Prior to 1984, film lovers in Nigeria made do with cinema houses for their movie entertainment until Alade Aromire produced the first made-in-Nigeria home video titled ‘Ekun.’
The production of ‘Ekun’ on VHS format opened a new chapter in the evolution of home video film industry in the country.
According to him, he borrowed N27,000 from his parents to produce that first movie. It was premiered at Super Cinema, Lagos in December 1984.
Not done or satisfied with only home video production, Alade thought more Nigerians should enjoy wider television entertainment and this metamorphosed into the establishment of another first in and the first vernacular broadcasting cable television named Yotomi Telifisan.
He died on Friday July 4, 2008 night at the Soleye Hospital, Ikeja, after he was reportedly hit by a trailer along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Aromire was said to be returning from the site of his new house along the expressway, which he had planned to move into on July 15.
Alade’s love for the masses did not only reflect in the production of movie and establishment of television, but that of impacting directly on the lives of masses by initiating the first truly affordable housing estate for Nigerians known as Yotomi Golden Estate at Ofada in Mowe axis of Ogun State which led to the influx of many corporate bodies emulating his ideas.
Alade was a family man and philanthropist. He was loved by many who knew him and those who did not meet him physically but enjoyed his programme and benefitted from his initiatives.
May his soul continue to rest in peace.