A life devoted to opening doors for others leaves a legacy that cannot be erased. Women of Rubies joins the Nigerian and Canadian business 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, recognition and opportunities for entrepreneurs across Canada and the diaspora.

Her passing is a profound loss to her family, friends, colleagues and the many business owners and community members whose lives she touched. Yet, even in this moment of grief, her life gives us many reasons to celebrate the impact one person can create through service, connection and purpose.

From Law to Entrepreneurship and Community Building

Maryam Muritala was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2008 and began her professional journey in commercial and corporate law. Her legal background included experience in business, technology, copyright, trademark law and contract management.

Over time, her work expanded into business development, where she found meaningful ways to combine her professional knowledge with her passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Maryam understood that many talented business owners were not struggling because they lacked valuable products or services. They often lacked access to information, visibility, networks and the right opportunities. This understanding became an important foundation for the work she would go on to build.

Building Canada Vendors

Through Canada Vendors, Maryam created a business development and advertising platform that helped entrepreneurs strengthen their brands, embrace digital marketing and connect with potential customers, partners and investors.

Her support was especially valuable to immigrant entrepreneurs and small-business owners navigating unfamiliar systems while trying to establish themselves in Canada.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many businesses were forced to reconsider how they operated, Maryam and the Canada Vendors team organised virtual information sessions addressing business registration, accessible funding and the use of digital tools.

Between 2020 and 2022, Canada Vendors also interviewed hundreds of small businesses across Canadian communities, giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to share their journeys and gain greater visibility.

Creating Brand Expo

Maryam Muritala was also the visionary behind Brand Expo, an annual business showcase created to help entrepreneurs present their products, services and brand stories to wider audiences. The event brought together business owners, professionals and community members through exhibitions, workshops, presentations and networking opportunities.

For Maryam, Brand Expo was about more than putting businesses on display. It was an opportunity to build relationships, generate leads, encourage collaboration and help entrepreneurs become more visible within their communities.

Celebrating Entrepreneurs Through Annual Awards

Maryam also established the annual Entrepreneur Awards in 2020 to recognise entrepreneurs demonstrating innovation, resilience, leadership and meaningful business impact. The awards created a space where founders, professionals and community builders could have their contributions acknowledged while connecting with potential collaborators and supporters.

In 2024, the Entrepreneur Awards celebrated its fifth anniversary, honouring excellence across categories including entrepreneurship, youth leadership, business innovation, media, legal services and community impact.

Through this initiative, Maryam ensured that entrepreneurs who were doing important work, sometimes without widespread recognition had an opportunity to be seen and celebrated.

Serving the Nigerian Community in Canada

Maryam’s commitment to community extended beyond the initiatives she founded. She served as Director of Public Relations and Strategic Partnerships for the Network of Nigerians in Canada, supporting the organisation’s media relations, visibility, community engagement and strategic collaborations.

Her work helped strengthen connections within the Nigerian community while promoting greater representation and opportunities for Nigerians living in Canada.

Whether she was promoting a business, developing a partnership, supporting an event or connecting people, Maryam consistently used her influence to create access for others.

Sharing Entrepreneurial Stories

In 2021, Maryam launched “The Entrepreneurial Journey,” a YouTube mini-series spotlighting business owners from different communities across Canada.

The series gave entrepreneurs an opportunity to discuss the realities of building their businesses, particularly during a period when many small-business owners were facing uncertainty. It reflected Maryam’s belief in the power of storytelling to educate, connect and inspire people.

A Life Rooted in Service

Maryam’s commitment to youth entrepreneurship, social change and community development earned her the Naomi Ruth Barber King Youth Legacy Award. The recognition reflected the reach of her work across North America and Africa and her dedication to helping young people and entrepreneurs pursue meaningful opportunities.

In a 2023 interview with Esther Ijewere for the Guardian Woman column, Maryam spoke about being raised by parents who believed deeply in service. She explained that this upbringing inspired her journey of building connections and creating opportunities.

She also spoke proudly about the contributions Nigerians continue to make across Canada’s business, politics, healthcare, technology and other sectors.

Women of Rubies Remembers Maryam Muritala

At Women of Rubies, we had the privilege of spotlighting Maryam’s journey, amplifying her work and witnessing her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening communities. Our relationship went beyond editorial coverage. She was part of our community and joined us at the Women of Rubies Sip and Network Toronto event in 2024.

That same year, I was honoured with an Entrepreneur Award from Canada Vendors, an initiative founded by Maryam to recognize and celebrate entrepreneurs contributing meaningfully to their industries and communities. Receiving that recognition made my connection to her work even more personal.

Maryam understood that visibility was not simply 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. Maryam represented what it means to be a Woman of Rubies, a woman who created opportunities wherever she went and used her journey to help others rise.

A Legacy That Will Continue

Maryam Muritala will be remembered not only for the organisations and events she created, but also for the people she encouraged, connected, celebrated and helped to move forward. Her legacy lives in the businesses she supported, the entrepreneurs she recognised, the partnerships she built and the communities she strengthened.

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.

May her soul rest in peace, and may the legacy she built continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and community leaders.

-Esther Ijewere, Founder, Women of Rubies Inc