Bida

Bida is a city of Nigeria situated in Niger state. It lies in the west central part of Nigeria. The River Bako flows by the city. Agaie, Jebba and Zungeru are the towns bordering Bida. The agricultural products produced in Bida are rice, cocoa and cotton. The city is well known for brass work, glass work, metalwork and cloth weaving. Quartz is available in Bida, which contributes to the production of glass.

Fulani and Hausa cultures exist in the city. The Hausa Kings constructed many mosques in the city. The city's origin dates back to 10th century. Bida was invaded by Muslin Fulani soldiers in 1805. In 1856, Bida city became Nupe Emirate's capital. In 1870s the Britishers came to Bida. In 1897 the Bida city was besieged by the Britishers. Officially, British rule was started in Bida in 1901.

Bida is the second biggest city in Niger state. Bida is situated in the south western part of Minna. The Durbar Festival is a famous festival of Bida. The city is estimated to have a population of 1, 78,840 people (2007). The settlements of Bida include Beni or Bini people.

Bida became an essential center for trading with other major cities all over Africa. Geologists are of the opinion that there is a possibility of the existence of oil reserves in Bida.

The Federal Polytechnic in Bida promotes education on technology to its students. Bida is one of the Nigerian cities famous for crafts like copper and brass goblets, bangles and beads of glass.