Bello Jibrin Gada is a Nigerian politician who was Senator for Sokoto East from May 1999 to May 2003. He was appointed Minister of Culture & Tourism on 17 December 2008 after a cabinet reshuffle by President Umaru Yar'Adua.[1] He left office in March 2010 when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved his cabinet.[2]
A few weeks after being appointed Minister of Culture and Tourism, in January 2009 Gada gave his support to the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), which was concerned about the rapidly growing number of tourism operators that were not accredited by the NTDC.[4]
Speaking at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) held in Minna, Niger State in December 2009, Gada said the festival was much more than a dancing jamboree, but served as a vital tool for fostering unity in the country, showcased the country's diverse culture and promoted tourism.[5]
In a February 2010 press briefing, Gada listed the achievements of his ministry in the past year which included establishing six cultural industry centres, creating the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding, Abeokuta and establishing a committee on National Archives and National Museums. He outlined plans for the future such as increased public / private partnership and rehabilitation and reconstruction of abandoned and dilapidated museums and archives projects. He did not discuss the National Tourism Master-plan.[6]
In March 2010 Gada inaugurated various committees of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria to help put the country at par with other African tourist nations.[7]
The Cabinet of President Umaru Yar'Adua, which was formed on 26 July 2007, is shown below. The list shows Federal Ministers but excludes Ministers of State, who assist the Federal Ministers.
The cabinet was dissolved on 17 March 2010 by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, and a new cabinet sworn in on 6 April 2010.