By Gwurld4026 
Maria Ochefu, Mammy Market Pioneer, Dies at 86
Maria Ochefu, the founder of the renowned Mammy Market in Nigerian military barracks, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Makurdi, Benue State, at the age of 86. Her son, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, confirmed her death.
In 1959, Maria Ochefu, affectionately known as “Mammy,” began selling kunu, a traditional millet beverage, to soldiers at the Abakpa Military Barracks in Enugu, where her husband, Colonel Anthony Aboki Ochefu, was stationed. Despite initial resistance from military authorities, the popularity of her drinks led to the establishment of a designated space for her business within the barracks.
This initiative evolved into what is now known as the Mammy Market, a ubiquitous feature in military barracks, NYSC camps, and university hostels across Nigeria, providing various goods and services to military personnel and civilians alike.
Maria Ochefu’s entrepreneurial spirit not only created a sustainable business model but also fostered community engagement and support within military environments. Her legacy continues to impact countless lives, offering economic opportunities and fostering social cohesion in communities nationwide.
She is survived by her children, including Professor Yakubu Ochefu, and numerous grandchildren. Her contributions to Nigerian society remain significant, and she will be fondly remembered for her pioneering role in establishing the Mammy Markets.
