Bello Jibrin Gada

Who is Bello Jibrin Gada?

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. He left office in March 2010 when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved his cabinet.

Gada was born in 1954. He attended Bayero University, Kano and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He was elected Senator for Sokoto East on the All Nigeria People's Party platform, holding office from May 1999 to May 2003. He served as the Minority Whip during his term in office. Later, he defected to the ruling People's Democratic Party, where he became chairman of the Sokoto State chapter of the party.

A few weeks after being appointed Minister of Culture and Tourism, in January 2009 Gada gave his support to the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, which was concerned about the rapidly growing number of tourism operators that were not accredited by the NTDC. Speaking at the National Festival of Arts and Culture 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.