American rapper Onika Maraj-Petty, popularly known as Nicki Minaj, is slated to speak at a United Nations event in New York on Tuesday, where she is expected to discuss reports of jihadist attacks targeting Christians in Nigeria.
Minaj will share the stage with the U.S. ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, as well as Alex Bruesewitz, a senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump and the organizer of the programme.
The news first surfaced on Sunday evening through Eric Cortellessa, Time magazine’s senior political correspondent, who disclosed it on his X handle.
Confirming the report, Amb. Waltz praised the artist, describing her as “not only arguably the greatest female recording artist, but also a principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.”
He said he was grateful that she was using her platform to highlight what he called “atrocities against Christians in Nigeria.”
Responding to Waltz’s comments, Minaj expressed appreciation for the opportunity, saying she did not take the responsibility lightly.
She added that she would “never stand down in the face of injustice,” noting that her influence carried a greater purpose.
The planned event comes after Trump claimed there was an ongoing “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and announced that the country would be designated a “Country of Particular Concern.”
He also urged Congress to take immediate action. Minaj publicly commended Trump for speaking out on the issue.
The Federal Government has strongly denied allegations of religiously motivated violence, maintaining that insecurity in the country stems from criminal activities unrelated to faith. Despite Nigeria’s position, US officials have continued to voice concerns.
