NiDCOM Boss Mourns Diasporan Maryam Murtala, Describes Her As Rare Gem
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade | Lagos
A Heavy Heart, A Legacy of Light
Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has expressed shock over the death of Maryam Murtala, a Canadian-based trailblazer, describing her as a rare gem.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, Dabiri-Erewa mourned the passing of a woman she described as a builder of people, a bridge between two nations, and a shining light for Nigerians in the diaspora.
A Life of Service and Impact
Maryam Murtala, a lawyer by profession, was a community leader and business builder. She founded Canada Vendors, a platform through which she marketed, advertised, and promoted Nigerian businesses in Canada to the world.
Until her passing, she served as:
Position Organisation
Public Relations Director Network of Nigerians in Canada (NNC)
Founder/CEO Canada Vendors
Head of Media and Marketing First Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference (Canada, August 2026)
Dabiri-Erewa’s Tribute: “A Sister, A Leader, A Patriot”
In her condolence message, Dabiri-Erewa stated:
“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, mourn the passing of Mrs Maryam Murtala.
“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.”
A Prayer for Al-Jannah Firdaus
Dabiri-Erewa prayed to Allah to forgive her shortcomings, accept her good deeds, give 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,” Dabiri-Erewa mourned.
Strategic Context: The Diaspora as a Strategic Asset
Maryam Murtala’s life and work exemplified the growing role of diaspora Nigerians as strategic assets for national development.
Through Canada Vendors, she created a platform that:
Amplified Nigerian businesses in the Canadian market
Connected vendors, women, and small business owners to opportunities
Bridged the gap between Nigeria and Canada through commerce and community
Her leadership role in the first Nigerian Diaspora Economic Summit in Canada, held in August 2026, underscored her commitment to translating diaspora presence into economic impact.
The Road Ahead
For NiDCOM, the loss of Maryam Murtala is both personal and institutional. She was not merely a subject of diaspora engagement, she was a partner, a collaborator, and a testament to what diaspora Nigerians can achieve when given a platform.
As the Nigerian diaspora community in Canada mourns, the challenge will be to sustain the momentum she helped build — to ensure that the vendors she empowered, the businesses she supported, and the networks she forged continue to thrive.
This special report is part of ROTAMediaNews’ ongoing coverage of diaspora affairs, community leadership, and Nigeria’s global engagement. Follow us for exclusive insights and in-depth analysis.
© ROTAMediaNews Digital Newspaper ROTA Media Concepts. All rights reserved.
