Nicki Minaj addressed the United Nations on November 1, 2023, urging global unity and action to protect Nigerian Christians facing severe persecution. During her speech at the United States Mission to the United Nations in New York City, Minaj expressed gratitude for efforts led by former President Donald Trump to safeguard religious freedoms in Nigeria.
“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,” Minaj stated. She emphasized that no group should endure persecution for their beliefs, reinforcing her commitment to respect diverse faiths.
Urgent Call for Action
Minaj’s invitation to speak came from Mike Waltz, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, during a session focused on the plight of Christians in Nigeria. The urgency of her message was underscored by recent events, including the abduction of 25 schoolgirls, whose kidnappers remain unidentified.
Since the rise of the militant group Boko Haram in 2009, approximately 50,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria, according to a report by Rep. Tim Moore, R-W.V. Moore was appointed by Trump to investigate the ongoing persecution. The organization Open Doors ranks Nigeria as the seventh most dangerous country for Christians globally.
“In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed,” Minaj noted. “Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly, simply because of how they pray. Sadly, this problem is not only a growing issue in Nigeria, but also in many other countries across the world, and it demands urgent action.”
Support from Social Media
Minaj first publicly voiced her support for Nigerian Christians on social media, thanking Trump for addressing the violence against them. She stated, “And I want to be clear, protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity.”
The artist’s remarks highlight the importance of solidarity in the face of religious persecution, encouraging individuals and leaders worldwide to take meaningful steps to ensure safety and respect for all faiths. The alarming situation in Nigeria, where religious intolerance continues to escalate, reinforces the need for immediate global attention and action.
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