Founder Of Military Barracks’ ‘Mammy Markets’ Dies At 86

Maria Ochefu, the founder of the “Mammy Market” concept in Nigerian military barracks, has died at the age of 86.

Her son, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, confirmed that she passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday in Makurdi.

She was the wife of Colonel Anthony Ochefu, a former military governor of Enugu State.

In a past interview, she described how she established the Mammy Market, which became a common feature in military barracks nationwide.

She also mentioned former Heads of State Yakubu Gowon and Muhammadu Buhari as past customers.

Professor Ochefu stated that his mother had been receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and would have turned 87 in April.