Latest news with #TheGambia
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Trolls call me a ‘visa vagina' for having a Gambian lover who's 21 years younger – but men my age are like coleslaw
A 65-YEAR-OLD Brit gran has been labelled a ''visa vagina'' after finding love with a younger man she met on holiday. Zena, 65, from Oxted, Surrey, was on holiday in The Gambia two years ago when she met Ebrima, a waiter working ay her resort who is 21 years her junior. 3 Zena was delighted when Ebrima showed his interest and asked her out on a date after gifting flowers. The mother-of-four appeared on the programme 90 Day Fiancé UK, where her love story with her now-man, Ebrima, 44, was told. ''I thought he's rather nice, he's tall, he's handsome, we've had a few dates and we've had a relationship ever since,'' the gran said. The 64-year-old admitted that the age-gap relationship is ideal as she doesn't ''really fancy'' blokes her own age. She added: ''Men in their 60s, I'm not attracted to. They're all bald and have big fat guts. They're like washed-up coleslaw. I don't fancy young men, I like an in-between.'' But although Zena seems to be happy that she has finally found her one and only Romeo after three failed long-term relationships, her family are not convinced that Ebrima has her best intentions at heart. The suspicions only intensified after her relatives discovered his secret social media profile. Since dating, Zena has bought him a brand new iPhone, a mattress and sent him more than £1,000 for occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and some cash to help his struggling family. The Gambian waiter has also asked her for extra £3,000 so he can set up a taxi business. She said: ''He's extremely fit and I am so attracted to him. When I put a few posts up on my social media, a lot of people said 'You're just a visa vagina' or 'You're just a sex tourist '. I make £360k a year as a model and sugar baby and everyone judges me but men loving splashing their earnings on me ''No, I'm not a sex tourist because if I wanted [to have] sex in England I would, even at my age.'' Zena hit back at the critics: ''I am a generous person and if I think someone needs money, I will give it to them because you can only keep so much for yourself.'' However, while Zena may have fallen head over heels for Ebrima, her elderly mother, 95, disapproves of their relationship, adding that she hopes the pair do not end up marrying. It's not just Zena's mum who's not too keen on the entire situation - Zena's granddaughter Tillie believes the fairy tale romance may all be too good to be true. ''He could have four ladies exactly like you all sending him money,'' she speculated. Zena's daughter, Zoe, said: ''I don't think she's thinking straight but I hope for her sake he's going to prove us all wrong. If he does ask for money that is definitely a red flag.'' Ebrima - who also appeared on the show - told Zena that he ''really, really wants to get to England'' after speaking about how poorly workers are paid in his country. ''The income is very low so it is dependent on tips,'' he said. ''Everyone is struggling to have English people because English people give tips. ''Zena is very good for my family. She usually helps me with money and clothes, now I don't buy clothes.'' A-list age gap relationships that have stood the test of time Kris Jenner & Corey Gamble - 25 years The Kardashian matriarch, 69, met her younger man, 44, at a mutual friend's 40th birthday party in Ibiza. They've been together since August 2014. Sam & Aaron Taylor-Johnson - 23 years The director, 57, and actor, 34, reportedly met at a film audition in 2009, and were married by 2012. The pair share two daughters and Sam has two children from a previous marriage. Rosie-Huntington-Whiteley & Jason Statham - 20 years The model, 37, started dating actor Jason, 57, in 2010. They were wed in 2016 and have since welcomed a son and a daughter together. Catherine Zeta-Jones & Michael Douglas - 25 years Catherine, 55, was introduced to Michael, 80, a film festival in 1996 and engaged three years later. Shortly after their engagement, the couple welcomed a son and married in 2000. Ebrima has always told Zena that he does not have any social media, but after her friend Lisa told her to do some digging, the Brit gran was shocked to find out that she had been lied to. After Tillie found his profile on Facebook, Zena said: ''What a cheek. I'm furious really. He said he never had one.'' The waiter also claimed he was single on his Facebook account, with Tillie and Zena then uncovering heaps of scantily-clad women on his online friends list. ''I feel sick, he's totally deceived me,'' Zena said, adding that her intention is to confront him about the lie during her trip to The Gambia, which will be the first time the two will reunite in eight months. ''[I'll say] 'You're supposed to be a Muslim and they're not supposed to do things like that'. ''He's always telling me 'Don't wear this, don't wear that, don't drink this, don't drink that'. ''Well I'm sure his w****s on his social media drink.,'' the nan was fuming. Upon arriving at the West African country and being greeted at the airport by her younger lover, Zena was anything but impressed with the hotel they were staying in, calling it ''a f***ing building site''. She said: ''I sometimes feel a bit gutted that he hasn't got anything for me. ''At least there's one thing he can give me that's priceless. I just want to have one good night together before I have it out with him.'' But the following morning, the Gambian lover irritated Zena when he made her brew ''too milky'' and she attempted to get the answers she desperately needed. When she asked whether he had social media, Ebrima explained: ''It's been deleted for a long time. It's not there now.'' But then Zena said he was ''lying'' and showed him his Facebook profile, adding: ''You've put single. Are you single?'' He responded: ''It was a joke, I like joking.'' The 65-year-old then asked why he had not accepted her friend request and said: ''I don't really think it's that funny. ''I'm not going to waste all my time getting over here, buying you things and buying things for your family and then, lo and behold, you're playing me. ''I don't think it's a joke because I'm taking our relationship seriously. ''You're going single on here, you could get other women approaching you to join you as a friend, what would you do then?'' The 44-year-old said he was an ''entertainer'' and that he would often delete friend requests from women rather than accepting them. The argument soon turned heated, with Zena saying: ''This isn't a f***ing joke and I'm not happy about that.'' She added: ''Who does he think he is? He has trouble making conversation so I don't understand how he thinks he's an entertainer. ''He's lying straight to my face because I know he's got women on there because I've seen them.'' But Ebrima maintained he was joking by setting one up and said that he only used it for a month or so. In the preview for the fourth episode, Ebrima takes Zena to the house he has been building, but the Brit nan is far from impressed when she sees that her bedroom barely has four walls and no roof. ''Finances were the main issue,'' he said, while saying that he still needs approximately £2,000 to help with the cost, but Zena is reluctant to take out a loan to help out her new boyfriend. The brand-new series of 90 Day Fiancé UK is available to stream on Discovery+ now.
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
British grandmother, 65, dating 44-year-old Gambian waiter says men her age are 'like washed-up coleslaw' - as she lavishes him with thousands of pounds worth of gifts
A 65-year-old British woman who says she 'doesn't fancy men her own age' has been labelled a 'sex tourist' after finding love with a younger man she met on holiday, much to the disapproval of her concerned family. Zena, 65, from Oxted, Surrey, was on holiday in The Gambia two years ago when she came across Ebrima, a waiter at her resort who is 21 years her junior. With much matchmaking taking place online in the 21st century, Zena was delighted when Ebrima pined after her with flowers, asking her out on a date. The mother-of-four starred on the programme 90 Day Fiancé UK, where her love story with her now-boyfriend, Ebrima, 44, was told. 'I thought he's rather nice, he's tall, he's handsome, we've had a few dates and we've had a relationship ever since,' she said. Zena admitted that the age-gap relationship is Ideal as 'I don't really fancy men my own age'. She added: 'Men in their 60s, I'm not attracted to. They're all bald and have big fat guts. They're like washed-up coleslaw. I don't fancy young men, I like an in-between.' But although Zena appears to be happy that she has finally found someone after three failed long-term relationships, her family are not convinced that Ebrima has her best intentions at heart, especially after they uncovered his secret social media profile. Since dating, Zena has bought him an iPhone, a mattress and sent him more than £1,000 for occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and to help his struggling family. Ebrima has also asked her for £3,000 so he can set up a taxi business. She said: 'He's extremely fit and I am so attracted to him. When I put a few posts up on my social media, a lot of people said "You're just a visa vagina" or "You're just a sex tourist." No, I'm not a sex tourist because if I wanted [to have] sex in England I would, even at my age.' Zena added: 'I am a generous person and if I think someone needs money, I will give it to them because you can only keep so much for yourself.' However, her elderly mother, 95, disapproves of Ebrima, adding that she hopes the pair do not end up marrying, while Zena's granddaughter Tillie believes the fairy tale romance may all be too good to be true. 'He could have four ladies exactly like you all sending him money,' she speculated. Zena's daughter, Zoe, said: 'I don't think she's thinking straight but I hope for her sake, he's going to prove us all wrong. If he does ask for money that is definitely a red flag.' Ebrima - who also appeared on the show - told Zena that he 'really, really wants to get to England' after speaking about how poorly workers are paid in his country. 'The income is very low so it is dependent on tips,' he said. 'Everyone is struggling to have English people because English people give tips. 'Zena is very good for my family. She usually helps me with money and clothes, now I don't buy clothes.' Ebrima - who is a practising Muslim - has always told Zena that he does not have social media, but after her friend Lisa told her to do some digging, she was shocked to find out that she had been lied to. After Tillie found his profile on Facebook, Zena said: 'What a cheek. I'm furious really. He said he never had one.' The waiter also stated he was single on his social media account, with Tillie and Zena uncovering the heaps of scantily-clad women on his Facebook Friends list. 'I feel sick, he's totally deceived me,' she said, adding that her intention is to confront him about the lie during her trip to The Gambia, which will be the first time she has come face-to-face with her lover in eight months. '[I'll say] 'You're supposed to be a Muslim and they're not supposed to do things like that. He's always telling me 'Don't wear this, don't wear that, don't drink this, don't drink that'. Well I'm sure his w****s on his social media drink.' Upon arriving at the tropical country and being greeted at the airport by her younger lover, Zena was less than impressed with the hotel they were staying in, calling it 'a f***ing building site'. She said: 'I sometimes feel a bit gutted that he hasn't got anything for me. At least there's one thing he can give me that's priceless. I just want to have one good night together before I have it out with him.' But the morning after, Ebrima irritated Zena when he made her tea 'too milky' and she attempted to get the answers she desperately needed. When she asked whether he had social media, Ebrima said: 'It's been deleted for a long time. It's not there now.' But then Zena said he was 'lying' and showed him his own Facebook profile, adding: 'You've put single. Are you single?' He responded: 'It was a joke, I like joking.' The 65-year-old then asked why he had not accepted her friend request and said: 'I don't really think it's that funny. I'm not going to waste all my time getting over here, buying you things and buying things for your family and then, lo and behold, you're playing me. 'I don't think it's a joke because I'm taking our relationship seriously. You're going single on here, you could get other women approaching you to join you as a friend, what would you do then?' Ebrima said he was an 'entertainer' and that he would often delete friend requests from women rather than accepting them. The argument turned heated, with Zena saying: 'This isn't a f***ing joke and I'm not happy about that.' She added: 'Who does he think he is? He has trouble making conversation so I don't understand how he thinks he's an entertainer. 'He's lying straight to my face because I know he's got women on there because I've seen them.' But Ebrima maintains he was joking by setting one up and said that he only used it for around a month. In the preview for the fourth episode, Ebrima takes Zena to the house he has been building, but she is far from impressed when she sees that her bedroom barely has four walls and no roof. 'Finances were the main issue,' he said, while saying that he still needs around £2,000 to help with the cost, but Zena is reluctant to take out a loan to help out her boyfriend.
Arab News
08-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
IsDB approves $277m to boost jobs, health care, green transport in member states
JEDDAH: Job creation, better health care, and greener transportation are set to advance in several member countries as the Islamic Development Bank approved $277 million in financing. In its 361st meeting, chaired by President Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al-Jasser, the IsDB approved financing for projects in Mauritania, Cote d'Ivoire, and The Gambia, it said in a statement on July 7. As a leading multilateral development institution in the Islamic world, the IsDB focuses on fostering inclusive economic growth, strengthening human capital, and enhancing infrastructure across its 57 member countries. Through long-term partnerships and targeted investments in key sectors, the bank supports sustainable development and improves the quality of life throughout the Islamic nation. In #Mauritania, #IsDB has approved EUR 26.18 million to expand the National Cardiology Center in #Nouakchott, a vital step to: Reduce premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases & Meeting rising demand for specialized healthcare. Read More: — IsDB Group (@isdb_group) July 7, 2025 The Jeddah-headquartered global funding organization added that this round of development financing highlights its firm commitment to transformative projects that generate tangible impact and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 'The approved financing package spans vital sectors, namely health care, education, and transportation and is focused on addressing urgent development challenges, from improving urban mobility to strengthening public health systems and building human capital,' the statement said. In Mauritania, the IsDB allocated €26.18 million ($30.7 million) to expand the National Cardiology Center in Nouakchott. The initiative aims to enhance the country's capacity to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of premature death, and improve access to specialized, life-saving care for thousands of people, the statement added. Côte d'Ivoire will benefit from a major #IsDB investment of EUR 200 million in the Abidjan Urban Mobility Project, a transformative initiative that will: Enhance sustainable transport, Ease congestion, & Improve access to jobs and services. Read More:… — IsDB Group (@isdb_group) July 7, 2025 In Cote d'Ivoire, a €200 million financing package will support the Abidjan Sustainable and Integrated Urban Mobility Project, a major initiative to upgrade the city's public transportation system. The undertaking seeks to enhance access to financial and social opportunities while boosting the efficiency of transit along the Yopougon-Bingerville corridor and its feeder lines in Abidjan, the country's economic capital and largest city. It also aims to reduce congestion, encourage greener transportation, and facilitate easier travel for residents — especially those in underserved areas — to jobs, schools, and essential services. In The Gambia, meanwhile, the bank is investing $32.20 million to help establish the School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences at the University of The Gambia. With US$ 32.20 million in new financing from #IsDB, The #Gambia is set to launch the School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences. This project aims to: Train future healthcare professionals, & Expand national research capacity. Read More: — IsDB Group (@isdb_group) July 7, 2025 'This initiative will help address the country's critical shortage of health care professionals by building a pipeline of locally trained doctors, nurses, and public health experts, ultimately improving the quality and resilience of the national health system,' the statement said. In May, the IsDB approved over $1.32 billion in funding for key projects during its 360th board meeting. The funding included a $632 million flood protection dams project in Oman aimed at reducing climate-related risks, a €212 million road rehabilitation initiative in Cameroon to enhance regional connectivity, and major infrastructure improvements in Burkina Faso. Spanning sectors such as health, infrastructure, food security, vocational training and water access, the investments also reflected the bank's comprehensive approach to promoting sustainable development in its member states.
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The Gambia's Good Market is now open: A pop-up event empowering Gambian entrepreneurs
The Gambia's Good Market was officially opened today at UN75 Kotu Park through a collaborative effort led by the European Union Youth Empowerment Project – Tourism and Creative Industries and the International Trade Centre. The Gambia`s Good Market is an initiative that gives Gambian youth and women entrepreneurs, especially those in the tourism and creative industries, a platform to showcase and sell their products. It aims to promote Made-in-The-Gambia products and services, strengthen market access for small businesses in the tourism and creative industries and connect entrepreneurs to customers. The initiative seeks to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism and was made possible in partnership with the Gambia Start-up Chamber of Commerce, Gambia Women's Chamber of Commerce, ITC SheTrades Gambia Hub, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Hon. Baboucarr O. Joof, emphasized the importance of the market during his remarks. He said, 'The Gambia's Good Market is a landmark initiative. It is designed to drive sustainable growth in The Gambia's tourism and trade sectors, provide economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and elevate the visibility of 'Made in The Gambia' products on both regional and global stages.' Speaking at the opening ceremony, the European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, Her Excellency Immaculada Roca i Cortés, highlighted that the EU Youth Empowerment Project – Tourism and Creative Industries is a flagship programme for the EU, delivering the EU/The Gambia join agenda on inclusive economic growth through partnerships with the private sector and promotion of innovation and translating the ambitious objectives of the National Development Plan into concreate actions. She also underscored the focus of the platform on empowering Gambian youth and women – who are priority beneficiaries for the EU. 'Through initiatives like the EU YEP Tourism and Creative Industries Programme, the European Union aims at expanding access to skills, tools, and markets for young innovators. Our goal is clear: to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs and unlock sustainable employment,' she shared. The Senior Technical Expert on Tourism and Creative Industries at the International Trade Centre, Daouda Niang, highlighted that market access remains one of the biggest barriers for small businesses and reaffirmed ITC's commitment to curbing this challenge. 'The Gambia's Good Market is one of our flagship initiatives designed to provide young people and women with a platform to access markets, build networks, make sales and expand their customer base. This market, which is 100% made in The Gambia, provides a unique opportunity for both locals and tourists an opportunity to experience the creativity and products of Gambian youth and women entrepreneurs,' Niang stated. Also speaking at the event, Kumbale Goode, Board Chairperson of the Gambia StartUp Chamber of Commerce (GSCC), stressed the market's role in promoting local enterprise and economic development. 'The Gambia's Good Market fosters business growth, generates decent employment and deepens cross-sectoral linkages within the economy. We have about 30 businesses showcasing Made in The Gambia products,' she said The Gambia Good Market will be held every last Saturday of the month, coinciding with key festive events such as Koriteh, Easter, and Christmas. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Gambia-Nigeria ties: NANTA's visit strengthens cultural, economic bonds
The Gambia's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abdoulie Jobe, at an event in the country's capital, welcomed the delegation of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) to the country, describing their presence as a homecoming. Jobe emphasised the importance of adapting the tourism management ecosystem to the evolving needs of various stakeholders in response to changing industry dynamics. He highlighted the pivotal role that travel agents play in addressing these challenges and encouraged stakeholders to refine their strategies to maintain competitiveness in the tourism sector. The minister indicated that the gathering of Nigerian travel professionals was part of a broader effort to promote The Gambia in Nigeria and invited them to savor local delicacies, including the famous Benechin, or jollof rice. The Nigerian High Commissioner to The Gambia, Mallam Mohammad Mainasara, louded NANTA members for their commitment to exploring mutual trade opportunities between the two nations. Abubakar Camara and Sheriff Conteh from The Gambia Tourism Board discussed the strong cultural ties between Nigeria and The Gambia, while the Managing Director of Djeliba Leisure Group, a partner in the initiative, resonated with the emotional connection shared between the two countries. NANTA President, Yinka Folami, moved by the positive reception, expressed a commitment to reshaping trade narratives between Nigeria and The Gambia. He reinforced the importance of intra-African trade and tourism exchange, stating that NANTA chose to hold their training in The Gambia to strengthen these ties. During the event, Folami presented a plaque to The Gambia's First Lady and Minister Jobe, encouraging the Gambian community to reciprocate by enhancing trade relations and visiting Nigeria, especially with Air Peace's new routes connecting the two countries. He also acknowledged the dedication of the NANTA training faculty and underscored the invaluable support of selfless women within the organization, expressing hope for continued collaboration and success in the industry. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
