Minna

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Location of Minna in Nigeria
Location of Minna in Nigeria

Minna is a city (estimated population 304,113 in 2007) in west central Nigeria. It's the capital of Niger State, one of Nigeria's 36 federal states.

Contents

[edit] Geography

Minna is connected to neighboring cities by road. Abuja, the capital, is only 150 km away. Minna is also connected by railroad to both Kano in the north and Ibadan and Lagos in the south. The city also has an airport.

[edit] Economy

Cotton, guinea corn, and ginger are the main agricultural products of the city. The economy also supports cattle trading, brewing, shea nut processing and gold mining. [1] Traditional industries and crafts in Minna include leather work, metalworking, and cloth weaving.

[edit] 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 and the city contains many mosques and Muslim organizations. Minna is the home of Nigeria's former military President Gen. Ibrahim B. Babangida, and of former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

[edit] Education

Minna is also the seat of the Federal University of Technology, that is located in Gidan-Kwanu and Bosso.

[edit] References

  1. ^ "The Concice Britannica Encyclopaedia". Retrieved on 2007-02-20.


Coordinates: 9°37′N, 6°33′E