NiDCOM BOSS MOURNS DIASPORAN MARYAM MURTALA, DESCRIBES HER AS A RARE GEM

PRESS RELEASE

NiDCOM BOSS MOURNS DIASPORAN MARYAM MURTALA, DESCRIBES HER AS A RARE GEM

ABUJA: SEPT. 15, 2026

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed shock over the death of Maryam Murtala, a Canadian- based trail-blazer, describing her as a rare gem.

In a 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 Muritala.

“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 Allah to forgive her shortcomings, accept her good deeds, give her family and loved
one’s 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.

Maryam Murtala, a Lawyer by profession was a community leader and business builder. She founded the Canada Vendors where she used to market, advertise and promote Nigerian businesses in Canada to the whole world.

Until her passing, she was the Public Relations Director at Network of Nigerians in Canada (NNC) and the Founder/CEO of Canada Vendors. She was also the head of media and marketing of the recently held and highly successful first Nigerian Diaspora Economic conference which held in Canada in August

E-Signed
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, Abuja.