Maria Ochefu, the founder of Mammy Market, a staple in military barracks across the country, has passed away at the age of 86.
Her son, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, confirmed the news in a phone conversation on Thursday, stating that she peacefully passed away in her sleep on Tuesday.
Maria Ochefu was married to Colonel Anthony Ochefu, a former military governor of Enugu State.
In one of her last interviews, she recounted how she established Mammy Market, which eventually became a well-known feature in military barracks nationwide. She also mentioned 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.
He added that she had been receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, and would have turned 87 in April.
