Helen Ogbu2
Helen Ogbu | |
|---|---|
| Member of Galway City Council | |
| Assumed office June 2024 | |
| Constituency | Galway City East |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Nigeria |
| Political party | Labour Party |
| Education | University of Galway |
| Occupation | Politician, researcher, community worker |
Helen Ogbu is an Irish Labour Party politician, researcher and community worker who has served as a member of Galway City Council for the Galway City East electoral area since 2024. She became the first Black person elected to Galway City Council and has been active in community development, volunteering, migrant inclusion and social justice initiatives.[1][2]
Early life and education
Ogbu was born in Nigeria and later settled in Galway, Ireland, where she has lived for more than two decades. She is a doctoral researcher at the University of Galway, undertaking research through the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre.[3]
Career
Prior to entering elected politics, Ogbu worked extensively in the community and voluntary sector. She served with the Galway Volunteer Centre as a Project Development and Organisation Support Officer and Garda Vetting Liaison Officer. She has also volunteered with organisations including the Galway Refugee Support Group and the Galway Rape Crisis Centre.[4][5]
Her research and public advocacy have focused on community development, volunteering, social inclusion and public participation.[6]
Political career
Ogbu contested the 2024 Irish local elections as a Labour Party candidate in the Galway City East local electoral area and was elected to Galway City Council. Her election marked the first time a Black candidate had been elected to the council.[7]
As a councillor, Ogbu has advocated increased investment in social and affordable housing, improved public transport, neighbourhood services, childcare, climate action and community development. She has also called for the refurbishment and reuse of vacant and derelict buildings to address housing shortages.[8]
Ogbu was the Labour Party candidate for Galway West at the 2024 Irish general election. Following the election of Catherine Connolly as President of Ireland, she was selected as Labour's candidate for the 2026 Galway West by-election.[9]
During the by-election campaign she stated that her priorities included housing affordability, public transport, the cost of living and strengthening public services.[10]
Political positions
Ogbu has supported expanded public investment in housing, improved public transport, stronger support for volunteers and community organisations, and policies aimed at reducing the cost of living. She has also spoken publicly on migrant inclusion, equality and anti-racism.[11][12]
See also
References
- ↑ "My husband was murdered in Nigeria – now I'm running for office". The Times. 2026.
- ↑ "Labour calls for Galway West byelection candidate Helen Ogbu to be included in RTÉ debate". The Irish Times. 7 May 2026.
- ↑ "Helen Ogbu". Labour Party.
- ↑ "My husband was murdered in Nigeria – now I'm running for office". The Times. 2026.
- ↑ "Helen Ogbu". Labour Party.
- ↑ "Helen Ogbu". Labour Party.
- ↑ "Labour calls for Galway West byelection candidate Helen Ogbu to be included in RTÉ debate". The Irish Times. 7 May 2026.
- ↑ "Get the basics right – allocate adequate resources to essential council services, says Helen Ogbu". Galway Advertiser. 30 May 2024.
- ↑ "Labour calls for Galway West byelection candidate Helen Ogbu to be included in RTÉ debate". The Irish Times. 7 May 2026.
- ↑ "'People are geared towards voting left': Helen Ogbu hopes for a Labour win in Galway West". The Irish Times. 11 May 2026.
- ↑ "Helen Ogbu". Labour Party.
- ↑ "My husband was murdered in Nigeria – now I'm running for office". The Times. 2026.
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