PLATEAU FOOTBALL REFEREES AND NFRA BID FAREWELL TO LATE NPFL REFEREE, SOLOMON AWENG MARAM

It was a solemn and deeply emotional moment as the football family in Plateau State and Nigeria, particularly the refereeing fraternity, gathered to pay their last respects to a departed colleague, Solomon Aweng Maram, an active referee officiating in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).

The atmosphere was filled with grief and profound expressions of condolence from family members, friends, colleagues, football stakeholders, government representatives, and members of the refereeing family, who gathered to mourn the untimely departure of a promising referee and dedicated sportsman.

Until his untimely demise during the 2026/2027 NPFL fitness test exercise in Abuja on August 18, 2026, Aweng was an active Grade One football referee who had distinguished himself and was making significant progress in the Nigerian Premier Football League.

The representative of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Chairman of the Plateau State Football Association, Hon. Dr. Prince Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, appealed to the family of the late Aweng to take solace in the Lord, who gives life and determines when it should come to an end. He expressed deep sorrow over Aweng's passing, describing him as a shining star in the refereeing profession who was the only centre referee in Plateau. He further pledged to stand by the bereaved family through thick and thin during this difficult period.

Representing the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA), Dr. Ameenu Mohammed Adebayo was visibly emotional and struggled to hold back his tears as he spoke about the promising career of the late Aweng. He conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the NFRA President, Sir Kelechi Mejuobi, and the entire Nigerian refereeing family to the bereaved family.

Dr. Ameenu Mohammed, alongside Sir Joseph Bwondi, an elder of the Plateau State Referees Council, spoke emotionally about the impact of Aweng's death on the refereeing family.
Sir Joseph used the occasion to encourage younger referees not to be discouraged but to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of physical fitness, which is fundamental to their growth in refereeing.

The Chairman of the Plateau State Referees Council, Comrade Joshua B.C. Gotom, stated that the death of Aweng had created a significant vacuum, particularly within Bokkos Society, where he served as secretary. He described his death as a painful loss to the refereeing fraternity, and all those who knew and worked with him.

The Reverend in charge of COCIN LCC, Bokkos, admonished the youths to remain close to God, stressing that no one knows the hour or the day when life will come to an end. The clergyman also recalled his last conversation with the late Aweng on phone, noting that although they had planned to meet, time and circumstances did not permit them to do so.

The Plateau State Government was represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Ishaku Maren, who expressed shock and conveyed the condolences of the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang. He stated that the government was deeply saddened by the loss and regarded Aweng's death as a loss to the entire state, considering his promise as a young professional who was excelling in his chosen field and positively impacting his generation.

The father of the deceased, Mr. Maram Solomon Masok, a retired football referee, expressed profound appreciation to the refereeing family, football stakeholders, friends, and well-wishers for their overwhelming show of love, solidarity, and support during the family's moment of grief.
He appealed to young people to be productive, law-abiding, disciplined, and obedient to their parents, noting that such virtues would bring fulfilment and make their parents proud.

Solomon Aweng Maram is survived by his parents and three sisters. He was married to Winnifred Ahmed Randong on July 12, 2026.

May the soul of Solomon Aweng Maram rest in eternal peace.


By Jimmy Pam Jerry
Secretary,
Jos North Referees' Society, and Principal Special Assistant, on media to The Executive Governor of Plateau State. 
August 22, 2026

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