By May Etim
In the sun-baked markets and bustling community squares of Lere West, a groundswell of support is building for a local son who’s turning heads far beyond the dusty roads of Kaduna’s southern heartland.
Tom Garba, the unassuming philanthropist behind the Tom Garba Foundation and the influential Tgnews media platform, is emerging as a force in grassroots politics.
As whispers of the 2027 elections grow louder, residents are raising their voices in unison: it’s time for All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Uba Sani to recognize Garba’s rising star and hand him the ticket for Lere West Constituency.
Lere West, a vibrant hub in Kaduna North Senatorial District, has long been a breadbasket of Nigeria’s north, churning out maize, soybeans, tomatoes, and sugarcane that feed markets across the region.
But beneath its agricultural bounty lie challenges; youth unemployment, limited access to education, and the daily grind of market women haggling under the relentless sun.
Enter Tom Garba, a Garun Kurama native whose quiet determination has sparked a transformation. Through his foundation, Garba has doled out scholarships to dozens of bright-eyed students, empowered youths with vocational training, and hosted skill-building workshops for women traders.
His Tgnews, a digital beacon for local stories, has amplified voices long ignored by mainstream media, from banditry alerts in remote villages to calls for better infrastructure.
“I’m humbled to endorse Tom Garba for his outstanding service to Lere West,” says Ado Doka, a community elder whose words echo the sentiments of many.
“Through his foundation, he’s empowered youths, provided scholarships, and trained market women. His media platform, Tgnews, amplifies our voices.
We urge Gov Uba Sani to partner with him and the APC to give him a ticket. Tom Garba is a trusted son who’ll drive development in our constituency.”
Garba’s appeal lies not in flashy campaigns but in tangible impact. In a constituency where politics often feels distant, his initiatives feel personal.
Last year alone, the foundation supported dozens of market women with business training and startup grants, turning small-scale traders into resilient entrepreneurs.
Youths who’ve benefited from his programs speak of newfound skills in agriculture and digital media tools to combat the lure of insecurity plaguing Kaduna’s borders.
“Tom Garba’s impact in Lere West is undeniable,” affirms Abubakar Salisu, a young farmer from Masakawa. “His foundation’s initiatives have transformed lives, and his commitment to our community is inspiring.
“As a private citizen, he’s done what many politicians can’t. We need leaders like him who prioritize our development. I urge Gov Uba Sani and the APC to recognize his efforts and give him the ticket for Lere West constituency.”
This surge in popularity isn’t happening in a vacuum. Governor Uba Sani, the APC helmsman steering Kaduna toward renewal since 2023, has poured resources into the south. Just last month, he flagged off the Kayarda–Tasha–Masakawa–Dan Alhaji Road, a vital artery linking Lere’s farming hamlets and poised to slash transport costs for produce.
Sani’s administration has completed 44 of 85 roads statewide, emphasizing economic corridors in agrarian zones like Lere. Yet, residents see Garba as the perfect on-the-ground partner—someone who knows the soil, the struggles, and the dreams of Lere West.
Hajia Fatima, a veteran trader whose stall brims with spices and grains, wipes sweat from her brow as she recounts Garba’s touch.
“Tom Garba’s kindness to market women like me is unforgettable,” she says, her voice steady with gratitude. “His foundation’s workshops have improved our trading skills, and his support has boosted our businesses.
“He’s a true son of Lere West, always willing to help. We urge Gov Uba Sani to work with him and give him the APC ticket. He’s the leader we need to take our constituency forward.”
Garba’s media savvy adds another layer. Tgnews has chronicled Sani’s wins—from the Ahmadu Bello Stadium revamp to CNG bus rollouts while spotlighting local heroes.
It’s no surprise that Alh Buba Hajia Lami, a respected matriarch, views him as a bridge-builder. “Tom Garba’s dedication to Lere West’s progress is commendable,” she declares.
“His foundation’s scholarship program has opened doors for our youths, and his media platform gives our voices a hearing. As a respected community leader, I endorse him for the APC ticket. Gov Uba Sani would be wise to partner with him. Tom Garba is the trusted son Lere West needs to drive development.”
As October’s harvest season unfolds, Lere West buzzes with optimism. Garba’s name peppers conversations at markets, and youth gatherings, a testament to his organic rise.
Critics might dismiss it as hype, but the endorsements from elders to entrepreneurs paint a picture of a man ready for bigger stages. For Governor Sani, who’s championed unity and defection welcomes to bolster APC ranks, aligning with Garba could solidify southern loyalty ahead of 2027.
In a state where development battles insecurity and economic strain, Tom Garba represents hope rooted in action. Residents aren’t just urging a partnership; they’re demanding it.
As one elder quipped over evening tea, “Tom has planted the seeds, now let the governor help them grow.” With Sani’s vision and Garba’s grit, Lere West could bloom into a model constituency, proving that true leadership starts at home.
