Nicki Minaj Speaks at UN, Urges Protection for Nigerian Christians

Rapper Nicki Minaj spoke at a United Nations event organized by the U.S. on Tuesday to highlight the challenges faced by Christians in Nigeria. She said she wanted to draw attention to what she called “the deadly threat” affecting the country’s Christian population.

Minaj referred to claims by President Donald Trump that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria. Trump has reportedly asked the Pentagon to prepare for potential military action. While experts note that some attacks specifically target Christians, violence in Nigeria affects people of all religions and backgrounds.

The Trinidad-born singer thanked Trump for his efforts, saying she appreciated his leadership and the call for action “to defend Christians in Nigeria, to combat extremism and to bring a stop to violence against those who simply want to exercise their natural right to freedom of religion or belief.”

Minaj appeared on a panel at the U.S. mission to the United Nations alongside U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and other faith leaders. Earlier this month, she responded to a social media post by Trump on the issue, writing, “No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion.”

Introducing Minaj, Waltz said, “She steps onto this world stage not as a celebrity but as a witness … to spotlight Nigeria’s persecuted church” to her millions of followers. Minaj admitted she was nervous but emphasized the importance of speaking up. “I will keep standing up in the face of injustice for anyone anywhere who is being persecuted for their beliefs,” she said.

She noted that the problem extends beyond Nigeria, adding, “Sadly, this problem is not only a growing problem in Nigeria, but also in so many other countries around the world.” Minaj stressed that supporting Christians in Nigeria was not about dividing people, but about bringing them together. “It is about uniting people,” she said, describing Nigeria as “a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions.”

Minaj also mentioned music in her speech, saying it has allowed her to connect with people worldwide. “Religious freedom means we all sing our faith regardless of who we are, where we live and what we believe,” she said.

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