Women of Rubies has joined members of Canada’s business and Nigerian communities in mourning the passing of Maryam Muritala, Founder of Canada Vendors and Canada Business Forum.
Maryam was a foreign-trained lawyer, business development consultant, entrepreneur and community builder whose work created visibility, connections and opportunities for entrepreneurs across Canada and the diaspora.
Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2008, she began her career in commercial and corporate law before expanding into business development and entrepreneurship. Her professional journey brought together legal knowledge, strategic thinking and a deep commitment to helping others succeed.
Through Canada Vendors, Maryam built a platform that helped businesses strengthen their visibility, embrace digital marketing and connect with customers, collaborators and investors. Her work was particularly valuable to immigrant and small-business owners navigating unfamiliar systems while trying to establish and grow their brands.
She was also the visionary behind Brand Expo, an annual business showcase that provided entrepreneurs with opportunities to present their products and services, build relationships and increase brand awareness through exhibitions, workshops and networking.
Maryam further established the annual Entrepreneur Awards in 2020 to recognise business owners demonstrating innovation, resilience, leadership and meaningful impact. The awards created a platform for founders, professionals and community builders to have their contributions celebrated while developing valuable connections.
The initiative marked its fifth anniversary in 2024, recognising excellence across categories including entrepreneurship, youth leadership, business innovation, media, legal services and community impact.
Beyond her entrepreneurial initiatives, Maryam served as Director of Public Relations and Strategic Partnerships for the Network of Nigerians in Canada. In this capacity, she supported the organisation’s visibility, media relations, community engagement and strategic collaborations.
Her role reflected the values that remained consistent throughout her work: representation, service, connection and a commitment to creating spaces where members of the Nigerian community could be seen, heard and supported.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many small businesses struggled to adapt, Maryam and the Canada Vendors team organised virtual information sessions addressing business registration, funding and the integration of digital marketing into business operations.
She also created “The Entrepreneurial Journey,” a YouTube mini-series that spotlighted business owners across different Canadian communities and shared the realities behind building and sustaining a business.
Maryam’s contribution extended beyond business promotion. She remained committed to youth entrepreneurship, community development and creating pathways for others to thrive. Her impact earned her the Naomi Ruth Barber King Youth Legacy Award, recognising her work in advancing entrepreneurship and social change across North America and Africa.
In a 2023 Guardian Woman interview with Esther Ijewere, Maryam spoke about being raised by parents who believed in service and how that foundation inspired her commitment to building connections and creating opportunities. She also highlighted the significant contributions Nigerians continue to make across Canada’s business, political, healthcare and technology sectors.
Esther Ijewere, Founder of Women of Rubies, described Maryam as a woman whose life and work reflected purpose, generosity and community.
“Maryam understood that visibility was not only about being seen; it was about using your platform to open doors for others. She created spaces where entrepreneurs could connect, grow and feel supported. Her passing is deeply painful, but the opportunities she created and the people she empowered will remain part of her legacy.”
Through her determination, leadership and spirit of service, Maryam became a respected voice within Canada’s entrepreneurial and immigrant communities. She will be remembered not only for the platforms she built, but also for the people she encouraged, celebrated and helped to move forward.
Women of Rubies extends its heartfelt condolences to Maryam’s family, friends, colleagues, the Canada Vendors community, the Network of Nigerians in Canada and everyone whose life was touched by her work.
Her life was devoted to creating opportunities for others. Her legacy will continue through the businesses she supported, the communities she strengthened and the many people she inspired.
