US-Based Global Interfaith University Appoints Raphael Ogar Oko as Global Interfaith Ambassador

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

In a landmark move aimed at strengthening interfaith cooperation across continents, the United States-based Global Interfaith University has officially appointed renowned Nigerian peace advocate, Dr. Raphael Ogar Oko, as a Global Interfaith Ambassador.

The announcement, made in a formal letter signed by Dr. Carol A. Garret, Coordinator of the Global Interfaith Ambassadors Programme at the university, confirmed that the appointment would run for an initial term of five years, effective 17th September 2025, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and institutional needs.

Appointment Acknowledges Decades of Interfaith Work

According to the university, Dr. Oko’s selection was based on his “unwavering commitment to promoting interfaith understanding, tolerance, and peace,” qualities that reflect the institution’s mission to foster harmony among diverse spiritual and religious communities worldwide.

The letter of appointment, sighted by Akahi News, read in part:

“We believe your leadership and compassion will significantly contribute to our shared vision of a more inclusive, tolerant, and peaceful world. We look forward to working with you in this noble endeavour.”

The university further described Dr. Oko as a “vital asset” whose experience in fostering dialogue among diverse communities and advocating for social justice would enhance its global interfaith initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Global Interfaith Ambassador

As part of his mandate, Dr. Oko is expected to serve as a diplomatic envoy, representing the university’s values and programmes on the international stage. His core responsibilities will include:

• Organising and participating in interfaith events worldwide.
• Engaging religious and community leaders to strengthen cooperation across faith lines.
• Advocating for social justice and religious tolerance in conflict-prone regions.
• Building bridges across cultural and denominational divides through education, dialogue, and public engagement.

The university expressed confidence that his efforts would help create stronger networks for peacebuilding and understanding in communities marked by religious diversity and tensions.

Dr. Oko’s Acceptance Statement

Reacting to the appointment, Dr. Raphael Ogar Oko expressed deep gratitude and viewed the role as both a personal calling and a divine responsibility.

In his words:

“I have offered myself for God to use in this renewed calling, and I pray that together we can renew the Nigerian nation by strengthening interfaith cooperation and protecting the rights of all people of faith, despite the differences of denominations and religions.”

He further emphasised the importance of interfaith harmony for national rebirth, promising to use the platform to promote interfaith culture, develop interfaith structures, and build interfaith infrastructure from his local community to the global stage.

“This responsibility resonates with my passion for building a God-centred society where we all live together as one family under one God. Just as there are many tribes and tongues in Nigeria but one country, so we have different faiths and denominations but under one Supreme Creator,” he added.

Dr. Oko expressed hope that the appointment would open new channels for spiritual development and the utilisation of faith-based resources for sustainable human and community advancement.

A Legacy of Peacebuilding and Interfaith Leadership

Akahi News gathered that Dr. Oko is no stranger to interfaith advocacy. Over the years, he has worked extensively on peace and dialogue initiatives, including collaborations with local and international organisations promoting religious harmony, conflict resolution, and social justice.

He has served in several leadership roles within interfaith and peacebuilding networks, contributing to academic, social, and spiritual efforts to foster understanding among people of diverse beliefs. His previous engagements, both within Nigeria and abroad, have made him a respected voice in interfaith diplomacy.

Significance of the Appointment

Observers note that this appointment comes at a time when many countries, including Nigeria, face rising religious tensions and conflicts rooted in ethnic and denominational differences. By recognising Dr. Oko’s work on a global platform, the Global Interfaith University signals its intention to deepen interfaith engagement and provide strategic leadership in peace and tolerance advocacy.

The university expressed optimism that under Dr. Oko’s ambassadorship, new partnerships would emerge between faith-based groups, educational institutions, civil society, and policymakers to promote peaceful coexistence.

University’s Closing Remarks

In its congratulatory message, the Global Interfaith University stated:

“Together, let us continue to promote understanding and unity across all faiths. We look forward to seeing your impact in this global mission of fostering peace and interfaith dialogue.”

Dr. Raphael Ogar Oko’s appointment as Global Interfaith Ambassador marks a new chapter in his decades-long dedication to faith-based peacebuilding. With a five-year term ahead, expectations are high for tangible programmes, strengthened interfaith cooperation, and lasting contributions to global peace efforts.

As interfaith tensions continue to shape global politics and local communities alike, this development offers a ray of hope for meaningful dialogue and understanding across religious and cultural boundaries.

Akahi News will continue to monitor this story as it unfolds, providing updates on initiatives and collaborations under Dr. Oko’s ambassadorship.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org