American rapper Onika Maraj-Petty, popularly 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 United States Ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, and Alex Bruesewitz, an adviser to former US President Donald Trump and the convener of the event.
The development was first reported on Sunday evening by Time magazine’s senior political correspondent, Eric Cortellessa, on his X handle. Confirming the report, Ambassador Waltz praised Minaj, 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.”
Responding to Waltz’s remarks, Minaj expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying she did not take the responsibility lightly. She added that she would “never stand down in the face of injustice,” emphasizing that her platform carried a greater purpose.
The event follows claims by Trump that there is an ongoing “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and his announcement that the country would be designated a “Country of Particular Concern.” He also urged Congress to take immediate action. Minaj publicly praised Trump for raising the issue.
The Nigerian government, however, has strongly rejected allegations of religiously motivated violence, maintaining that insecurity in the country is primarily driven by criminal activity unrelated to faith. Despite this stance, US officials have continued to express concern.
