In 1955 at Enugu, the market was named after Mammy Ochefu, the wife of late military Governor of defunct East-Central state, Col. Anthony Aboki Ochefu, where she sold a local non-alcoholic beverage called enyi to support her family.
Her husband initially declined as soldiers' wives were known to be housewives. He later accepted for her to continue the business when she told him it was to support him and the family.
Her family was later posted out of Enugu to Abeokuta but Mammy continued the business wherever they were posted to while she added snacks that would interest the soldiers'. Interestingly, whenever her family was transferred to another state, she would hand over the business to women who were interested in it but asked that they retain the name.
When her husband rose to become a military governor, Mammy was still going about her business. She joined him few months later due to pressure from people, leaving the business in the hands of four people.
Through this initiative, Mammy Ochefu helped millions of Nigerian women across the countries to be business owners. We celebrate this beautiful strong woman who defied all odds to create jobs for millions of women today.
Comments