NiDCOM Boss Mourns Canadian-Based Nigerian Maryam Murtala, Describes Her as Rare Gem
Oru Leonard
Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Maryam Murtala, a Canadian-based Nigerian lawyer, community leader and business promoter, describing her as a “rare gem.”
Dabiri-Erewa, in a condolence message issued on behalf of NiDCOM and the Nigerian diaspora community, said Murtala was a “builder of people, a bridge between two nations, and a shining light for Nigerians in the diaspora.”
According to her, Murtala’s contributions were instrumental to the success of the recently concluded first Nigerian Diaspora Economic Summit in Canada, where she served as head of media and marketing.
“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,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
She added that Murtala’s commitment to the community helped amplify the voices of vendors, women and small-business owners, noting that she believed the diaspora should not only speak but also serve.
Dabiri-Erewa described the deceased as a sister, leader and patriot whose legacy would endure through the people and businesses she empowered.
“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,” she said.
The NiDCOM boss said she had the privilege of knowing Murtala for more than two years, describing her as an “amazing and selfless personality, beautiful inside and out.”
She extended condolences to Murtala’s family, Canada Vendors and the wider Nigerian community in Canada on behalf of NiDCOM and the Nigerian Government.
Murtala, a lawyer by profession, founded Canada Vendors, a platform dedicated to marketing, advertising and promoting Nigerian businesses in Canada to a wider audience.
Until her death, she served as Public Relations Director of the Network of Nigerians in Canada (NNC) and Founder/CEO of Canada Vendors.
She also played a key role in the first Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference held in Canada in August 2026, serving as head of media and marketing for the event.
Dabiri-Erewa prayed to Allah to forgive Murtala’s shortcomings, accept her good deeds, grant her family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss, and grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus.
“Rest in peace, Maryam. Your memory and legacy live on,” she said.
The condolence statement was signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, Abuja.
