Ebenezer Adurokiya Reporting
THE Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed shock over the death of Maryam Murtala, a Canadian-based trailblazer, describing her as a rare gem.
In a condolence message, Dabiri-Erewa said she was mourning the passing of Mrs Murtala on behalf of the Commission and the entire Nigerian diaspora community.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss that I, on behalf of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the entire Nigerian Diaspora Community, mourning the passing of Mrs Maryam Muritala,” she stated.
“Maryam, who founded the brand Canada Vendors, was a builder of people, a bridge between two nations, and a shining light for Nigerians in the diaspora.
“The success of the just-concluded first Nigerian Diaspora Economic Summit in Canada could not have been possible without Maryam’s tireless efforts, hard work, and passion.
“Her energy, her commitment, and her love for community ensured that the voices of vendors, women, and small business owners were heard and celebrated. She believed that the diaspora must not only speak, but also serve. And she lived that belief every day.
“We have lost a sister, a leader, and a patriot. But her legacy will live on in every vendor she empowered, every business she supported, and every life she touched — including mine, in the over two years I had the privilege of meeting such an amazing and selfless personality, beautiful inside and out.
“On behalf of NiDCOM and the Nigerian government, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, to Canada Vendors, and to the entire Nigerian community in Canada.”
Dabiri-Erewa prayed to Allah to forgive her shortcomings, accept her good deeds, grant her family and loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss, and grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus.
“Rest in peace, Maryam. Your memory and legacy lives on,” she mourned.
Until her passing, Mrs Murtala, a lawyer by profession, was a community leader and business builder.
She founded Canada Vendors, through which she marketed, advertised and promoted Nigerian businesses in Canada to the world.
She was also the Public Relations Director at the Network of Nigerians in Canada (NNC) and Founder/CEO of Canada Vendors.
In addition, she served as head of media and marketing for the recently held and highly successful first Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference, which took place in Canada in August.