Maria Ochefu, the founder of now famous Mammy Markets in military barracks, has passed on at 86.

She died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, in Makurdi, Benue State.

Professor Yakubu Ochefu disclosed that her mother was earlier admitted at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital before her passing. She was set to celebrate her 87th birthday in April.

Born in 1938, in Otukpo, Benue State, Maria Ochefu, popularly known as “Mammy,” was the wife of Colonel Anthony Aboki Ochefu, a former military governor of the old East Central State. Her entrepreneurial journey began in 1959 at Abakpa Military Barracks in Enugu, where she started selling kunu, a local millet drink, to soldiers.

As demand grew, military authorities designated a small space for her business, allowing her to expand her offerings. Over time, this marketplace became a hub for soldiers and their families, eventually evolving into what is now widely known as Mammy Market.

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The concept of Mammy Market spread rapidly as soldiers were transferred to different states, carrying the idea along. What began as a modest drink stand became an essential part of military barracks across Nigeria, providing food, groceries, and daily essentials. The market soon found its way into NYSC camps and other public institutions, cementing Maria Ochefu’s place in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial history.

In a past interview, she recalled that among her early customers were former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon and Muhammadu Buhari, who frequented her stall during their military careers.

Maria’s innovation transformed military barracks into commercial hubs, providing business opportunities for traders and convenience for military families. Her vision not only boosted local economies but also created a market system that continues to thrive today.

The death of Maria marks the end of an era, but her legacy remains firmly embedded in Nigeria’s social and military history.

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