![]() |
Mammy Ode later became Mrs Anthony Ochefu |
The Origin of Mammy Market in Nigerian Army Barracks:
What we all known as "Mammy Market" in all barracks nationwide, came to be as a result of the industry of one Mrs Anthony Ochefu. She is from Idoma in Benue State, middle belt. She started local brew called "enyi". Now, nobody remembers to recognize this woman that made history and accord the honor due to her, hence this write up.
![]() |
Otukpo Local Government |
![]() |
Anthony Aboki Ochefu |
Somehow, one of the Non-Commissioned Officers, the RSM, did not flow with the enthusiasm, which Mammy’s gruel generated among other military men in the barracks. He complained that the stuff was attracting flies into the barracks and ordered Mrs. Mammy Ochefu to stop its production and sale.
![]() |
Enugu State |
From several quarters, pressure mounted on the RSM for a reversal of the order. After a while, he succumbed to and directed that a section of the barrack be reserved for Mrs. Mammy Ochefu to produce and sell her "umu".
![]() |
Gruel popularly called Kunun, Burukutu, enyi, umu |
Soon, other women in the barracks became inspired by her industrious nature and tapped into her industry and started selling other items like burukutu, pito, palm wine, kain-kain and other alcoholic beverages in addition to peppersoup and other delights for the relaxation of the rant and file in the evenings when they close from work and they are permitted to drink alcoholic beverages.
It was not long before that portion of the barracks became known as Mammy Market. It also became a policy to establish markets inside or near military barracks in the country, initially for the exclusive use of officers and men of the rank and file.
![]() |
Mammy Market, Abacha Barrack, FCT Abuja |
After General Yakubu Gowon was overthrown in a Military putsch, Anthony Aboki Ochefu, then a Colonel, was posted to East Central State as Military Governor. So Mrs. Mammy Ochefu and her husband returned to Enugu as the First Family. As First Lady Mammy Ochefu visits the site where Mammy Market started about sixteen years earlier.
It must also be stressed too that in retirement, Colonel Anthony Aboki Ochefu and his wife incorporated a company called Mammy Markets, which was into haulage and trading.
Mrs. Mammy Ochefu is alive and lives at Otukpo as one of the prized legends of our time.
Source: Major General Koleosho (Rtd),
Former Comdt TRADOC
Where Does Mammy Market in Nigerian Army Barracks Originated From?
Reviewed by E.A Olatoye
on
January 12, 2017
Rating:

No comments:
Your comments and recommendations will be appreciated