Maria Ochefu, the woman behind the renowned Mammy Markets found in military barracks across Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 86.
Her son, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, confirmed her passing in a phone conversation on Thursday, stating that she died in her sleep on Tuesday.
She was the wife of Colonel Anthony Ochefu, who once served as the military governor of Enugu State.
In a past interview, Maria Ochefu recounted how she pioneered the Mammy Market concept, which has since become a staple in military barracks nationwide.
During the interview, she recalled that two former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.) and former President Muhammadu Buhari, were among her customers.
“Yes, Mama passed away on Tuesday in Makurdi in her sleep,” her son said. “She had been a patient at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, and she would have been 87 in April this year.”
(PUNCH)