American rapper Onika Maraj-Petty, widely known as Nicki Minaj, is scheduled to speak at a United Nations event in New York on Tuesday, where she is expected to address reported jihadist attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
Minaj will appear alongside the United States ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, and Alex Bruesewitz, an adviser to US President Donald Trump and the convener of the event.
The development was first revealed on Sunday evening by Time magazine’s senior political correspondent, Eric Cortellessa, via 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.
