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The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has mourned the death of Maryam Murtala, a Canada-based Nigerian lawyer and community leader who played a key role in the successful organisation of the first Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference in Canada.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described Murtala as a “rare gem”, saying her death was a major loss to the Nigerian diaspora community.
Murtala was the founder and chief executive officer of Canada Vendors, a platform through which Nigerian businesses in Canada were marketed, advertised and promoted to a global audience.
She was also the Public Relations Director of the Network of Nigerians in Canada (NNC) and headed media and marketing for the first Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference held in Canada in August, according to a statement signed by Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, Abuja, Abdul-Rahman Balogun.
Dabiri-Erewa, in a condolence message issued on Tuesday, said Murtala’s contribution was critical to the success of the conference.
“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,” she said.
The NiDCOM boss said Murtala ensured that the interests of vendors, women, and small business owners were represented during the event.
“Her energy, her commitment, and her love for community ensured that the voices of vendors, women, and small business owners were heard and celebrated,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
According to her, Murtala was “a builder of people, a bridge between two nations, and a shining light for Nigerians in the diaspora.”
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Dabiri-Erewa said Murtala believed that Nigerians in the diaspora had a responsibility to contribute to their communities and Nigeria.
“She believed that the diaspora must not only speak but also serve. And she lived that belief every day,” she said.
The NiDCOM boss said Murtala’s death had deprived the Nigerian diaspora community of a leader and patriot, but added that her contributions would remain through the people and businesses she supported.
“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,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa also disclosed that she had known Murtala for more than two years, describing her as “an amazing and selfless personality, beautiful inside and out.”
She expressed condolences to Murtala’s family, Canada Vendors and the Nigerian community in Canada on behalf of NiDCOM and the Federal Government.
Dabiri-Erewa prayed Allah to forgive Murtala’s shortcomings, accept her good deeds, grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus and give her family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
“Rest in peace, Maryam. Your memory and legacy live on,” she said.
