Maria Ochefu, the visionary behind the famous Mammy Market in military barracks across Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 86.
Her son, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, confirmed the news, revealing that she peacefully passed in her sleep on Tuesday in Makurdi. She had been receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital before her passing.
Maria Ochefu was married to the late Colonel Anthony Ochefu, a former military governor of Enugu State. Her entrepreneurial spirit and resilience led to the establishment of Mammy Market, which became a vital part of military life, offering a place for soldiers and their families to gather, eat, and shop.
In a past interview with PUNCH, she reminisced about her journey and even named former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon and Muhammadu Buhari, as some of her customers during their military days.
Maria Ochefu’s impact on military and entrepreneurial culture in Nigeria remains unparalleled. She would have turned 87 in April.
