DWAYNE WADE BEARS IT ALL ON THE COVER OF THE ESPN's ANNUAL BODY ISSUE

On July 6th, ESPN the Magazine releases its eighth edition of the 'Body Issue' for online consumption — July 8 for those of you who still enjoy picking up a hard copy. While more than 16 athletes will be represented in the issue, Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade has the honor of gracing the cover for the first time in his career despite having several opportunities to take the plunge in the past.The reason Wade turned ESPN down before without hesitation? It’s only now, at age 34, that he feels comfortable stepping outside of his comfort zone. "To me, doing the 'Body Issue' is bigger than looking at an athlete's body," explains Wade. 

"It's more about the story we are telling of overcoming my fear of doing this. I had a fear of being naked in front of others and a fear of being judged. So to me, overcoming that is the biggest thing. Someone may look at me and think, 'Why would you have insecurity?' Well, this is real life and I'm human, and these are the things that I deal with that many others might deal with."Wade told ESPN that he never wanted to take his shirt off as a kid because his belly button was an outie. He didn’t want to take part in swimming class, either, because his feet were "a little rougher" as an athlete than others. It was only four years ago that Wade felt comfortable with his body, and he now feels an obligation to represent others with similar insecurities. "I don't even view my belly button now. I make jokes sometimes when I'm doing an interview . "As you go through life, you get more comfortable with yourself," he said. "It's like everything else with life—you change, you grow. People might think it's simple, but for me it was hard to even feel comfortable walking around naked when it's just me and my wife. So the thought of doing it at a photo shoot in front of people [laughs]—it was like, 'No way ever.'" So what changed his mind? He explained, "In my underwear line, Naked, we have this thing called the 'Naked Truth'—and my naked truth, I always say, is me being my authentic self. That became a part of me doing this shoot. I'm like, 'You know what, nothing is clearer than this, being my authentic self.' Right here is just me baring it all. 

This is as authentic as it gets." Wade also works hard on his body for him not to be willing to showcase it, spending hours in the gym, working out and doing cardio. "I'm 34 now; it doesn't come as easy as it did when I was 21, 22. I have to work at it now, where it used to be something that just came natural," he revealed. "Now I have to put in so many hours, but it makes me feel good to see the finished product." But he also admits putting in the hours is partially due to his deep love for food. "I can put on a few pounds pretty fast. I love to eat. I'm one of those guys who's low-key, but I'm a fat boy at heart, man, when I'm eating," he said. "To me that's kind of like my happy place: a great burger, fries and a soda. It's easy for me to pack pounds on, but it's easy for me to get them off at the same time."

KANYE WEST IS IN THE NEWS AGAIN FOR FAMOUS VIDEO

                 Photo: Tidal/Tidal

Kanye just premiered his much-anticipated "Famous" music video (or "visuals," as they're officially being called). If you wanted some WTFery, rest assured Kanye has GOT your WTFery. Shot above what looks like the Worlds Biggest Unmade Bed, the camera tracks over a group of naked, sleeping celebrities. Kanye and Kim get the middle, and are flanked by Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Caitlyn Jenner, Amber Rose, Anna Wintour, Ray J, Bill Cosby, Donald Trump, and George Bush. In the credits, he thanks the celebrities whose images he featured "for being famous." Kanye's team has not commented on whether the images are recreations or the actual celebrities themselves. Which raises the question- Is the Taylor Swift in the video a Madam Tussauds' wax doll? The best Hollywood prosthetic job in the world? The future of CGI? So what does it all mean? Kanye's not saying much, but he did tell Vanity Fair that “It’s not in support or anti any of [the people in the video]. It’s a comment on fame.” He also revealed that when he previewed the video for his celebrity friends who don't appear in the video, said friends informed Yeezy that "...they want to be in the bed." Which, in itself, is probably another comment on fame.

Photo and Video: Fayose says Zenith bank officials have ‘begged’ him

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State says a top management team of Zenith Bank Plc on Thursday evening begged him over the bank’s alleged role in funding Mr. Fayose’s election.
The governor says Zenith Bank helped in funding his election in 2014, in his bid to deny an allegation by the government linking him to a $2.1 billion arms money reportedly diverted by the former Goodluck Jonathan administration. But Mr. Fayose accuses the bank of lying to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission about the transaction, and his public comments on the case are believed aimed at getting even with the bank’s leaders. The bank has distanced itself from the governor’s election. But, in a statement on Thursday, by its spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, Mr. Fayose said the bank’s top management met with him and begged him to let the matter be. The statement was accompanied with photographs showing the governor and some officials he said were from the bank. “Their visit to the governor followed a reported denial by the bank that it was not part of the funding of the election,” the statement said. 

“The team was led by an Executive Director, Sola Oladipo. “It also had two zonal directors of the bank and the Ado-Ekiti branch manager. “When accosted by newsmen, the ED said they only came to see the governor. “Asked whether the bank really dissociated itself from the claim by the governor that it was part of the funding of the election, Shola could only mutter some inaudible words. “He eventually said the spokesman for the bank was not on the team and could not say anything. “While commenting on the development, Governor Fayose said the bank officials came to beg him over the issue. “They were begging me and that the matter should not go beyond this level. I asked them why did they go to the EFCC to tell lies. Why did they have to lie that money came from the Office of the National Security Adviser? If the money is for me why did they have to link with me what is not,” the statement said.

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FIRS Slams N75m On Linda Ikeji For Tax Evasion

According to reports from the Capital NG, the popular nigerian blogger Linda Ikeji who acquired a mansion in Banana Island few months ago, is engaged in a tussle with officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The FIRS has reportedly hit her with a fine of N75 million, the total amount of tax she had evaded. Another source in the FIRS said the celebrity blogger had been evading tax payment, which has amounted to the whooping sum of N75 Million. However, when asked about the purchase of the house, it was disclosed that Linda blatantly denied ownership of the N500 Million luxurious mansion which she allegedly purchased in 2015. Linda’s denial of ownership of the edifice resonated as sweet melody to her detractors, many of whom she had consciously or unconsciously angered by persistent news of her professional and financial success. Foes of Linda are hauling invective at her like lances claiming she is a big fraud who gloried in misleading the public about the ownership of the building and her actual financial status. Many of them are of the opinion that Linda should have simply come clean and make everyone understand that she is just a tenant in the building. Linda’s critics are not ready to soft-pedal on her; they are vigorously attacking Linda every minute and condemning her for the way she openly bragged about the purchase of the building in 2015. They keep referencing the fact that Linda took to her blog to post the exterior and interior pictures of the luxury apartment calling herself a ‘self-made woman’ and bragging afterwards: “I bought a two-storey luxury house in the exclusive Banana Island area of Ikoyi…and to be honest, I still can’t believe it. It’s everything I prayed my house would be. That’s me standing in front of my house. #ProudSelfMadeWoman.” But while Linda’s detractors take her to the cleaners over her perceived fraudulence, close friends and associates of the celebrity blogger have risen to her defense. According to them, Linda’s detractors should let her be. “Instead of attacking a career girl who worked her ass off to attain the greatest height in her chosen career, they should learn to appreciate her fortitude and grace. And if they can’t, let them go and bite a bullet,” said a very close friend of Linda. Indeed, Linda worked very hard to put herself and Nigeria on the world map. As you read, the FIRS has slammed Linda with a N75 million fine and the agency has initiated measures to prosecute her in a court of law. These are certainly not the best of times for Linda Ikeji but like they always say, behind every dark pall shines a silver lining."