Nicki Minaj addressed the United Nations on November 1, 2023, calling for unity and urgent action against the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Speaking at the United States Mission to the United Nations in New York City, she expressed her gratitude for efforts made by President Donald Trump to safeguard religious freedoms for Nigerian Christians facing severe threats.
During her speech, Minaj emphasized the value of religious freedom. “I stand here as a proud New Yorker with a deep sense of gratitude that we live in a country where we can freely and safely worship God regardless of one’s creed, background, or politics,” she stated. Her remarks coincide with increasing concerns over the violent persecution that has affected countless individuals in Nigeria.
Minaj was invited to speak by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, who highlighted a recent incident where 25 schoolgirls were abducted, although the identities of the kidnappers remain unknown. This act of violence reflects a broader trend of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly since the rise of the extremist group Boko Haram in 2009. Reports indicate that approximately 50,000 Christians have been killed in the region due to ongoing violence, as noted in findings compiled by Rep. Tim Moore, a West Virginia congressman appointed by Trump to investigate the situation.
The humanitarian organization Open Doors ranks Nigeria as the seventh most dangerous country in the world for Christians, underscoring the severity of the crisis. Minaj stated, “In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes, and killed. Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly, simply because of how they pray.”
She further pointed out that the issue of religious persecution is not isolated to Nigeria, but is a global crisis that requires immediate attention. “Sadly, this problem is not only a growing problem in Nigeria, but also in so many other countries across the world, and it demands urgent action,” Minaj asserted.
Minaj initially voiced her support for Nigerian Christians in a tweet on November 1, thanking Trump for taking their plight seriously. She stressed that protecting Christians in Nigeria transcends political divisions. “It is about uniting humanity,” she said, highlighting the need for solidarity in the face of religious persecution.
As religious persecution continues to escalate in various parts of the world, Minaj’s call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for the rights of all individuals to practice their faith without fear. The message resonates with a growing movement aimed at raising awareness and encouraging international action to combat such injustices.
