Helen Ogbu
| Helen Ogbu | |
|---|---|
| Born | c.1973 Nigeria |
| 🏳️ Citizenship | Nigerian, Ireland |
| 🏫 Education | University of Galway (master of arts, children & family support) University of Port Harcourt (master of arts, history and diplomacy) |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| Title | Councillor for Galway City East |
| Term | (2024-present) |
| 🏛️ Political party | Labour Party |
Helen Ogbu (born 1972/1973)[1] is an Irish politician and community activist who has served as a Galway City Councillor since the 2024 local election. She is the Labour Party candidate for the 2026 Galway West by-election.[2] Originally from Nigeria, Ogbu moved to Ireland in 2005 and has been involved in community work and advocacy, particularly relating to migrant rights, social justice, and housing.
Early Life and Education
Ogbu was born in Nigeria around 1972/1973.[1] She moved to Ireland in the early 2000s as a refugee, following political persecution in her home country. After a brief return to Nigeria, she and her daughter resettled in Ireland in 2005.[1]
Ogbu spent three years in the Eglinton Direct Provision Centre in Salthill, Galway, during her early years in Ireland. She holds a Master of Arts in Children & Family Studies (Family Support) from the University of Galway and a Master of Arts in History & Diplomacy from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. She is currently[when?] pursuing a PhD in Child & Youth Studies at the UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway.[citation needed] Additionally, she has completed diplomas in life and executive coaching, structured project management, and training facilitation. She is proficient in French.[citation needed]
Community work
Ogbu has been active in volunteering and community work in Galway for over 18 years. She has worked with organisations such as the Galway Volunteer Centre, ARD Family Resource Centre, and Galway Rape Crisis Centre. She has also fostered more than 30 children since 2008. Ogbu founded a weekly online forum called the "Ladies Virtual Hangout" aimed at supporting women’s mental health and social connection.[citation needed]
She has served as a committee member and chairperson of the Galway Refugee Support Group. Her community work focuses on migrant rights, social inclusion, and advocacy for vulnerable groups.[citation needed]
Political career
In June 2024, Ogbu was elected to Galway City Council representing Galway City East,[3] becoming the first African woman to hold a seat on the council.[citation needed] She was selected as the Labour Party candidate for the 2026 Galway West by-election.
Her campaign has focused on issues including affordable housing, public transport improvements such as the GLUAS light rail project, and addressing the cost-of-living crisis with particular attention to childcare and energy costs. She has emphasised the importance of representing diverse communities and promoting equality and inclusion.[4]
Views and advocacy
Ogbu has spoken publicly about the challenges faced by migrants and minority communities in Ireland, including experiences of racism. She highlights the economic and social contributions of migrants and advocates for their greater inclusion in politics and society.[citation needed]
She has identified housing as a critical issue in Ireland, calling for state-led investment and stronger tenant protections. She also supports renewable energy initiatives and improved public transportation as part of sustainable urban development.[citation needed]
Personal life
Ogbu lives in Rahoon, Galway. She is a practicing Christian and credits her faith as a source of motivation in her work. She has raised her daughter in Ireland and continues to be involved in fostering.[citation needed]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Corrigan, Stephen (2024-03-26). "Election candidate reveals personal tragedy that drove her to enter political life". Connacht Tribune - Galway City Tribune. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ McGrath, Pat (2026-01-26). "Labour select Helen Ogbu for Galway West by-election". rte.ie.
- ↑ Fallon, John (June 2024). "Local Elections: Galway City Council results". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ "Ogbu outlines Labour's vision for transformative mental health reform". Galway Advertiser. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
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