Helen Ogbu Makes History as First Black Woman Elected to Galway City Council

History was made in Galway’s local elections as Labour’s Helen Ogbu secured a seat on the City Council, becoming the first black woman ever elected there.

Labour’s European election candidate Aodhán Ó Ríordáin congratulated Ms. Ogbu on X, writing, “From asylum seeker to Labour councillor!”

Ms. Ogbu studied in Nigeria and holds a Master’s Degree in History and Diplomacy. She is a community activist, mentor, and advocate for immigrants.

Ms. Ogbu has also been involved with the Galway Refugee Support Group, serving as a committee member and later as chair of the organization.

In addition to her political and community work, Ms. Ogbu has one daughter and has been a foster carer “to over 30 children” since 2008.

As vote counting continues, Labour currently holds around 5.5% of the vote nationally.