Jerry Joseph Damara
Gombe | Senator
Gombe | Senator
Hon. Jerry Joseph Damara (FNIPR) is a Nigerian entrepreneur, businessman, philanthropist, and politician with significant interests in real estate, construction, infrastructure, agriculture, and commerce. He is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mesotho Group Limited and the Chief Executive Officer of Kugbo International Market. He is also a former lawmaker and a prominent political figure from Gombe State.
Damara is widely recognized for his entrepreneurial activities and his efforts to promote investment, employment, and economic development. Through his business interests, he has been involved in projects spanning construction, real estate, agriculture, and infrastructure. He has also facilitated foreign direct investment into Nigeria, including an agricultural project involving a large-scale rice development in Taraba State.
One of his notable business initiatives is the Kugbo International Market, a major commercial development designed to promote regional trade and provide a large-scale platform for businesses and traders. As its Chief Executive Officer, Damara has been involved in the planning and development of the project, which has been described as an ambitious commercial and infrastructure development intended to attract traders and investors from across Nigeria and beyond.
Beyond his business career, Jerry Joseph Damara has been actively involved in politics and public affairs. He was previously associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State and became a prominent figure within the party. In September 2025, he defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside other prominent political figures in the state. He explained that his decision was motivated by his desire to contribute to the development of Gombe State.
In May 2026, Damara contested the APC senatorial primary for Gombe South Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emerged as the party's candidate after securing 56,687 certified votes in the primary. His emergence positioned him as the APC's standard-bearer for Gombe South in the forthcoming senatorial election.
Damara has also distinguished himself through philanthropy and community development. He has supported humanitarian initiatives and community projects, including educational and religious development. His philanthropic activities have earned him recognition among communities in Gombe State and beyond.
In recognition of his contributions to nation-building, business development, and public relations, Hon. Jerry Joseph Damara was conferred with the Honorary Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in 2024. The honour recognized his contributions to economic development, infrastructure, job creation, and strategic development initiatives.
Damara has also received recognition for his professional and community contributions, including an honorary doctorate in Missiology, Social Engagement, and Advocacy from the ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos. He is married to Mrs. Salama Jerry Joseph Damara, and they have three children.
Through his career in entrepreneurship, politics, philanthropy, and community development, Hon. Jerry Joseph Damara has established himself as an influential business and political figure in Gombe State. His transition from the private sector into active politics reflects his stated interest in using his experience and resources to contribute to economic development, employment creation, and improved representation for the people of Gombe South.