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. Dr. Mu`azu Aliyu Babangida resides in Minna as the present governor of Niger State. He served a term of four years (2007-2011), and is currently serving another term of four years (2011-2015), obviuosly his last term as the political system does not allow elected governor to serve more than two terms
