Makurdi, Nigeria – Maria Ochefu, the founder of the iconic Mammy Market established in military barracks across Nigeria, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 18, 2025.
Her son, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, confirmed her death during a phone interview on March 20. Maria Ochefu was 86 years old and had been receiving care as a patient at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi.
She was just weeks away from her 87th birthday in April.
Legacy in Nigerian military communities
Maria Ochefu was married to Colonel Anthony Ochefu, a former military governor of Enugu State. She gained national recognition for founding Mammy Market, a concept that became a vital part of life in military barracks across the country.
In a past interview with PUNCH newspaper, Ochefu shared the story of how she built this enduring legacy, which provided essential goods and services to military personnel and their families.
She also fondly recalled two notable customers, retired General Yakubu Gowon and former President Muhammadu Buhari, who frequented the market during their military service.
Celebrating life of a pioneer
Maria Ochefu’s contributions to military community life have left an indelible mark on Nigerian society.
Her innovation with Mammy Market transformed social and economic activities in barracks, turning the market into a symbol of resilience and service to her country.
Mammy market
Mammy Market in Nigeria is a well-known marketplace concept initially established within military barracks to cater to the needs of soldiers and their families.
It provides a central hub for goods, services, and social interactions, featuring vendors offering food, clothing, and household items.
The idea, credited to Maria Ochefu, has since expanded and become a staple in Nigerian military communities, symbolising convenience and community spirit.
Military barracks
Military barracks are housing facilities designed to accommodate soldiers and military personnel. Traditionally, they provide living quarters, dining halls, and recreational spaces for those stationed at a particular base.
Beyond their functional role, barracks often foster a sense of community among service members, serving as both residential and operational hubs for military activities.
Corps members lament inflation in orientation camps
Corps members who are currently undergoing the 2024 batch A, stream 1 orientation in different camps across the country, are complaining about the soaring food prices in the mammy markets.
Vanguard reported that despite the displeasure of some corps members with the quality and quantity of meals in the camps, many cannot afford to augment such meals from mammy markets because of insufficient funds.
