January 1, Nicki Minaj Joins UN Push on Nigerian Christians

Wyatt’s Take

• Nicki Minaj and UN Ambassador Mike Waltz join forces to fight Christian persecution in Nigeria.
• Trump, Minaj, and faith leaders take a stand against ongoing violence toward Christians.
• Middle America values shine as big names rally to defend the faithful abroad.

Rapper Nicki Minaj and United Nations Ambassador Mike Waltz are teaming up to raise awareness for Christians facing violence in Nigeria. Waltz called Minaj “arguably the greatest female recording artist” and thanked her for using her influence on this urgent issue.

“I’m grateful she’s leveraging her massive platform to spotlight the atrocities against Christians in Nigeria, and I look forward to standing with her as we discuss the steps the President and his administration are taking to end the persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters.”

Minaj replied: “Ambassador, I am so grateful to be entrusted with an opportunity of this magnitude. I do not take it for granted. It means more than you know. The Barbz & I will never stand down in the face of injustice. We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose.”

Their event will take place Tuesday in New York, highlighting a sharp increase in global attention. In recent years, President Donald Trump addressed the situation, warning Nigeria’s leaders to stop the killings or face tough U.S. actions.

Christian advocacy groups now call Nigeria the seventh most dangerous place for believers, while Pope Leo XIV condemned a recent massacre of civilians there.

The government says terror groups are not only after Christians, but evidence points to Christians facing the brunt of these attacks. “Terrorists attack all who reject their murderous ideology — Muslims, Christians, and those of no faith alike,” the Nigerian presidency said on X.

Nigeria has roughly 100 million Christians, and human rights organizations estimate over 50,000 Christians have been killed since 2009. Churches, schools, and whole communities have suffered under repeated attacks.

President Trump just designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over what he calls “genocide” against Christians, and has launched investigations into the violence.

Minaj says faith pulled her through hard times, crediting her background for helping her stay strong.

“[Faith is] what’s always got me through. My mother kept me in church when I was younger, so I never really strayed far from that in terms of my belief and my faith and my drive,” she said.

Folks who believe in faith, family, and standing up for the persecuted are watching to see what happens next. If the big names unite for real action, there’s hope for change ahead.

Wyatt Matters

Standing up for those under attack for their faith is something folks across the heartland understand. Standing tall for what’s right—even when it’s halfway around the world—reminds us that our values matter everywhere, not just at home.

Read the full report here