Chair, City of Columbus Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
National President, Plateau State Association USA, Inc.
PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Bartholomew “Barth” T. Shepkong is a public policy scholar, diaspora leader, and community advocate whose work focuses on governance reform, diaspora engagement, and economic empowerment across Africa and the global African diaspora. Originally from Kwa in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria, Dr. Shepkong has built a distinguished career at the intersection of public policy, civic leadership, and international development.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, he serves as Chair of the City of Columbus Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, where he works with policymakers, civic institutions, and community stakeholders to strengthen immigrant inclusion, democratic participation, and equitable economic opportunity within one of America’s fastest-growing immigrant communities.
Dr. Shepkong is also the National President of the Plateau State Association USA, Inc., one of the leading diaspora organizations representing Plateau indigenes in North America. In this role, he has championed diaspora-driven development initiatives focused on education, humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding, and community development in Plateau State. His leadership has helped mobilize diaspora resources and partnerships to support vulnerable communities and strengthen development engagement between Nigerians abroad and communities at home.
In addition, he is the CEO of the Ohio African Chamber of Commerce, an organization dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs, supporting small businesses, and building stronger economic bridges between African communities and the broader Ohio business ecosystem. Under his leadership, the Chamber has expanded its role as a platform for diaspora entrepreneurship, trade promotion, and cross-continental business collaboration.
Dr. Shepkong holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Social Change from Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio, a Master’s degree in Social Justice and Community Development from Loyola University Chicago, and a Bachelor of Philosophy from the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome.
A respected voice on diaspora policy, governance, and development, Dr. Shepkong regularly engages in conversations on democracy, security, and institutional reform in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region. Through his work in both the United States and Nigeria, he remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions, advancing responsible leadership, and building enduring bridges between the African diaspora and the future of Africa.
INTERVIEW
1. DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT: BEYOND DUTY TO HOMELAND
Interviewer: What inspired your engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora?
Dr. Shepkong: My engagement comes from a deep belief that leaving Nigeria does not end our responsibility to it. As Chair of the City of Columbus Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, I see how immigrant communities contribute meaningfully to their new societies while remaining connected to their homelands. And as National President of the Plateau State Association USA, I work with Nigerians who remain deeply invested in Nigeria’s future.
The diaspora has been extremely impactful economically through remittances, but our greatest potential lies in ideas, professional expertise, and global networks. Nigeria has not yet fully harnessed that potential in shaping policy.
2. BUILDING SYSTEMS, NOT JUST SENDING MONEY
Interviewer: How can the diaspora contribute beyond remittances?
Dr. Shepkong: Remittances help families survive, but they do not build strong institutions. The diaspora must move from simply sending money to helping shape systems. That means investing in productive sectors such as technology, agriculture, education, and healthcare, mentoring entrepreneurs, and advocating for stronger democratic institutions. Nigeria should see the diaspora not just as a financial lifeline, but as a strategic partner in national development.
3. NIGERIA AT A DELICATE MOMENT
Interviewer: Is Nigeria moving toward stability or deeper division?
Dr. Shepkong: Nigeria is at a delicate moment. Economic reforms are underway, but many citizens still face insecurity, economic hardship, and declining trust in government institutions. True stability is not measured only by economic indicators; it depends on whether citizens feel safe, represented, and hopeful about the future.
4. MIDDLE BELT KILLINGS: A PERSONAL AND NATIONAL CRISIS
Interviewer: What is driving the killings in the Middle Belt?
Dr. Shepkong: As someone from Plateau State, this issue is deeply personal. For years, communities in the Middle Belt have faced repeated attacks, and in many cases Christian farming communities have been the primary victims. There is growing concern that what we are witnessing resembles a slow-moving genocide against vulnerable Christian communities. At the same time, attacks are often followed by the displacement of indigenous farmers and land grabbing. The deeper issue, however, is impunity—when attackers are not held accountable, violence continues.
5. ROOT CAUSES: MORE THAN RELIGION
Interviewer: What are the root causes of the violence?
Dr. Shepkong: The crisis is often described purely as religious, but it is more complex. It involves land competition, demographic pressure, climate stress affecting farming and herding communities, ethnic tensions, and political manipulation. These factors become deadly when the state fails to enforce the rule of law and protect vulnerable communities.
6. STRUCTURAL WEAKNESSES FUELING INSECURITY
Interviewer: Why has insecurity become widespread in Nigeria?
Dr. Shepkong: Nigeria’s insecurity reflects deeper structural weaknesses: weak institutions, corruption, unemployment, porous borders, and the proliferation of arms. When citizens lose confidence in the state’s ability to protect them, violence spreads and armed groups multiply.
7. THREE URGENT STEPS FOR NIGERIA
Interviewer: What three urgent steps should Nigeria take?
Dr. Shepkong: First, strengthen intelligence-driven security operations. Second, restore the rule of law by ensuring perpetrators of violence are arrested and prosecuted. Third, pair security efforts with economic rebuilding in affected communities so that peace is supported by opportunity.
8. DIASPORA AS BRIDGE TO THE WORLD
Interviewer: What role should the diaspora play in Nigeria’s future?
Dr. Shepkong: The diaspora should serve as a bridge between Nigeria and the global community. Through our exposure to functioning institutions and innovation ecosystems, we can contribute strategic investment, mentorship, policy advocacy, and support for democratic values and human rights.
9. ELECTORAL REFORMS: RESTORING FAITH IN DEMOCRACY
Interviewer: What reforms are needed to restore confidence in elections?
Dr. Shepkong: Nigeria must strengthen the independence of its electoral institutions, ensure transparent transmission of results, enforce electoral laws, and improve internal democracy within political parties. Democracy works only when citizens believe their votes truly count.
10. UNITY GROUNDED IN JUSTICE
Interviewer: Can Nigeria remain united?
Dr. Shepkong: Nigeria can remain united, but unity must be grounded in justice, fairness, and inclusive governance. Diversity has always been part of Nigeria’s identity. What is needed today is serious structural reform so that every community feels protected, represented, and respected within the federation.
