Barracks’ Mammy Market founder, Maria Ochefu, dies at 86

Madam Maria Ochefu, the visionary founder of the iconic Mammy Markets in Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 86.

Diaspora Digital Media gathered that her son, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, confirmed her peaceful passing in her sleep on Tuesday, after receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.

Maria Ochefu’s legacy is deeply rooted in Nigerian history, as she pioneered the concept of Mammy Market, which became an integral part of military barracks across the country.

Madam Ochefu in her youthful years

Her innovation earned her national recognitions.

Born in 1938, Madam Oshefu was the wife of Colonel Anthony Ochefu, a former military governor of Enugu State.

The story of the market began in 1955, when Maria Ochefu started selling a local non-alcoholic beverage called “enyi” to support her family.

While at Military Barracks, Abakpa, Enugu State, her entrepreneurial endeavour faced opposition from the Regiment Sergeant Major (RSM), who cited concerns about flies attracted by the open-air sales of kunu drink.

Word of the situation spread throughout the barracks, garnering support from soldiers, officers, and civilians.

They emphasized the positive impact of kunu and other items on the barracks community.

The sector of the barracks housing this bustling marketplace came to be known as “Mammy Market.”

Over time, Mammy Markets expanded beyond individual barracks to military installations across Nigeria.

The influence of Mammy Markets extended beyond the military, reaching National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps and even some educational institutions, where areas for food sales were colloquially referred to as “Mammy Market.”

Her business grew, and she eventually registered it as “Mammy Market” in 1971.

Today, Mammy Market is synonymous with military barracks, providing a convenient and essential service to personnel and their families.

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