- Safiu Kehinde
Maria Ochefu, founder of the popular Mammy market in military barracks and National Youths Orientation Camps across Nigeria has died at the age of 86years old.
This was disclosed in a post shared on X on Thursday.
The late matriach was married to Colonel Anthony Ochefu, who was once a military governor in Enugu State.
According to report, Maria’s passed away in her sleep on Tuesday as confirmed by her son, Professor Yakubu Ochefu.
“Yes, Mama passed away on Tuesday in Makurdi in her sleep,
“She had been a patient at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, and she would have been 87 in April this year.” he said.
Prior to her demise, Maria had shared the story of how she founded Mammy Market, which later became an integral part of military life across Nigeria.
She also recalled serving notable figures, including former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.) and Muhammadu Buhari.