTUS went on his Facebook page to deliver the good news:

#BBB NEWS| National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences President Responds To Kanye West’s Grammy Criticism [TWEETS]

Early yesterday (Feb. 24), Kanye West poured out his thoughts in a lengthy Twitter post which ranged from news of another album due later this year to his stance on the Grammy Awards.

The “Waves” rapper publicly stated that he’d like a “sit down” with Recording Academy president Neil Portnow to discuss how the pair can make the annual showcase more inclusive of artists who’re deserving of some recognition, namely Future and Young Thug.

“Has anyone at the Grammys ever heard March Madness???” West tweeted. “Yes I have a problem with the Grammys.” On his “Highlights” collaborator, the 38-year-old mentioned, “We need to see Young Thug at the Grammys. Not just me and Jay in a suit.”

#BBB NEWS| Code Of Conduct Trial: Senate President Bukola Saraki Meets Tinubu At VP’s Office To.....

Embattled Senate President Bukola Saraki arrived at the VP’s office in Abuja today accompanied by former Vice President Abubakar Atiku to beg for forgiveness from the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress Bola Tinubu.

While Saraki arrived the VP’s office in the company of Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun, Senate Majority Leader Ali Ndume and several senators while Tinubu was accompanied by Chief Bisi Akande and some APC governors and senators.

State House reporters were warned not to report the meeting as Chief Akande claims it is a meeting of top party leaders trying to settle a serious crisis.

#BBB NEWS| President Buhari Vows: Those Who Distorted 2016 Budget Will Be Severely Punished

President Muhammadu Buhari vowed late Tuesday in Riyadh that all those involved in the “padding” of the 2016 National Budget will face the most severe punishment.

Addressing the Nigerian Community in Saudi Arabia, President Buhari condemned the distortion of the budget proposals by entrenched interests.

The President said that the unauthorised alterations  had completely changed the document from the one he presented to the National Assembly.

“The culprits will not go unpunished. I have been a military governor, petroleum minister, military Head of State and headed the Petroleum Trust Fund.

“Never had I heard the words “budget padding”. Our Minister of Budget and National Planning did a great job with his team. The Minister became almost half his size during the time, working night and day to get the budget ready, only for some people to pad it.

#BBB NEWS| 13 Arrested With Fake Passports

Thirteen Edo State indigenes were arrested in Kano with fake international passport en route to Libya.

The suspects, including four women,  were arrested in Kano by police on their way to Libya, with fake Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) passports.

State police commissioner, Musa Katsina informed Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of this during a special visit to the State police command.

The governor was shocked to see the young and energetic youth conducting such a mission. Urging the police commissioner to do more for the safety and security of the state and the nation in general.

When asked during the tour by the governor the young people confirmed that they were on their way to Libya en route Kano.

#BBB NEWS| Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Commit To Raising Oil Price

Leaders of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have expressed commitment to a “stable oil market” and a “rebound of oil price.” (pictured above) President Muhammadu Buhari and King Salman Bin Abdul-Aziz Photo Credit: BBC

At a bilateral meeting between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia in Riyadh hosted by the ruler King Salman Bin Abdul-Aziz, the two leaders accepted the fact that their two economies are tied to oil and that all cannot be well with both countries when the world oil market is unstable.

They therefore committed themselves to doing all that is possible to stabilize the market and rebound the oil price.

The two leaders did not expatiate ‎on modalities they plan to adopt in raising oil price.

The two leaders, who engaged in extensive discussions on regional and global issues, also agreed that terrorism posed a common threat to their states and would require close cooperation to prevail over the threats.

#BBB NEWS| Morgan Freeman’s Voice Will Be Used For GPS Navigation

We’re not sure if it’s the pitch, the cadence or the tone, but Morgan Freeman’s voice is the perfect combination of soothing and commanding.

For a while now, the Internet has wanted the Academy Award winner to narrate our day-to-day routines but knew that would be too much to ask for, so we settled on GPS navigation knowing that in the back of our minds, it would be a distant dream never to truly come true.

Until today.

It’s just been announced that the Shawshank Redemption actor is teaming up with Google’s free navigation app Waze, which means now Freeman can direct us to the nearest Starbucks, or Hookah Bar or how to get home in the morning from that thing that went past third base with that musician guy.

#BBB NEWS| Kim Kardashian Shares The First Photo Of Saint West [PHOTOS]

It’s official: The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star revealed the first photo of 3-month-old Saint West on her website on Monday (Feb. 22), which is also her late father’s birthday.

“Today is my dad’s birthday. I know there’s nothing more in the world he would have wanted than to meet his grandchildren. So I wanted to share this pic of Saint with you all.”

See the photo below:

#BBB NEWS| T.I. Signs To Roc Nation & Gets Ownership Deal With TIDAL [PHOTO]

T.I. last album, 2014’s Paperwork, marked his last release through a major (Columbia). After leaving the label he gave us the independent release Da ‘Nic EP  as a warm-up to his forthcoming album, The Dime Trap.

Before that album arrives, T.I. is making some big moves. He recently announced a new distribution home with Roc Nation. Given his lengthy history with Jay Z, it’s a move that makes sense.

It was also announced that T.I. is now the “newest artist owner” of TIDAL. He joins a long list of artists who have part ownership, including Kanye West, J. Cole, Usher, Nicki Minaj, and more.

So, it seems we can expect T.I.’s 10th studio album to be a TIDAL exclusive like Rihanna and Kanye’s latest ones.

#BBB NEWS| Kendrick Lamar To Induct N.W.A. Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame [PHOTOS]

It’s official: Kendrick Lamar is set to induct the legendary West Coast group, N.W.A. into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on April 8.

It’s been known for some time that N.W.A. would be recognized for their legendary and controversial career. And considering K. Dot’s countless references to the group shaping his own career (including dedicating one of his Grammy wins to Ice Cube and the rest of the members), there was a lot of speculation on the “Alright” rapper’s involvement in this pivotal moment. And now the Hall of Fame announced that Kendrick would be a special guest at the induction ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

N.W.A. is also rumored to be performing at the ceremony, so it may not be out of the question to ask for a joint performance from the group and Kendrick Lamar. Stay tuned, the Hall of Fame induction will kick off in the spring. You can purchase tickets here.

#BBB NEWS| NASS Invites Alison-Madueke To Explain Roles In Crude Oil Swap

The House Representatives committee on Crude Oil Swap on Monday formally invited the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Alison – Madueke, to come and make clarifications on the crude oil swap arrangement under her supervision.

In a letter dated February 22, 2016 and signed by the Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, the former minister is expected to appear before the lawmakers on Wednesday, March 2, to explain her role in the product swap arrangements with oil marketing companies.

The letter which was sent through the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) reads:

#BBB NEWS| EFCC Arrests Ex-Minister, Abba Moro, Two Others Over 2014 Immigration Recruitment Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arrested a former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, over the Nigerian Immigration recruitment scam in which no fewer than 20 job seekers died.

Also arrested by the anti-graft agency were former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Anaesthesia Nwaobia, and a deputy director who allegedly facilitated the scam.

A source at the commission, who cannot be named because she is not authorised to speak on the matter, told PREMIUM TIMES the three suspects were picked up in the evening.

“They were brought into the commission’s headquarters today and will be arraigned on a 12-count charge in the Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday,” the source said.

#BBB NEWS| Killer Of Jennifer Hudson’s Family Speaks Out For The First Time, Proclaims He’s Innocent

In 2008, Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew were brutally killed. Her sister’s estranged husband, William Balfour, was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder for the act, and sentenced to life behind bars in 2012.

In his first interview since his conviction, Balfour is claiming that he is innocent.

“I didn’t have nothing to do with her family being killed. Period,” Balfour told ABC 7’s I-Team. “I didn’t have nothing to do with the case and don’t know who had anything to do with the case.”
Evidence in the case pointed to Balfour, as gun residue was found on his clothing and the steering wheel of his vehicle. He was also found with the keys to the the stolen SUV where the 7-year-old was found shot to death. Witnesses came forward to identify Balfour as well, noting that he was carrying a black and silver pistol. According to police records, Balfour also had a long rap sheet that included gang activity and a 1992 attempted murder conviction. According to him, however, he now serves a life sentence because of a conspiracy by Chicago police, who he says planted the evidence against him in the triple murder.

#BBB NEWS| Fallen Naira: DPC Advises CBN Governor Emefiele To Resign

The Democratic Peoples Congress DPC, has called on the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, to resign following the declining state of the Naira and the Economy.

The party's position is contained in a statement released by the party's Chairman, Reverend Olusegun Peters on Friday February 19th. Read details below:

#BBB NEWS| 19-year-old Chelsea Prospect, Ola Aina Donates His Old Football Boots And Kits To Teams In Nigeria [PHOTOS]

Southwark-born Chelsea prospect Temitayo Olufisayo Olaoluwa Aina has earned the respect of many because he donated all his old boots and kits to less fortunate teams in Nigeria.

Writing on Instagram, Aina, "All my old boots, balls and kits being shipped off to the motherland (Lagos Nigeria) this morning to the less fortunate #giveback #2nddrop #nigeria"

#BBB NEWS| 'I Won't Devalue The Naira' - President Buhari Insists

While speaking at the just concluded Business for Africa, Egypt and the World Forum held in Egypt yesterday February 20th, President Buhari reiterated his stance against the devaluation of the Naira

Read details below:

#BBB NEWS| ISIS Beheads Two Alleged Spies For The US-led Coalition In Kirkuk, Iraq [PHOTOS]

New photos purportedly released by the Islamic States militants shows two men accused of spying for "the crusader alliance and the Rafidi" or Iranian government, being beheaded in Kirkuk, Iraq.

The photos which were shared on ISIS terrorist channels on Friday 21 is titled "Implementation of the Rule of Allah."

"Rafidi" is a derogatory term used by Sunni Muslims for Shia Muslims, who constitute the majority of Iran. See more photos after the cut...

#BBB NEWS| INEC Declares David Mark Winner Of Benue South Senatorial Rerun

The Peoples Democratic Party has won the Benue South rerun election, making its candidate, David Mark, return to the 8th Senate, from which the court ejected him a few months ago.

In Saturday’s election, Mr. Mark, former President of the Nigerian Senate, (2007-2015), was declared winner amid protests by his challenger, who demanded that the election be declared inconclusive.

The former Senate President defeated his sole challenger, Daniel Onjeh, a 41-year old former students’ leader, who contested on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The rerun was conducted after the Appeal Court annulled the March 28, 2015, election of which Mr. Mark was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

#BBB NEWS| WATCH: The Weeknd & Lauryn Hill Gave A Stunning Performance Of “In The Night” On ‘The Tonight Show’ [PHOTO/VIDEO]

After an upset for fans who were expecting The Weeknd and Lauryn Hill to perform at this year’s Grammy Awards, the two artists finally graced the stage together on Friday night (Feb. 19).

In a victory lap after earning two gold gramophones, The Weeknd performed his single “In The Night” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Fans were gifted with a surprise in the middle of the song, as Hill graced the stage to help belt out the Beauty Behind The Madness track.

Following her missed appearance on the Grammys stage, reps for Hill released a statement to clarify that her performance was never confirmed. Due to other commitments, the singer said she was unsure if she would be able to make it, and noted that it should not have been advertised to viewers.

#BBB NEWS| Facebook & Instagram Shutting Down Marijuana-Related Accounts

Social media giants Facebook and Instagram have gone into overhaul by eliminating accounts that share information or products related to cannabis usage, The Guardian reports.

The business crackdown comes after retailers and marketing companies have existed on the sites for a number of years without breaking any laws.

More than likely, the aggressive campaign is another method to eliminate the war on drugs. Suppliers are have been able to take a new route (social media) to sell and distribute drugs within the past five years, taking the industry to a new level.

However, the tech giants’ new rules are directly affecting companies that exist legally like dispensaries based in Denver and New Jersey. Even apparel companies like StashTagz that sell cannabis-themed t-shirts got the boot. Many of the accounts that run said pages were locked out of their Facebook accounts. A client from the Cannabrand marketing agency received a message from Facebook suggesting to visit a drug counselor.