Maria Ochefu, the woman behind the establishment of Mammy Markets in military barracks across Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 86.
Her son, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, confirmed the news to newmen on Thursday, stating that she died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday in Makurdi, Benue State. She had been receiving medical care at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
Maria Ochefu was married to Colonel Anthony Ochefu, a former military governor of Enugu State. Over the years, her innovative idea of setting up Mammy Markets became an integral part of military barracks, providing a hub for trading and social interaction among soldiers and their families.
In a past interview with PUNCH, Ochefu recounted how she started the market, which grew into a household name nationwide. She also revealed that two former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.) and former President Muhammadu Buhari, were among her customers in the early days of the market.
She would have turned 87 in April.
