Amid the guarded calm of the Army Barracks in Akure, a vibrant, pulsating market defies the common perception of military life. Welcome to Mammy Market — a unique blend of food, fashion, social energy, and survival, tucked securely behind barbed fences, yet open to all.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A MAMMY MARKET?
Originally established to support military wives and offer safe, controlled spaces for economic activities, Mammy Markets — a legacy named after the renowned Mammy Maria Ochefu — have become integral parts of military formations across Nigeria. The Akure branch is no exception. In fact, it might just be one of the most thriving and culturally rich spots in the Sunshine State.
A MARKET BEYOND THE UNIFORMS
Unlike the rigid discipline of the barracks, Mammy Market is a swirl of aromas, voices, colors, and emotions. From the rhythmic pounding of yam in makeshift kitchens to the jingle of fashion jewelry and the occasional burst of Afrobeats from Bluetooth speakers, the market is a reminder that life behind the gates is far from dull.
“This place is our lifeline,” says Mrs. Abdufatah Tope, a trader who sells provision items to soldiers and civilian customers. “Even those who don’t live in the barracks come here because they know it’s safe, affordable, and welcoming.”
SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS IN HARMONY
Mammy Market is one of the few spaces where military officers, their families, and civilians interact freely. A young soldier, who asked not to be named, said, “This market gives us that sense of community. After parade or operations, this is where we relax, eat, gist, and feel normal again.”
Tailors, barbers, fashion vendors, hair stylists, photographers, phone repairers, and food vendors all find space here, often operating late into the night, with military police ensuring order.
A PLACE OF RESILIENCE AND EMPOWERMENT
Many of the women who run stalls at Mammy Market are military wives or widows who have turned hardship into hustle. Some started with nothing but a stool, a cooler of jollof rice and faith. Today, they pay school fees, build homes, and even employ others.
“After my husband died in service, it was this stall that saved me,” says one elderly vendor, her voice filled with both pride and pain. “I built a life here.”
NEED FOR UPGRADES
Despite its significance, the market faces infrastructure challenges — poor drainage, insufficient lighting, and lack of adequate waste disposal. Traders are calling on Army authorities and the Ondo State Government to invest in the market’s improvement and sanitation.
A CALL FOR EMPOWERMENT AND SUPPORT
Beyond physical improvements, there is an urgent need for economic empowerment programs tailored to support the hardworking women of Mammy Market. The Ministry of Women Affairs, the Federal Government, and the Office of the Wife of the President are strongly urged to design and implement empowerment schemes, skill development workshops, and microcredit initiatives specifically targeted at women in Mammy Markets across Nigeria. These women are not just vendors — they are caregivers, breadwinners, and resilient entrepreneurs deserving of national attention and support.
A MODEL WORTH PRESERVING
In a time where economic instability continues to challenge small businesses, Mammy Market remains a beacon of grassroots entrepreneurship. It is a place where survival meets service, and community thrives behind camouflaged walls.
So, next time you pass by the 32 Artillery Brigade Barracks in Akure, remember that behind those gates lies not just military discipline, but also one of the most vibrant and resilient markets in town — one that deserves to be seen, supported, and sustained.
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