Minna

Minna is a city in Middle Belt Nigeria. It is the capital city of Niger State, one of Nigeria's 36 federal states. It consists of the major ethnic groups: the Gbagyi, the Nupe and the Bassa. History Archaeological evidence suggests settlement in the area dates back to about 47,000–37,000 years ago. Muslim culture filtered into Minna by way of the ancient Saharan trade routes much later, and the city contains many mosques including Minna Central Mosque and Muslim organizations like the Islamic Education Trust, Minna, Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria - Minna Area Council (MSSN-MNAC), Da'watu-Ilallahi-Wa-Rasulihi Association (DAWRA), etc. Sharia law is practiced. Christianity is the second major population in Niger State, and institutions include a Faith Church, a Grace Baptist Church, Nupe Kalvari Churches, Anglican Churches, ECWA Churches, Baptist Churches, Victory Christian Church, the Apostolic Church and many others. Minna is the home state of Nigeria's former military President Gen. Ibrahim B. Babangida, and of former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu was the former governor of Niger State, serving the maximum term of eight years (2007–2015). Abubakar Sani Bello is the present governor of Niger state who took over from the opposition party ruling candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, serving his second term in office.