The Nigerian community in Canada has been thrown into mourning following the death of a foreign-trained lawyer, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Canada Vendors, Maryam Muritala.

The news of Ms Muritala’s death broke on Monday, drawing tributes from the Nigerian community in Canada and other groups.

The Women of Rubies, a global empowerment, media and storytelling platform, described her as a “passionate advocate for entrepreneurs,” adding that her initiatives created several opportunities for businesses to grow and gain proper visibility.

The platform said, “Her dedication to creating opportunities wherever she went will remain part of the legacy she leaves behind.”

The president of the Network of Nigerians in Canada (NCC), Uche Okugbo, in a statement on Monday, extended his condolences to the family of the late entrepreneur.

Before her death, she served as the Public Relations Director for the NCC. She advanced quality interventions through Canada Business Forum, Brand Expo and the Entrepreneur Award.

Also, the Women in Canada Empowerment Initiative said in its tribute that the late Muritala was “a visionary entrepreneur, community leader and a passionate advocate for immigrant entrepreneurship, women in business, and economic inclusion. Her wisdom, leadership, and unwavering support will be deeply missed.”

A Nigerian lawyer based in Canada, Moyosore Sadiq, popularly known as NaijaLawyerinCanada, said her efforts supported businesses, connected communities, and touched lives through several initiatives.

Ms Sadiq said, “She poured into people, supported businesses, created opportunities, connected communities, encouraged dreams, and celebrated the successes of others. She touched so many lives positively and asked for so little in return.”

A Canada-based Nigerian Lifestyle creator, Tomi Adenuga, in her tribute, sharing pictures of herself and the late entrepreneur taken weeks back and expressed shock at the news.

She added that the deceased was a “gem” to people, extending condolences to her family in their time of grief.

Ms Muritala’s Canada Vendors platform is a business development and advertising company that supported over 10,000 businesses in Canada and in the diaspora using digital marketing, helping businesses structure and scale up.