Original subtitles

Our mission at RLG is to provide technological solutions

that transform communities--

our communities--

through effective partnerships.

A collaboration with us will go a long way in helping achieve your mission.

In conclusion, we will make it our business

to make your business grow from strength to strength.

The only thing you need to do is…

-hire us. Thank you.

We'll go through these documents more thoroughly…

Okay.

…and, of course, the figures.

Oh, yes. The figures are very important.

With a budget like that, we're looking to get results.

With PDR Media, you will get results.

Okay. We'll look through the proposal and get back to your team with our results.

Excellent. Thank you.

Miss Adebayo, are you okay?

Yes. Yes, I'm-- I'm all right.

Can you excuse me, please, for a moment?

Oh, damn it, Funmi. Today, of all days.

Sanya, I think we got it. Please call me back.

-Can I help you? -Yes, I am Funmi Adebayo.

I'll need a prescription for some painkillers.

Hold on.

Hello? Simi, hi.

-The name of your doctor, please? -Doctor Ayodele.

-Really? Who told Lanre that? -Okay…

I'm not sick.

Oh, you are one of his sickler patients?

What was that?

I'm sorry, madam.

Yes. Okay, okay. Thank you for the warning. Thank you.

The doctor will be in in few days. Then he can give you the prescription.

No, no, no. Look, I just need some of the strong painkillers.

I have got some others,

but I've run out of those ones and I need them with me at all times.

-It's a dosage I've had several times.

I can see that. They are really potent tablets.

I'm not a drug addict.

Madam, it says here you were supposed to see Doctor Ayodele last month,

-but you didn't show. -I don’t need to see him.

Says we called several times, but you didn’t reply.

No, because I’m fine.

Do you want to make another appointment?

Look, I’m getting on with my life. I don’t need treatment, okay?

Can I just have the prescription, please?

We will need to do the usual test. It could be an infection.

You may need antibiotic.

You might have to be hospitalized.

I'm going back to work. I’m too busy for all this.

Madam. Madam! Don’t play with your health!

That's what we’re known for.

Okay?

Crisp, pithy copy laced with subtle wit.

All right?

-Lekan. -Sir?

Your copy for the tea company was sharp.

Manage. Imagination. Skill.

-Thank you. I like… -Use your creativity.

-Hi. -Hello.

-That’s what we're selling here. -Fingers crossed on PDR hiring us.

-Creativity, okay? -They must hire us.

You can go through Funmi’s copy for a sample.

It’s all Funmi’s copy.

Then go through it all. Read it all.

Okay, everybody.

Get back to work before Mr. MD sacks us all. Okay?

-How are you doing? -Not bad.

These kids.

They don't know that you learn on the job!

-Let's go.

-I heard you wowed them.

-It went very well. -Didn’t I tell you so?

I was taught by the best.

And I had the best pupil.

Thank you. Any messages?

No.

-Is everything okay? -Oh, yes.

Everything is fine.

Can you pull out the PDR Media sales figures for me?

Of course. Right away.

Thank you very much.

So?

It went very well. Honest.

That?

Yes.

I had mild pains.

That’s how it started the last time.

No, it’s nothing like last year.

I was just a little dehydrated, and I just need to make sure I drink enough.

But how did you find out?

Oh, Chief Correspondent over there.

She has spies everywhere.

-And Dotun?

Lucky for you, his flight was delayed. So, he missed the meeting.

Please don’t tell him. It was nothing.

Let's speak.

Funmi.

Hmm?

This is just a job.

You don’t have to kill yourself over it.

Lanre, really, I’m fine.

-Relax.

You know I get worried whenever you tell me to relax.

-I don’t like it. -Okay, just don’t mention it, hmm?

Okay. Your secret is safe with me.

Thank you, Lanre. You're a star.

Ah, I don’t want any flattery, please.

-Let's get busy. We have a deal to seal.

-Okay. -All right.

-Welcome, ma. -Ali, how are you?

-I’m fine, ma. -How was your day?

-Fine. And yours? -Fine.

We thank God.

This color will go better with that suit.

I’m 29, Mum. I can dress myself.

And I am not staying till the end.

So, you're going to abandon me to run to your girlfriend,

as you did last night, to look after her?

-I kept her waiting until30-- -What are you?

Her nursemaid?

I love her.

That one is going to need all the love in this world.

Mum, why are you being so prejudiced?

Do you want to be a widower saddled with raising kids on your own?

That is, if she can manage to have any.

I’m not talking about this anymore.

-She’s a walking time bomb. -Ah!

Sicklers are.

-Mummy! -Unburied coffins.

Forewarned is forearmed.

Put a tie on.

I like what I'm wearing, Mum!

This is embarrassing.

You're my only son.

And you're involved with this girl with a condition.

Don’t you even think how this affects me?

No, Mum.

There is no shame in being a sickler.

And why are you being so mean?

At least she has the common sense to keep it a secret.

Newsflash, Mum. I will marry her!

I've had enough of your imposing conditions--

You cannot marry her!

Put the tie on.

Oh, Jesus.

Oh, so now you're blaspheming as well.

Mummy, I can dress myself!

Okay, do it.

And hurry up.

Don’t make me late!

That’s nice.

Now, what did you say is the name of that new assistant of yours?

Hello?

Who am I speaking with, please?

My name is Tade.

Please hold on for Mr. Sanya.

Thank you.

Hello?

Hello, Sanya.

-Who was that? -Um…

That was my research assistant.

-How's it going? -Oh.

Well, they'll be here any minute.

Oh. Great.

Good luck, darling.

Thank you, love. See you tonight?

Okay.

Bye.

And we welcome back the RLG team to our midst.

After much meetings and presentations that we’ve done over the week,

they are here again.

And I believe strongly that your being here today is going to be favorable.

Yeah, so we are with you.

Well, good day. We’re very happy to be here today.

After much consideration and consultations,

and following that wonderful presentation by Miss Adebayo at our office,

we are quite impressed with your service offering.

And I'm pleased to inform you that

we would like to go ahead and work with PDR Media.

I mean, we really look forward

to a very successful working relationship with you all.

And we hope that you would really add value to our business.

Wait, wait, wait, wait…

Thank you very much, and...

No-- I mean, it’s nothing.

On behalf of myself and my team,

we would like to say, "Thank you for giving us the opportunity."

And we assure you that it’s going to be of mutual benefit.

Thank you very much. We're really happy.

Sanya. Sanya, please come. I am having a crisis. Please come.

Baby…

Wow.

Oh, my God. Six missed calls from Lanre.

-Oh, dear. Oh, no.

What? What happened?

-We got the contract, and I had a crisis.

-I had the pains, I couldn’t control it… -My baby.

…and it was just so much, and there was nothing I could do…

My poor baby, it’s okay.

My goodness. You're burning up.

What do I tell them now?

Nothing. Nothing. You don’t have to do anything.

Okay? You just have to rest a lot.

I'm here for you, okay?

Sanya, it can start again.

I really need someone to be here with me.

Mum had already gone for her evening church service.

And I told her that I'm officially off duty for the rest of tonight.

Promise.

Promise?

Of course. I'm here for you, baby.

Come here.

It’s okay.

Wow.

Well, what can I say?

Sanya Fadipe is officially unavailable for the rest of tonight.

So, madam, what drink may I get you, please?

Anything.

All right, darling.

Just have a seat and I'll be right back.

-Okay? -Okay.

Hello, Mum.

Honey?

Hey, baby.

So, do you want the good news or the bad news?

The good news.

Well, I'll be back as soon as I can.

I need to see Kunle now.

-No, I'll be back in the evening.

-Okay. -What else do you need me to bring you?

Nothing. Thank you for the fruits.

You're such a wonderful friend.

It's only because my baby needs reliable babysitters.

-You know what? -What?

Rest well.

-Okay. -Forget about work for now.

-Okay. -Just rest.

He didn’t die of the blood disorder.

He died of losing the will to live.

Is there really such a condition?

Yes.

So, what can a doctor do, in that case?

Nothing.

There is no medicine for that kind of illness.

-Excuse me, sir. -Yes?

Can sickle cell patients live full lives?

Of course. With adequate care.

And if they believe they can.

-Excuse me, sir. -Yeah?

They are here, sir.

Oh, okay. All right.

Continue with your observation. I'll join you soon.

Funmi.

See?

Look at you.

This is what I said.

Moving here. Living alone. It is wrong!

Didn’t I say so?

Mummy, stop.

My dearest, how do you feel now?

Daddy, I’m okay.

I’m better.

Living alone in your condition,

it is impossible.

No. Mm-mmm. You must come back with us.

You must.

You are coming back today. Today!

Imagine! No husband, no family, no--

I’m not on my own.

So, where is he?

Six years.

Running around everywhere after a man who will not commit.

Funmi.

Uh-huh.

What’s this about you discharging yourself?

-Uh-huh. -I have work to do.

-Good morning, sir. -Mm-hmm.

Good morning.

-Funmi, how are you? -Fine, thank you.

What is all this?

Lekan, from my office. Thanks a lot for this.

Did Dotun say anything?

-He asked how you are feeling.

Okay. Tell him I'll be back tomorrow morning.

And please tell Simi to go to my place and get the green files.

-I need them immediately. -I already phoned.

-Thank you. -Bye-bye.

So my hospital ward is now becoming your office?

-Funmi.

Did I not warn you about exerting yourself?

Are you trying to kill yourself?

Look, you need rest.

-It wasn’t work that put me here.

When you took up this job, I said it was a good idea.

Huh? I support sicklers working.

-Huh? -You did. You said sicklers should work.

But…

But I also said that you must take it easy, Funmi. Huh?

It is good to keep occupied, but within reason.

Did I not say that, Mama Funmi?

You did.

Funmi, you must take it easy.

-Stress will always trigger a crisis. -Oh, yes.

You mustn't overdo things.

I want to live a normal life.

Like anyone else.

Like-- like proper people.

She has to leave this place.

She must come back home with us.

I'm not sick because I’m here.

Look, Mama. Just you-- you calm down.

-Calm down? -Yes.

And I’m not sick because of work.

I should be calm…

…when she's not ready to listen to reason.

I'm sick because of you.

Because of who?

Because of you two. You and you.

Little Funmiwo.

We're only trying to help you manage.

Other girls don’t have to manage.

They don’t live lives full of pain.

Come on, Funmi.

If I don’t work, they will sack me.

I’m not married. I'm alone. What kind of life is this?

We know it is not easy, dear.

Honestly, sometimes I ask myself, "Why?"

Why did you have me?

Daddy, you are a doctor. Mummy, you are a nurse.

You both carry the sickle cell genes.

Why did you have me, when you know the effect of having a child together?

Femi. Mama Funmi.

I think we should go to my office.

-Let her rest a while. -It is okay.

Come on.

Please sit down.

-Oh, Femi. -Yes?

Better leave you guys to discuss things.

Thanks, Ayo.

Tell me, Daddy. Why?

Well…

because we love you.

Knowing the pain and misery I would go through in my life,

yet you claim you love me?

Oh, no.

Take what your father said. It is because we love you.

All this physical and mental torture.

Why did you give me this life of agony? Mummy, why?

What is it you want?

Huh? What is it you want?

To know why you brought me into-- into this-- this hell!

Lola, calm down. Calm down, please.

She's just sick.

It is my fault, right?

Isn't that what you're thinking?

Just say it. Say it!

I was the one who insisted we kept you.

I was the selfish one.

He anticipated all this and he was right!

But I have no regrets at all. I have no regrets.

No regrets at all.

Lola. Mama Funmi, no! Please, let’s stop all of this.

-Pull yourself together.

I just want to die.

Olufunmiwo…

No. Lola? It's okay.

It's okay. Just sit.

-It's okay.

You may now join Dr. Ojo for the rounds.

Well?

Funmi.

Try this.

Great.

A pity party.

No, thanks.

You share your experiences.

You realize you are not alone.

A support group can make a huge difference.

I don’t think it’s for me.

Keep it. Just in case.

I’m going back to work, if they'll have me.

Funmi.

Healing is not only about drugs and doctors.

It is also about accepting what is.

Accepting yourself.

Loving yourself.

Including the part of you that is a sickler.

There is no shame in carrying the sickle cell, Funmi.

Just in case.

-Excuse me, the MD will see you now.

Please, sit down.

Thank you, sir.

-And thank you for coming. -Of course.

I’ve been going through your file.

Yes. I informed HR of my health status when I first applied.

And your sick leave record.

I realize you've taken 60 days off work in two years that you have been here.

How do you explain that?

But, Mr. Atoyebi, I complete my assignments.

Doesn’t it say so?

Mm-hmm.

But it's taking you longer to do,

and that is costing the company valuable productivity.

I clinched the RLG account, sir.

Excellent job indeed, but you know what?

I'm going to have to take you off that--

Look, sir, I apologize for what happened at the meeting.

-And I can assure you that it-- -This is business and not charity.

And we can’t take any chances on the delivery of that account.

But if not for me, you wouldn’t even have the contract.

Look,

I have strict deadline on that account.

I don’t think you're up to it.

So, what are you saying, sir?

Do you want me to be frank?

You've been frank so far. I don’t see why you should stop now.

My advice is you look for opportunities in a different firm and different field

where there are jobs with less stress.

Let me get this straight.

You didn’t mind me staying here and straining myself to get the contract.

You didn’t mind me working here on weekends to get the contract.

You didn’t mind me missing my mother’s birthday.

You didn’t mind me attending every single meeting with the client.

And now that I have clinched you the account,

-you think I’m surplus to requirements? -Enough!

With all due respect, sir, I don’t think it is!

-I’ve earned my place on the team. -You know what?

I'm mindful of you as much as the team.

And I don’t think your state of health--

I have sickle cell,

I’m not a corpse.

I can work!

-Even with all the special consideration? -I said, I can work!

I think I might have a solution.

To what?

If you allow me, I have a solution.

To what, Lanre?

For crying out loud, he’s the VP and he’s aware of what is going on,

madam.

Lanre.

What if we assign Funmi a pro bono account?

You know, some CSR can be covered by using her expertise.

That way, we can keep her without any financial risk.

But that's a demotion of sorts, and she--

I just want to work.

Okay, you win.

Thank you.

Why did you gang up with her against me?

I’m afraid she might want to throw in her final card.

Look, if RLG gets to know that we're laying her off,

they won’t be pleased.

See, you and I both know that they want her on that account.

So you mean, she will go over our head to RLG?

She will fight back.

Let’s keep her on our side.

Okay.

I give your golden girl two months.

Another relapse, then she’s out.

You want to bet?

Two million.

Two million?

I’m only the VP, now.

Okay, no problem. Two million?

-Two million. -Good.

Good.

-Hello. -Good afternoon.

-Good afternoon, ma. -Can I have some rice, please?

-Okay. -Thank you.

-Hello.

Hello?

-Sanya Fadipe’s extension, please. -Hi, Funmi.

Hello, Tade.

For the rice, ma?

-Fried rice. -Okay.

Hi. How are you? How are you enjoying your new job?

Very well. Thank you.

-Is Sanya there? -Yes, please hold on.

-Sir? -Yes?

Thank you.

Anything else, ma?

Yes, can I have some peppered beef and some snail?

-So… -Thank you.

Hello, Sanya.

How did it go?

Well, I still have my job.

Fantastic.

Look, Sanya. It’s time for us to tell Mummy everything we’ve planned.

Let’s talk to her tonight and tell her everything we’ve planned.

Tonight might not be a good time to talk about that.

Huh? Sanya, look, it’s time for us to move on with our lives.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I’m sorry, please. I'm sorry. Very sorry.

Darling, where have you been all this time?

-Hi, Mum. -Good evening, ma.

Hello.

Sanya, I’d like to introduce you to Mr. Giwa’s daughter.

She's just got back from the US.

Hello.

-Good evening, sir. -Good evening.

Mum.

Funmi and I would like to speak with you, Mum.

Yes, yes, I know. You told me so. Later.

But-- but--

"But" nothing.

-Hello, and good evening. -Good evening, yes.

-Good evening. -Hi, good evening.

-My name is Lin.

Hi, it’s a pleasure to meet you.

Funmi, wait! Excuse me, please.

Funmi!

Here you are.

-Thank you.

I’m cutting the cake.

Mm-hmm! Okay.

-So, are you ready then? -Yes.

-One. -Mm-hmm.

-Two. -Mm-hmm.

Three!

Happy birthday, darling.

-Congratulations, dear. -Thank you.

-Mummy? -Yes, dear?

There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.

-Um…

The other day at the hospital,

you mentioned something about having insisted you kept me.

I don’t recall. Are we going to have ice cream with this cake?

No, no, no. Not that. Not that.

-I said, "I don’t have any regrets." -No.

-You said, “insisted on keeping me.” -Funmiwo.

We drove over to celebrate your birthday.

Hmm?

Let sleeping dogs lie, okay?

-Did you consider aborting me? -Huh?

Oh, uh…

No one mentioned abortion, no.

-So what then? -Olufunmiwo.

See, I just want you to know…

that the past does not affect our feelings for you.

In any way.

As you know, your mother and I have the sickle cell trait.

Many people thought we were foolish to marry, then.

But, you see, we knew what we were doing.

We decided not to have any children.

We also decided that…

Okay…

Um, Funmiwo…

You see, two years after we were married…

a young woman died in the hospital where I was working, at childbirth.

She was a student nurse, young, just 21, unmarried.

And the father of the baby was also known to have passed.

Well, three weeks after, when no one came to claim the baby and the corpse…

your mother stepped in.

She took care of the baby, and she grew very attached to the newborn.

The beautiful little girl.

Um…

She insisted on adopting the child.

And you know your mother when she's-- When her mind is made up.

And so, you became our daughter.

You are not my parents?

-No, we are. -We are.

-We are. -We are. Yeah.

And you never told me?

I need to get out. I need some fresh air.

I need to get out.

I called and told them you're here.

They aren’t coming, are they?

They just wanted to know if you're okay.

They are waiting at your place.

Baby, what happened?

They're not my parents.

And, um…

you didn’t have any idea?

I don’t know who my mother is.

I don’t know who my father is.

Please, let’s not say anything to my mum.

At least not yet.

She'll only look down on me more now, right?

No, no, no, no. It’s not that. It's…

We just need to find the right time.

Yes, hello?

Okay. Yes, I'll come.

They need me at the lab.

Why don’t you come and wait in my office?

I’m fine here.

Are you sure? 'Cause I don't want to leave you all by yourself here.

You go.

Okay. I'll be back soon.

Okay.

I say we stand up for ourselves and fight for our rights.

Brothers and sisters, let’s take this campaign to the new level.

We are strong enough.

We are united enough.

I think we can do it.

But we need a theme that is realistic.

One that reflects the reality of our lives

-as sickle cell persons. -My name is Sade.

Hi, I’m Funmi.

Some people say we can’t do everything.

Oh, yes, we can do everything. It’s just that we need to know our limits.

Everyone, let’s campaign.

We need to let the world know that we sicklers don’t need to be pitied.

We just want an equal opportunity to do things.

Yes, like play for the Super Eagles!

And--

Deolu, sit down, else there will be no chocolate biscuit for you tonight.

Okay?

Any more news?

Me, me, me, me, me!

And I’m going to be on my school football team soon.

Aren’t I, Mum?

Oh, yes, you are.

But remember the doctor’s advice, that you must not strain yourself.

Sit down.

Now, it is time for item 777. Refreshment!

Deolu, get the biscuit.

I’m usually really busy.

Trust me, you came in time.

You're going to help us run the annual publicity.

Oh, I don’t think so.

-I need to know if the-- -Attention!

We have a media professional in our midst.

This is Funmi.

She will help run the annual publicity.

That’s so wonderful!

So good of you.

That's wonderful. Excellent.

Look, you are God sent.

We really need you to help us get the message out.

Oh, yes. And someone to help edit our speeches.

-That's settled, then.

I would like to help, but I would like to stay in the background.

-Is that okay? -Okay.

-Do you have a boyfriend? -Yes.

Has he been tested?

You're a sickler, right?

-How did you know? -Just a feeling.

Has he?

Well, yes.

Has he been tested?

What do you mean?

The first test is the genotype test.

The second is the more vital one.

Can he live with the disease? That’s the test most of them fail.

Please, I have to go.

Let us recite our mantra.

-What’s this? -It’s our prayer.

-"Let us rise up and be thankful. -"Let us rise up and be thankful.

-For if we didn't learn a lot, -For if we didn't learn a lot,

-at least we learned a little. -at least we learned a little.

-And if we learned a little, -And if we learned a little,

-at least we didn't get sick. -at least we didn't get sick.

-And if we got sick, -And if we got sick,

-at least we didn't die. -at least we didn't die.

-So let us be thankful." -So let us be thankful."

So, where exactly do you live?

Just about five minutes from the GRA.

I can drop you off, then. My mum lives near there.

It was nice of her to send me the books.

Please thank her.

I'll tell her.

And for the meal. And for the lunch last week.

She knows my uncle well.

-Well? -Very, very well.

Nice one, nice one. Okay.

It was nice to see you laughing.

Can I ask you something?

It’s too early to ask for a raise.

It’s not that.

I am really grateful for the opportunity.

Most of my friends don’t even have a job.

Okay. So, what is it then?

Why do you always seem so worried?

I do?

Yes, like after the phone call at lunchtime.

Well, you're young, free, and healthy.

So are you.

Not all of us are.

Well, you should try laughing more.

-Ali, how are you? -I’m fine.

Bukola, what are you doing?

What are you doing coming home so late?

I’ve been waiting for ages.

-Good evening, Aunty Funmi. -Good evening, Aunty Funmi.

-How are you? -Fine.

I had a meeting.

-Really? -Yes.

-Oh. Okay. -Goodbye. Good night.

Come.

So, you are going away.

You can't even seem to take one orange. Just for…

-Sorry. -Thank you.

How are you coping with this load?

It's getting heavier.

Another month, right?

It can’t come soon.

It’s like I’ve been carrying it for three years.

I’m so tired.

I can’t even remember the last time I saw my feet.

Trust me, your feet are still there.

-Are you sure? -Yes.

At least Kunle is there for you.

My dear Kunle has been a very supportive hubby.

I crave carrot. You’ve got any?

Carrots?

I have something better. Come.

Are you sure?

-Oh, fried fish.

-Thank you. -Mm-hmm.

How is that Sanya of yours?

He’s fine.

We’re fine.

-Hmm? -We’re getting there.

With that one?

No concern of mine.

Ah! How long have you been standing there?

I just got here.

So you’ve got crayfish too?

Another craving of mine.

Yummy.

Hello.

Hi, Bukky.

I said, I’m Bukola. Hmm?

"Bukky" is for a dog.

I thought you were escorting Mum somewhere?

I just wanted to see you.

Aw. Are we still on track?

Yes, yes. Yes, we are on track.

I missed you.

-You did? -I do.

How strange.

I didn’t expect I’ll be married and having a child before you guys.

You guys met three years before Kunle and I.

Huh?

I should care now.

Don't waste time, guys. Please.

Funmiwo.

You know I’m meant to be your baby’s godmother too.

I guess I'll leave.

I'll call you tomorrow.

-Okay.

Nice tie.

Is it new?

Listen, baby.

I was thinking today.

We should have fun more often.

And, you know, laugh more often.

-Yes.

-Come here.

Bye, Bukky.

Huh? It’s Bukola. Oh.

A lot of exciting activities are slated for this event.

It's actually not bad.

Yes, it's just too long. It's too long.

We're going to get our message out there in the most simple way.

-Wow. -What?

That’s the first time I've heard you say, "our message."

-Okay. "Our message."

The results will show your hemoglobin.

Hemo…

Your blood test!

Okay, I know. I know.

…Sickle Cell Conference!

And the theme of this year, you know, is like,

"Let’s Be Sickle…

-Smart! -…Smart!"

I thank you for coming out to support us,

and, uh, tonight, to support this cause. Thank you very much.

Can I have Miss Funmi Adebayo, please?

Miss Funmi Adebayo!

I should publicly apologize to her,

because I blamed her for his relapse

even though she's not at fault at all, at all.

I never knew my boy was this strong.

But I thank you all. I thank you.

What we actually need is understanding.

What that young boy experienced,

all of us experienced it at one time or the other.

The prejudice that makes our lives

as people living with sickle cell very, very difficult.

Managing our condition is expensive and stressful.

There is no guaranteed permanent cure.

Mummy.

You won’t believe this girl works in my office.

Are you sure?

Yes, we may have crisis.

As a matter of fact, I almost sacked her last week.

Yes, we may need injections and medicines throughout our lives.

Yes, some of us may need blood transfusions all through our lives.

This eloquent lady works in your office and you nearly sacked her?

Because she's always taking time off work.

Put your hands together. Put your hands together for her!

And she has achieved so much in spite of that.

I don’t know how she does that.

Imagine going on TV to announce to the world that you have a disease.

-It’s disgraceful. -…about sickle cell?

We don’t need pity, we need opportunities.

And today we are saying, "We can do anything."

I am Funmi Adebayo, and I’m a sickler. Thank you.

Who are they trying to fool?

"We can do anything."

They can’t.

Mum, why don’t you just give her some credit?

That is the Funmi who I’ve been hearing all about?

Yes, and then?

She's a sickler?

Do you see? That’s what I said.

It is information!

What we need is education about sickle cell.

No shame. It's disgraceful.

My name is Sade Sanusi.

I’ve been living with sickle cell anemia and there’s nothing wrong about it.

It’s just a disorder, it’s not a disease.

I’m living fine and I’m standing tall.

Although there have been a whole lot of bad experiences and ordeals.

But life, it goes on.

People living with sickle cell anemia should learn to appreciate themselves…

So, guys, this is how you get a message across, okay?

Radio, TV, print, online, and social media.

Funmi got her information passed across using all those different channels.

That is the key. Do you understand?

-Yes. -Yes, sir.

It was everywhere. It’s even in the community magazine.

Oh. Oh, nice one. Nice one.

-Here comes the queen of PR herself.

-Well done, Funmi. -Thank you.

It was really, really good, Funmi. It was good.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

-If you need my help, please, let me know. -Okay.

You know, I never knew so many Nigerians have that trait.

Ayo and I have gone for our genotype test as well.

Because I told him, "We have to."

For some reason he thought I was shying away from the marriage, though.

Some ignorant people actually use that as an excuse.

-Oh, really? -Yes.

Funmi, have you seen this?

You are a star.

I wish.

-Hello. -Hey.

Miss Adebayo, please see me in my office.

You can carry on.

-So, guys…

Thank you.

The sickle cell campaign. Great job. Well done.

Thank you, sir.

And please relax. I’m not about to fire you.

It’s actually good to see you smile.

Well, I’ve got something to smile about.

A lot of the ideas from the campaign came from personal experiences,

didn’t they?

-Well, mine and other people. -Mm-hmm.

It is the personal insight that makes it special.

Mm-hmm. I really put my heart into it.

What is anything without a heart?

That was why I set up this company.

Hold on to that personal touch of yours.

It is easy to teach anybody PR, but it is difficult to teach anybody to care.

It is rare.

Thank you, sir. I will.

I'm thinking of putting you fully in charge of the RLG account.

Oh, really? I…

Well, before you say yes, I need you to think very well about it

and be sure it’s something you can handle.

Yes, I’m up to it, Mr. Atoyebi.

Fantastic.

Please, stop all this "Mr." thing.

Since we're going to be working closely together,

I will prefer you call me Dotun.

Okay…

Dotun.

Good.

All right, I would like for us to brainstorm on new ideas.

And there’s this gallery where I go sometime.

-You know, it's less formal. -Okay.

It helps my creativity.

And I think it would be a great place to meet.

Okay.

So, I'll email the address to you tomorrow.

-Okay. -And that will be a date.

-Okay. Thank you. -All right.

Just making sure he hasn’t eaten you alive.

I’m sure you will be pleased to know that I have yielded to your advice,

and she’s been promoted.

Wow. Thank you.

Thank you, Lanre. And thank you very much, Mr…

Thank you very much, Dotun.

-You're welcome. -Excuse me.

Looks like I'll be able to afford my luxury weekend in Accra now.

-Hmm? -Yeah, yeah, my two million naira.

You have a month to go.

My friend better pay up now.

You mentioned she has a boyfriend.

What is your interest in her love life?

Then, get out.

My two million naira?

Get out.

D.

Funmi. You're still here?

What took so long?

I’m sorry. I was held up.

But you’ve not been answering your phone.

You could have called me--

Oh, I know, I know, I know. I’m sorry, okay?

It’s our sixth anniversary, Sanya.

Isn’t that special to you?

Of course it is.

Look, I’m here now, okay?

But where have you been?

I'll explain while we eat.

Our relationship doesn’t mean anything to you.

Look, do you want to eat or not?

Ever since I came back from Lagos, Sanya, you’ve been different.

Why should I be?

You were on TV.

Fine!

Telling the whole nation about yourself.

-Do you want me to hide who I am? -I don’t want you to do anything!

Okay?

I just hope they serve potato salad here.

I think I like this one.

I like the font, but I think the image is too big.

Look, I can't decide on an empty stomach.

-I’m hungry. -Okay.

I’m starving.

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for introducing me to this place.

I love it.

I mean, I’m surprised you’ve never been here.

I clearly need to go out more.

What do you do in your spare time?

-Spare time? -Mm-hmm.

What is that?

Oh, you have…

Here. Let me help you.

Thank you.

Wow.

It’s really nice.

I really like that painting.

Great choice.

It reminds me of…

Of what?

Of a dream I had.

Only it wasn’t a dream.

It was more like a mirage.

It’s beautiful.

It’s special.

Exactly.

So…

-Good night. -Good night.

Mmm…

Good evening, ma.

Good evening.

My name is Dotun. I actually came to see Funmi.

-Oh, I’m afraid she’s not at home. -Oh.

Okay. I’m a colleague from work. I came to drop a document.

-I’m expecting her back soon. -Oh, okay.

Please come in and wait for her.

She won’t be long.

Okay. Thank you.

Please have a seat.

Funmi never really mentioned she had a sister.

You sure know how to flatter an old woman.

I am her mother.

Oh.

What can I offer you?

Nothing, ma. Thank you.

I’m just about to prepare amala and gbegiri soup.

Gbegiri…

If you insist, ma.

-Would you like to taste? Yeah? -Well…

Cutlery, ma?

-Hmm? -It tastes good.

Hello, Mum.

Ah! There you are at last.

Your guest has been here for an hour.

Dotun, hi.

Good evening, ma.

Hello, Sanya.

Oh, Sanya, this is Dotun, my boss.

Dotun Atoyebi.

Very nice to meet you.

I'm sorry to have kept you. I didn’t know you were coming.

I just brought the artwork for the presentation.

-Oh, thank you. -And, um…

I guess I’ve, you know, overstayed. And I'll take my leave now, ma.

Nonsense.

You have helped so far, so it's only fair that you share with us.

-Mummy, I can do that another time.

Funmi, go and make a table for four.

Um, no. Uh…

I actually promised my mum I will be taking her somewhere.

So, if you'll excuse me.

-It’s a pleasure to have met you. -Yeah, nice to meet you.

Set the table for three.

Okay.

Let’s go eat.

Have some more, Dotun.

If I should eat more than this, I’m going to burst.

You should taste Funmi's. It’s every bit as good as mine.

Mummy, please.

You always say my cooking is not up to scratch.

There’s always room for improvement, dear.

By the way,

I must invite you for Funmi’s best friend’s baby-naming ceremony.

-Oh, okay. I’ll come.

Time to do the washing up.

Oh, okay.

-I have to go to bed.

Dotun, it was a pleasure.

Thank you very much, ma.

Please, come again.

-I will.

-Good night, Mum. -Good night, dear.

Your mum is really nice.

I think she likes you too.

-Um, about the naming ceremony.

I know you were just being polite to my mum.

You don’t have to attend.

And, um, it’s just a small gathering, so it’s not a big deal.

Are you going to be there?

Bukola, the mother of the child? She’s my best friend.

And I’m the godmother of the baby, so I’ll definitely be there.

Thank you for the pleasant company.

I really enjoyed myself.

I enjoyed yours too.

-Good night. -Good night.

Hey, there. Madam, look.

Nice.

One thousand naira from the boss.

-And this too. -Ah!

Another one for your collection.

Yes.

Look, madam, that man is a nice man.

Please let him come back, okay?

-Okay. -Yes, madam.

-Good night. -Good night, madam.

Right place for a gentleman.

And here for the stingy.

Dotun, you came! Thank you for coming.

This is the young man I told you about. Funmi’s boss.

You are the one that has been keeping my daughter occupied night and day.

Well, she’s actually a great credit to you both.

Allow me to introduce my mother, Mrs. Atoyebi.

Mum, meet Mr. and Mrs. Adebayo.

It’s my pleasure meeting you.

-Congratulations. -Welcome.

-Thank you.

I saw your daughter on TV. She's wonderful.

-So is your son.

Is Funmi anywhere around, ma?

-She's inside the house. -Okay. All right.

-Please, come in. -Thank you.

After you. Yes.

Oh, Sanya--

Why did you leave me so many messages? I told you I was coming.

I thought you had forgotten.

Where is your mum?

She can’t make it.

Is she okay?

She’s fine.

I’ll be right back.

Okay.

The name of our child would be

Aduke.

-Aduke. -Aduke.

Ayomide.

-Ayomide. -Ayomide.

Oluwayemisi.

-Oluwayemisi. -Oluwayemisi.

The child of Soyede.

-The child of Soyede. -The child of Soyede.

At last.

Hope you're having a good time.

Well, aside the fact that you're ignoring me…

-Aw. -…it's okay.

I’m sorry. There’s so much going on.

Well, to the godmother and the baby.

To the godmother and baby.

I must say, you really look good. If you don’t mind me saying.

Thank you.

I’m blushing, you just can’t see it.

I mean, I mean it. You look fabulous.

Thank you.

Where is your date?

Oh.

You're into older women?

Yeah, she’s actually my sugar mummy.

-Oh, your mother. Aw. -Ah.

Me and my big mouth. I’m sorry.

It's okay. I'll introduce you to her after the pleasure of this dance.

Of course.

Shall we?

Why not?

This is entertainment!

Can I have your attention for a minute?

Can we give ourselves a round of applause, please?

All right. I would like to say a very big thank-you to everybody here present,

especially to our client, the RLG, for having faith in us.

Can we give them a round of applause, please?

Thank you very much.

And, in other good news,

our campaign has been nominated for the top best African Marketing Prize.

And I think that is worth celebrating.

Come on, come on, with your glasses.

And finally, there is someone so special,

whom I would like to recognize here.

And without her efforts towards this campaign and towards this achievement,

I don’t think we would all be here.

And on that note, I would like to call on Funmi Adebayo to join us here.

Let us celebrate.

Where is Miss Adebayo?

Good evening.

I’m here to see Sanya.

Of course. Do come in.

Thank you.

Do come in.

Good evening, ma.

-Funmiwo, welcome. -Thank you, ma.

Tade, get Funmiwo a drink.

-Yes, ma. -Not a very cold one.

Yes, ma.

So…

Hi, how are you doing?

I’m fine, and you?

I’m good.

How is work?

Fine.

We had the launch today.

Oh. Yes, yes. And it went well?

Mm-hmm.

Okay.

Funmiwo, listen, I’m really sorry I didn’t get back to you.

I've been busy with work and…

I…

Oh, thank you.

You're welcome.

I’m sorry. We haven’t met before, have we?

No.

But we’ve spoken.

I’m Tade. I work at the Institute.

Oh.

Nice.

-Sanya has mentioned you.

It’s good to finally meet you.

Same here.

Well, I must leave.

-Good night, ma.

Good night.

Funmi, let me go put a shirt on and see you off.

I've…

I’ve been greatly troubled by our medical incompatibility.

I had wanted to tell you, but…

I didn’t know how you were going to take it.

You’ve known me for six years.

Six good years, Sanya.

And you never thought of medical incompatibility until now?

And Tade…

when is she due to have your baby?

I… I…

Get out of this car and stay out of my life!

You lying, dishonest, two-timing…

…time-wasting mummy’s boy.

Coward.

-But, Funmi-- -Just go.

Please.

You said I should call you whenever there is crisis, sir.

-Where is she?

She’s down, sir.

Inside. Okay…

-Funmi… -There she is, sir.

Funmiwo!

Funmiwo.

Funmi.

Open the door, open the door.

You're awake.

-Ah! Olufunmiwo! -Funmiwo.

I knew you'd pull through.

Dotun never left your side.

But, Sanya…

I'd like…

Don’t mention that fool again.

Sanya…

Let her rest first then, huh? You all get some rest.

Sanya…

-Thank you for taking good care of her. -Mm-hmm.

Sanya…

Welcome, madam.

Welcome, sir.

-Ali, how are you? -I’m fine, ma.

And how is your health now, ma?

I’m better. Thank you.

Thank God.

I actually have a surprise for you.

Okay.

We won. Oh. You won.

-Wow. -Africa's Best Marketing Campaign award.

This is great.

-It is.

And surprise number two.

-Another award? -Relax.

-I should get admitted more often.

-Yes, open it. -Okay.

Oh, thank you.

In memory of a lovely day.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

-You're welcome.

Maybe I should go and make you some food now.

Actually, I think I just want to rest.

Oh…

I’ll be okay.

Okay, then I'll call you later.

Thank you so much for your friendship, but I can’t.

I’m sorry.

It's all right.

You asked for the Cortini figures.

Oh.

Can we deal with it later?

-Okay.

Yes, come in.

Sir, it’s Tee Health Limited.

They want to know about the contract for their new project.

Okay, tell them I'll deal with it later.

Sir, they said they have approved the contract.

-They're ready to-- -I will deal with it later! All right?

Okay, sir.

You turn away work. This isn’t you.

Lanre.

I think I'm going crazy.

Funmi Adebayo, right?

-Don’t make me say it. -Say it.

I want to hear the words. Say it.

You know…

I think I’m in love with her.

Yes! Yeah!

Yes! Yes! Yes!

How are the mighty fallen.

But you know, since the issue with Sanya,

she’s just turned her back at everything.

Family, marriage, friends. You know.

But why?

Her health condition.

Oh, yes. That.

But you can make her change her mind.

How?

Dotun.

You are a salesman. And a good one, for that matter.

So, sell yourself.

Mm-hmm.

"Let us rise up and be thankful.

For if we didn't learn a lot,

at least we learned a little.

And if we learned a little,

at least we didn’t get sick.

And if we got sick, at least we didn't die.

So let us be thankful."

Thankful.

Be thankful.

Be thankful.

-Come in.

-Good morning, sir. -Morning.

Your phone call this morning.

It came very early, and on a Sunday morning.

Is everything okay?

Funmiwo…

will you marry me?

What did you say?

I said, "Will you marry me?"

You're joking, right?

-I can’t see you laughing. -Why would you want to marry me?

Because I find Funmiwo Adebayo particularly alluring.

You don’t know me.

Funmiwo, come here.

Please.

I want to marry you because I love you.

I want to marry you because I need you in my life.

And I want to marry you because

I cannot live the rest of my life without you.

It's…

It’s not that simple.

There are so many things about me, apart from my sickle cell.

Like being adopted?

How did you know?

Your mother knew my interest in you was more than professional.

Mummy.

Nothing can change the way I feel about you.

Do you know I can have an organ failure at any time?

I may have difficulties whilst bearing children.

I might even die before I’m 40.

I thought not.

Funmi.

If I love you,

then I have to love everything about you.

One more thing.

I know.

I’ve already taken the screening test.

I have done the genetic counseling,

and after your conference, everybody in the office has.

And now, we are all sickle smart.

Really? Aw.

-Is that a yes?

Good morning, sir.

Good morning. Good morning.

Hi, dear.

-Hi. -How are you?

I'm fine.

Doctor Ayodele just called.

Oh, okay. Is my prescription ready?

Yes. I’m going to go pick it…

Is there something else?

No, no, no. No.

I’m good.

Then why do you look so worried?

Worried? No, no, I’m not. I'm not worried.

Okay?

Let me quickly go get it. All right?

It’s not only acute anemia, she's dehydrated.

I don’t understand.

She might need to be transfused to avert a serious crisis.

Her PCV is very low.

PVC?

PCV is packed cell volume.

The percentage volume of blood cells in the body.

And for a sickle cell person, it should be at least 20 percent in stable condition.

You must remain positive.

We are now at war with sickle cell as her body is under the strain of the pregnancy.

The odds are against us, but we can win.

Win?

She must be on bed rest for the last two months of the pregnancy.

That way, I can monitor her and the baby more closely.

You're being overcautious, right?

Don’t panic.

She will need you to be positive.

It’s not just about the body in this case. It’s about the mind too.

Thank you all for the work on the newsletter.

We have had about 15,000 naira donation.

Thank you, Mrs. Atoyebi, for leading the drive.

Mummy! Mummy, look! Aunty Funmi fell down!

-Dotun… -Yes, sweetheart.

Dotun…

-I need Novocaine. -No.

Is there nothing you can do to make it stop?

Sir, is there nothing you can do to make this pain go, or something I can do?

-Dotun… -Mm-hmm?

Dotun, I’ve never told you I love you.

You will have plenty of opportunities to tell me that.

-Easy.

Oh, no, no, no. Sit down, sit down.

Everything's going to be all right. Sit down.

She has the best as far as medical aid goes, be rest assured of that.

I don’t know about you, but I believe all will be well.

But are there no other drugs we can use to at least lessen the pain?

She’s had all the drugs we can give.

Dazzler, that’s my name.

Dazzler, they call me,

Like a shining ray of light.

From headlamps on a dark night.

Dazzler, glittering like gold.

The incurable pain?

The uncertain days?

The empty promises?

The dazzling mirage?

Yes, the strength is love.

That’s my succor.

That's the shelter.

Doc.

I’m sorry. I got scared. I’m really sorry.

It’s all right.

Funmi, I promise never to leave your side again.

I’m really sorry, okay?

We have to decide if we should deliver the baby.

It will mean a caesarean section.

There's no other way out.

We must operate immediately if we are to save mother and child.

Dotun, you have to sign a form.

Doc, she must not die.

Come on, Dazzler.

Don’t give up.

You have us.

You have a good career.

And now…

a beautiful daughter who needs you.

I need you.

You have done it.

So now, fight it.

Fight it for us.

You can’t give up on us.

Funmiwo, you can’t.

-Happy birthday! -Happy birthday!

-Happy birthday! -Happy birthday!

-Happy birthday! -Happy birthday!

-Happy birthday! -Happy birthday!

Happy now?

Very happy.