Original subtitles

Dear Mrs. Kylie,

I am sorry it took this long to finally write to you.

I was only trying to be better at school and better with words of English,

that you might understand every word I write when you read my letter.

I have decided to include in my letter the very ounce of my life.

That way, we might cease to be strangers.

Ireti was surrounded by water and cut off from the real world.

There was nothing new, no religion, no hospital, no formal education.

Everyone knew one another and strangers could easily be identified.

All that I think was the best part of Ireti.

A place of peace and tranquility.

As much as I can remember,

my story began the night I woke my elder sister up in the middle of the night

to tell her about the terrifying dream I had.

Big sister Dami, big sister Damilola.

Big sister Dami, I want to tell you something

Leave me alone.

I just had a dream.

I don't want to hear it.

In my dream I saw a flood

that covered our house so much the only visible thing was the roof.

As we stood there waiting for help

I was flushed off by a strong wave towards the mountains,

where water fell like a palm tree.

I tried looking for something to hold onto.

Did you find or did you die?

No. Don't let me forget the most important part.

Okay then, say what you have to say, I want to go to sleep.

I finally held on to a tree root but the force of the flood would not let up.

There was danger on both sides, and slowly I got weaker.

So did you let go or you died?

No. It was at that time that I saw a helper that fetched me out of the water.

The helper led me to a very big bird,

it had a door and window like a house.

And before I knew it, the bird was flying in the sky.

What's making you laugh?

I will tell grandfather to prepare herbal mixture for you, because you're sick.

What is wrong with the two of you?

If I get up from here…

If you don't both keep quiet, I'll scrub the floor with your mouths.

Let me enjoy my sleep!

I was in my 11th year,

living in a small hut in a deep jungle called Ireti.

My father had died few months back,

leaving my mother to cater for her two children and an unborn child.

Most of the times,

my mother was either tired or mad at everything

‎and everyone ‎but no one ever blamed her for that,

not even my grandfather.

Congratulations.

-Thank you Baba. -You've been given good tidings.

Ah, wait, Adetola,

Go in and bring me my bag.

My grandfather was the only good witch doctor I have come to know.

Maybe because he was the only witch doctor in the entire Ireti.

‎But he was good.

And that was all I wanted to be when I grew older.

A good witch doctor, just like my grandfather.

Put it in the container where you keep the money from your sales.

It will bring much more to you, you have entered into great wealth.

You'll be called she who fell into wealth.

-Baba, have this. -Really?

-Wow, you have done well. -Thank you, Baba.

A good child indeed. Well done.

Thank you, Baba. May you live long.

Ireti has always been the best place to be during rainy season.

I and my friends practically lived in water when the flood came every year.

We swam and we fished.

We enjoyed every bit of it but…

only if I knew the flood would bring my demise, I would have stayed clear.

I beat you!

You did not. I only stopped because something bit me.

That's your business.

My father said that my brother, Abiodun is coming from Lagos

and that he will take me back with him when he's leaving.

It's not his first time coming home.

This visit is different.

In fact, he will teach me how to speak the English language,

Me and his daughter, Fatima.

If my older sibling lived in town,

he would have taken me as well. But I am already too big to go to school.

Does your elder sister, Dami, know the way to Lagos?

I’m not talking about Dami,

I'm talking about the one that was the interpreter for those people

that visited our village one month ago.

Hmm, don't lie to me, you are not related to him.

What? If I say he's my uncle then that is what he is.

-Look, that's your business. -Please I'm tired.

Ah-ah, Ade?

What are you scratching over there?

I don't know what bit me… there.

Then stop scratching it.

Ah-ah! Big sister, what are you doing?

My mother, eat.

Because you know you need it more than we do.

Ah-ah?

I am not hungry.

My mother, eat.

It all started mysteriously and innocuously.

No one thought much about it, not even me.

It was just a little boil on my right leg and it was going to disappear soon.

Adetola! Are you deaf?

Is it until I slap you with my right hand before you stop scratching your leg?

It's really itching me, mother.

Bring it closer, let me have a look.

Wow, it's truly swollen!

It has gone red because you won't stop scratching it. Stop scratching it!.

Go inside and bring some palm oil.

Take, mother.

Thank you, my dear.

Put it… up here.

I said you should stop scratching it!

Sorry, my dear.

-Sorry, okay? -Thank you.

Sorry, my dear.

Yes, that's good.

-Is it paining you? -It's not paining me at all.

Help me get that herb.

I need a little to clean the puss. Good.

-May my child feel relief. -Amen.

That's it.

‎Be healed and be better that before.

‎A bird is never sick in it's nest.

Amen.

Do you understand? A man will always be a man.

Look here, drink this herbal mixture. Go ahead.

-It's smelly. -It's smelly?

Drink it! Your mother's son indeed. It's smelly!

-You must drink it. -You must finish drinking it.

No, do not vomit it.

My mother was doing everything she could to help while what was thought innocent

was beginning to act out its potential.

Sorry, my dear, sorry.

I didn't see anything.

Father, you didn't see anything?

Father, I am scared.

After all you've done to treat the wound on my son, it's not getting better,

instead it's getting worse everyday.

Eh, don't worry yourself, okay?

This too shall pass. He will be well.

-Amen -This will pass. He will be healed.

Or are the gods angry with me?

Ah-ah, what did you do that would arouse the wrath of the gods?

Eh?

I have done nothing.

Exactly. Then stop worrying and go home.

-All will be well. -Amen.

I have never been so terrified all my life.

Seeing myself being skinned alive like a sacrificial fowl

made me think I would never see another sunlight.

I felt my pain.

But most importantly,

I looked into my mother's eyes and wondered

what would be of her if she loses me?

Adetola, my dear,

look at my face.

I want you to promise me that you will survive this.

I promise you, mother.

By the grace of God,

you will survive this and become great.

Getting through that night was somewhat a miracle to me.

In a way, I began to believe death would have to fight harder if it wants me.

No.

God, no.

Not at this time.

-God… -Mother are you alright?

Not right now.

Mother are you alright?

Sorry.

Careful, mother.

-Sorry. -My mother, sorry.

Take it easy.

-Dami. -Mother, I'm listening. My mother.

Help me go to Olamilekan's house, quickly, call his mother for me.

Okay, mother. Sorry, mother, I'll be back.

My mother.

My dear,

God has brought us joy.

It's a bouncing baby boy.

Congratulations on our bundle of joy!

Thank you, my dear.

-Dami's mom… -Yes?

you are indeed a strong woman.

-May God keep and protect him. -Amen.

-Greetings Baba. -Yes my child.

Please come.

You are here just when I need you.

-It shall be well with you. -Amen Baba.

Please help me pull your little brother up so that I can give him his herbal mixture.

Ah, no, Baba.

My mother has warned me to not get close to Adetola again.

Don't be upset sir.

No problem.

Hmm.

People do not truly wish you well, only the creator does.

-Grandfather, -Yes?

there is a lizard's head in the herbal mixture.

Hey, shut your mouth!

"There is a lizard's head in the herbal mixture".

Even if it's the head of a snake that is inside.

Do you know what I went through to prepare this herbal mixture?

Smart mouth. Take this.

She said there is a lizard's head in it.

So you'll believe whatever your sister says?

Even if the head of a snake is in it.

Do you prefer how you're sitting and writhing in pain?

Your mates are running around in the village.

Good job. What is it? Ah!

Someone help me understand.

Someone else took the medication and another is reacting to it.

Hey, do you also what to-- You mustn't vomit it.

Keep it in! It mustn't come out.

Most days went by, by the way.

Maami would cry hopelessly and my sister would join in the

middle of comforting her.

I didn't blame them for the tears.

It is the only way to keep easing the heaviness in their hearts.

I would eventually die

and all their tears would soon dry up some day.

I have fought my fight…

and lost the battle.

Ade.

Ade.

Get up.

My father.

Lie down on your side.

Father.

Lie down on your side. God is watching.

Father.

Father!

Father!

Father!

Look, father,

this is not the first time he has said he sees his father.

The first time, he said he saw him come out of his grave calling for him.

This is the second time.

He said he saw his father, and he carried him away suddenly.

Father, I am scared.

Don't be scared.

Don't be scared, calm down.

I know what we will do.

We will take him to my house,

there I will surround him with charms

so that that no spirit will intrude.

I've heard father.

Do you wash his legs with the herbal mixture I gave like you're supposed to?

I'm using it on him.

-I use it in the morning and at night. -Everyday?

Just like you instructed.

That's all. God will hear our prayers.

-Be patient. -Keep it still!

-It's my leg. -I said to be patient.

‎I said keep it still.

‎Purity incarnate, ‎one who resolves all that's tangled

‎show us what is hidden, ‎Oshoki,‎ the master of wounds.

Help me put him on the bench over there.

Ade's mom!

-Johnson! -It's been a while ma.

-How are you? I hope you are fine. -I'm fine ma.

I went to see you at your house over there but…

What is this?

-It's a diabolical arrow. -A diabolical arrow?

Witches shot my son a diabolical arrow.

Ah-ah.

This is a lot.

When did this happen?

Eh, it happened not long after you left our village.

Johnson, my son is slowly dying.

I am not dying, mother. I will not die.

That is what he keeps saying.

But look at him, does he look like he's getting better?

Who are you people?

Eh…

-Baba, greetings. -They are…

We are the preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ,

we are going around preaching to people.

My grandson does not need your gospel.

What he needs now is help.

Listen Baba, tomorrow

some senior pastors from the church's headquarter

will be coming to this village with medical doctors

for a church crusade, free medical checks and care.

When they get here tomorrow I will do all I can to make them see Ade.

-May God grant you favor. Well done. -Amen.

Mrs. Macauley!

It is a good thing to see you!

Let me help you with my bag.

Don't worry, I will do all that for you, when we get there--

-Thank you. -Very wonderful.

-Thank you for coming. -You are all welcome.

These are our guests. Thank you for coming.

‎-Please Sir. ‎-You ae welcome.

-Please, have your seat. -Thank you.

You can have your seat.

‎-Thank you. ‎-Thank you.

-Ahh! -Ah, Pastor.

-Welcome. -Thank you.

That is brother Johnson Otukpe. He is my assistant here.

Thank you. Yeah. Come.

Pastor, why don't you let them follow us to go see Adetola right now?

Ah, not at all. Let them relax and

start what we came here for. When the time is right we will go there.

-There won't be any problems. -Okay then.

Let's start right now. Quickly.

Our visitors have arrived, they are here

to carry out medical checks on us, for free. Put your hands together for them.

If at the end of their examination they find ailment,

they will administer free drugs to you, clap for them again.

Okay, let's start.

-Welcome. -Let them sit.

Be careful. Please come and sit down.

Thank you.

Eh, Ade's mom,

these are the people I told you will be coming to our church headquarters.

I brought them here to help Ade.

Ah, thank you. Thank you for coming. Welcome.

This is Adetola, this is his mother,

that's his sister and this is their Grandpa.

-Good afternoon Sir. -Good afternoon Sir.

Hello, madam how are you doing?

-He's greeting you. -What?

-He's greeting you. -Eh, hello. Welcome.

Okay Johnson, ask how this became.

They want to know what really happened to Ade.

Well…

I don't know how it happened exactly.

But at first,

the spot started itching him, the more he scratched it, the more swollen it became.

From swelling it started bringing out puss, then it became this.

She said she doesn't know how it started.

That it started swelling first, then it now start removing…

-Puss -Puss, yes.

Um, doctor what could this be?

To be honest Mr. Obaseki, I don't have any idea.

But it looks like an infection.

The outer skin is completely damaged.

There's nothing that we can do right now, Johnson, nothing.

He needs to go to a hospital.

-But you are a doctor. -Yes Johnson, I know.

But beyond you know, general first aid,

there's little or nothing we can do here for him.

What this young man needs is a hospital.

Look, we'd have asked you to bring him to our hospital,

but it's a long journey from here. Eh.

Ah.

Johnson please, what is he saying, I don't understand.

-Ade's mom, -Yes?

he said there's nothing that can be done for him

-except we take him to the hospital. -Ah!

Johnson, I don't have the money.

Even feeding is difficult for us.

You know me very well, you know I don't have the money.

-Don't cry. Ade's mom, don't cry. -I don't have any money.

Please stop crying.

I can imagine how you feel.

Um…

She said you shouldn't cry, and that she understands how you and your son feel.

-I don't have the money. -It will all work out. Just calm down.

I said you shouldn't do this. Don't despair, Ade's mom.

Uh, don't be offended at the amount. Please manage this and take care of

the children. Adetola and his siblings. Please.

He said you can have it. Take it. He's giving it to you.

-He said you can have it. -Don't be offended ma.

thank you, sir, thank you, ma, thank you.

Thank you for being kind to me. I'm grateful.

Thank you Jesus! Thank you!

-Darling, what is it? -Thank you.

Remember the last letter I sent to our sponsors months ago?

Yes I remember.

Remember I added Adetola's condition and his photograph to the e-mail?

Yes.

Open it.

What is this?

God.

"Dear Mrs. Jayne Macauley,

I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health.

By the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

I found myself present at the church when your last outreach report was read

and I heard the story about the dying poor African boy with no help.

Go on.

You must know that from the day I saw that picture

until the moment in which this letter is written,

I have not slept a wink.

I see his face calling out for help every time I want to close my eyes

and I have decided to try.

Yes.

Please, If you can get him to your hospital,

Yes!

I will pay his hospital bill.

-Mrs. Kylie Taylor." -Yes.

Is this the eighty-something year old woman, you say visits your mom?

Yes.

Aah, oh thank you, Jesus.

-Ah, greetings. -Good afternoon.

-Johnson, Pastor. -Good afternoon.

-You are here, I hope all is well. -We come bearing good news.

-Good news? -Yes.

Uh, those people wrote…

Those people said we should bring Ade to Lagos,

to where he can be treated properly.

Ah! Thank you God!

‎-Thank you, God! ‎-Yes, thanks be to God.

Ah, Pastor, thank you.

Get up. Look, get up, Ade's mom, get up.

Baba, well done. Let's thank Jesus.

My dear, good news, they said we should bring you to Lagos for proper care.

-Eh, Ade! We're so blessed. -Thank you God.

-You are the healer that heals. -God.

As we set out on this journey with this child,

-Lord guard us. -Amen!

Toyin! What did I hear?

What did I hear that you want to do?

You want to take my brother's son to die in a foreign land?

Between us, can he survive this illness?

Ah!

Between us, does he look alive to you? You are not responding.

Listen, Baba, talk to your daughter so that she'll listen.

She better take my nephew inside, if she takes him away and something happens…

Ah!

Ireti village will not contain all of us!

What Abike! What will you do? Answer me.

Let me ask you a question.

What have you done to help my child since he became sick?

Answer me! Please what did you do?

Ah, boat man, thank you. Be careful. You should climb in first.

Be careful.

-Sorry! -Hold onto me!

-Greetings. What is it? -Yes, greetings, eh…

I know what I'm looking at. Sir, you know what will happen…

When you told me you were coming to get someone from the next village,

did you tell me you were bringing dead meat?

Ah, please sir. Have mercy on us.

I told you. God is my witness that I told you I will be transporting a sick boy.

Even if he's unwell, what is with the smell? the smell is terrible, it can kill.

-Ha! -Okay, don't be angry, let's go.

-What? You know what… -Let's go.

-You know what? Um… -What?

If you want me to help you take him, you understand…

You have to add 5000 to the agreed amount.

What?!

Okay, I beg you please,

I'll add 3000 to it.

-I beg you. -You know what will happen,

I don't want to be seen as heartless, let's go.

The extent of the stench will determine

if I'll take the 3000 or insist on the 5000. Let's go.

-Okay. -Thank you

Madam you know what you'll do,

-put him at the back, not in front. -Ah.

So that the stench won't be directly on me.

What's all this, stop driving with just one hand

-while you cover your nose with the other. -Ah.

-Please allow me. -We've been in the vehicle long enough

for you to get used to the smell.

Ah, I'm more scared of the smell than how you make it sound.

Okay. If you don't want this, then you have to want the other option.

You didn't want me spitting, now you don't want me covering my nose.

-Okay. -We will get there soon okay?

Sorry, my dear.

-Sorry, my dear. -Are you smoking?

Listen to him…

Is it not…

You are speeding too much.

Are you aware not everyone here smokes cigarettes?

Look here, I have to use something…

-Please my son is coughing. -What's wrong with him?

-Is he coughing? -It's because of the cigarette smoke.

-What? -He's choking on the cigarette smoke.

it's just menthol,

I’m just taking a little menthol. Don't make me choke on cigarette smoke.

The stench is…

Ah! Pastor! My son's temperature is very high!

-Pastor, his body is hot. -Ah!

-His temperature is high? -His eyes are turning. Please let's stop.

-Let's stop. -My Ade! Please have mercy on me.

-Pastor! -Let me open it for you.

Pastor, my child's body temperature is too high! It's getting hotter, ah!

-Pastor! -Come and help me open this door!

-I will help you open it, be patient. -Eh, Pastor! Open the door!

-Pastor! My child's body is hot! -Yes. Carry him.

-Jesus Christ. -Please pray for him.

-Eh, bring him down first. -Jesus Christ.

-Let's remove his clothes first. -What?

Let's remove his clothes, please. Let's remove them, his body is very hot.

He's body is very hot.

-Eh! -Ah-Ah.

Do you know what we should do? Let his feet touch the floor.

-Let his feet touch the floor. -Ah!

Look, this child has fainted.

-Let his feet touch the floor. Fainted?! -This child has fainted.

‎-Fainted?! ‎-Help me carry his legs, please.

‎-Take it easy. Carry him. ‎-Please.

-Please give me water. Thank you. -Here, take it.

-Thank you. -Take. Pour it on him.

-Please help me wake him! -Madam, stop crying, he's fine.

-Help me carry him. -What?

-Stop crying. -Please help me carry him.

-Help me wake him. -Jesus Christ.

-Ade! He's breathing. -Please help me wake him.

‎-Ade! Answer me. ‎-Please help me wake him.

‎-He's breathing. ‎-Ade!

‎-Please, give me that cloth. ‎-Sorry.

Yes, Pastor Matthew.

-Have mercy on me. -Madam it's okay.

-Let's go. -Alright, bring him here.

-Have mercy on me. -Yes.

Pastor Matthew,

-we've been expecting you, alright. -Thank you, Sir.

This is the Doctor in charge.

I'm Doctor Francis. I will be assisting Dr. Olatunde on Ade…

-Adetola Akinjobi -That's it. Yes, his case. Let's go.

-Madam it's okay. Okay, let's go. -My Ade.

Let's go. Madam, take it easy. Let's go.

‎Let's go. Come on. Yeah.

‎Madam, it's okay.

‎Let's go. Stop her.

-Ade. -You can't go in with us.

-Please, Ade, my dear. -You can't go in with us, wait here ma.

Please, he's my child, I gave birth to him.

Ade, my dear.

-Ade, my dear -Don't make noise, he's sleeping.

-He's sleeping, don't wake him up. -Ade's mom,

-calm down. -What's the meaning of all these.

-Do you want to wake him up? Relax. -Calm down.

Please don't be angry.

-Let him be, he's sleeping. -Eh, nurse Tope,

is there anywhere we can change our clothes and bathe?

Yes, down there on your right,

-you can bathe there. -What about for a woman?

-Anybody can bathe there. -Okay.

Ade's mom…

Madam leave this boy alone, he is sleeping.

Come and go and change your clothes and have your bath.

It's been a while since… Let's go.

-He's sleeping. -Please ma'am,

-can I sit here -You can't sit there.

-I said he's sleeping, ah-ah. -Let's go.

Hey, how do you feel?

Eh-eh, Adescoco.

Ah, Doctor, you are welcome.

-Ah! Mrs. Macauley, Ah! -Pastor Matthew! Good afternoon.

-Good afternoon. -Good afternoon.

-Naomi! See how grown you are. Oh. -Yeah.

Oh, you brought us food, thank you.

They brought us food.

Thank you, Ma'am. May you never be hungry, thank you.

That's her child.

-Ah, Pastor Matthew, -Yes Ma'am?

-Dr. Olatunde would like to see you. -Okay.

I'm coming, I want to see the doctor.

Aah, glory to God you're still alive.

Surviving this long in that critical condition,

exposed to every kind of infection is indeed a miracle.

Please, I want thank you for everything you have done for my child.

May you never see trouble, May all your prayers receive answers from God.

-Thank you, I’m grateful thank you. -No! Please don't.

I don't deserve this. God deserves all the glory. We thank God Ade is fine.

-It's okay. -I don't understand English.

You're welcome, it's alright.

We thank God.

-I don't understand. -It's okay. Ade, ah, welcome to Lagos.

This is my daughter, Naomi, she insisted on coming to see you.

-Mom, he doesn't understand English. -No, but you can teach him.

-So cute. -Aw.

Adetola has um, buruli ulcer.

Buruli ulcer?

Is this a kind of new disease?

No, not quite, but it's just been neglected.

Yes, buruli ulcer is a microbacterial skin disease

and this is caused by the microbacterium ulcerans.

It is the third most common you know, disease after leprosy and tuberculosis.

How does one contract this disease?

Well um,

reports have shown that one can contract this disease

by swimming in or wading through the river

or being bitten by an insect beside the river.

Um,

excuse me Doctor,

will Adetola be able to walk again?

Hmm…

that is a difficult one to answer but

I can tell you that the young man will go through

very extensive surgeries.

He has to go through skin graft

and then of course physiotherapy.

But, he has a problem.

What is it?

Adetola is already malnourished

and we cannot do anything until…

he has recovered at least 70% of his body nutrients.

So how do we do that?

Pastor, Adetola needs to eat.

He needs to eat well, especially protein.

Okay.

-Open your mouth, dear -I don't want to eat, I'm full.

-Please, just eat this. -He said he's full so leave him be.

Did he eat a little before?

Since he has eaten some, let him be.

You can't force feed a child.

"Eat". Here take this.

Leave him alone! Can't he hold the cup by himself?

You are troublesome.

Sorry. Ah.

-When he's not a baby. -it's okay now, sorry…

What is it? I only said you shouldn't force feed him,

so why are you giving me bad look?

-Please don't be angry ma'am. -You cannot force feed a child.

My dear, don't worry myself.

-Mom, -Yes, my dear?

Is it true that it wasn't witches were after my life?

Yes, that is what pastor said.

He said it was not a witchcraft attack that it's a disease.

But they've promised me that you will be properly taken care of.

This place is also good.

Ah.

Adetola, this is a hospital not our home.

Pastor Matthew said I won't die like Aunty Abike said.

Abike has lost her mind. Is she going to kill you by herself?

Don't mind her.

Jesus Christ speaking in scriptures says we should ask and we shall receive.

And there's no other way to talk to him except in prayers.

Pastor, I don't know how to pray.

I only know how to say "Amen".

Ade's mom, you see…

there's no special way of praying to God.

Just talk to Him like He is your father, talk to God like a friend.

Firstly, the most important point is that we should have faith.

When we have faith, it will come to pass.

You should know I'm not happy to leave.

But I'm beginning to miss the congregation over there, that's why.

-Will you come see me again? -Of course I'll come back.

What should I tell your siblings when I get home?

Tell them to stay away from Aunty Abike because she is a liar.

Okay, I will give them your message.

Ade, hi-five!

There you go.

Okay, um…

Do you know what we want to do now?

We want you out of here as soon as possible.

Out of the hospital and playing football with your friends and having fun,

just like you used to play before,

you will go back to playing like that. Do you understand?

So in order to do that we will remove skin

from your left leg.

Don't be scared. Hmm?

When we remove it, we will put it in the area with the wound

so that it can heal properly. Hm?

So that you can play football like Okocha and the rest of them, won't you like that?

-Okay careful, watch your head. -That's okay. Okay. That's a good boy.

-Doctor, -Yes?

won't I die?

What did he say?

He's asking if he's not going to die.

No. Look, all these and that is at your disposal. Tell him that.

She has powers, so we won't let you die.

Don't be scared. Do you understand me? Good.

-Okay doctors, we are ready for you. -Alright, hand me the wheelchair please.

Alright um,

we have an outstanding fee of 75,000 naira on Ade's file.

What are we doing to clear this up?

Well, fortunately the money arrived this morning and um,

my wife has gone to pick it up.

So, it should sort it out.

Very good.

You know how much the hospital has put in to see that… the boy succeeds.

Alright, something we barely do for patients.

True.

Yeah, well, it's God's will that we take care of him as much as we can.

I mean, who would have believed that the boy would have made it this far?

Hmmm.

-Oh well, uh… -Adetola.

You did nothing,

You said nothing. You sit and stretch out your legs.

If we check properly, this is the 11th month

since that man took my brother's wife and her son out of this village.

When he goes and comes back here, he tells us that they are well.

How are we sure they are well when we don't hear from them?

Look, let it not be that they have used my brother's wife for money ritual.

What would you have me do?

Good, Interrogate him well.

Tell him to tell you the truth.

Ah! Abike!

I'm warning you for the last time.

Eh? What has come over you

that you accuse someone without cause?

If he goes and comes back to say they are well, then they are well.

Eh?

Are we to throw the eggs away because the Hen is dead?

So because my brother is dead, no one cares what happens to his family anymore.

Then dress up, get on a vehicle and go look for them.

You should be the one going to look for them since you sent them out.

If not, I will be back again!

-To do what? Little thing like you. -You'll see.

Ah! Adetola! Doctor!

‎Adetola!!!

‎Nurse!

-Adetola, my dear! -What is it? Stand up. Leave him alone.

-What happened to him? -My leg!

-Adetola! -Be patient, leave him alone.

‎-Have some patience. Leave him alone. ‎-Adetola, my dear! Please.

‎-Help me! I'm in trouble! ‎-Ah! Doctor! Sorry.

Jesus,

the Pastor said that…

you are our friend,

you are our father.

Jesus please, have mercy on me,

don't let my son die.

Jesus have mercy on me.

Jesus where's your face?

It's okay. Ade.

-Ade, my dear. -There you are.

Welcome back that's our little miracle man, hmm?

-My dear. -Don't be angry, mother

Ah, my dear.

I'm not angry.

I am just glad I didn't lose you.

Eh, sorry.

-Madam, it's okay, hm? -Jesus.

Everything is fine. And you,

no more falling off the bed, eh?

He can't fall again, this will hold him in.

-Hmm. -Um, he's healing… fast. Healing…

-Quickly? -Yes! Good.

-Fast. He's getting better. It's okay. -Thank you ma'am.

Yeah, we'll miss him.

Thank you so much sir and ma.

-It's okay. -It's alright, you are welcome.

Doctor,

I don't know how I can thank you

She doesn't know how she'll thank us

…for the great favor you did for my family.

…for the favor we've done her and her family.

Most especially for me and my son.

For herself and her son.

If I start praying for you, I'll start cursing.

if she is to pray for us that she will curse.

I pray that God

-will continue helping you. -She prays that God

-continues to help us. -So you can help those

-who are less privileged. -Amen.

So that we can help those who are less privileged.

-Thank you, I am so grateful. Thank you. -No don't do that.

-Stop. It's alright. -No, stand up ma. It's okay.

-Ade, Congratulations huh? Well done. -Thank you.

Ade, aren't you going to give me a hug.

She said you should hug her.

It's okay. Ah, no.

-Thank you so much. -Oh look, the time is far gone.

Let's start leaving.

We are coming. Come and enter the vehicle.

Sorry.

Thank you.

‎Mother, greetings.

-This is 1000. -You have to add more money.

I'm coming, let me attend to my customer.

Ibukun's mom leave me to sleep, there's no one buying the wares I displayed.

Is that not your elder brother's son returning?

Ade! Eh!

Please let me take a look at my brother's child.

Eh, my Ade, it's a lie. Is my eye deceiving me?

So you could still walk into this village.

Or is that not him?

-It's him. -Then my eyes aren't deceiving me.

It's him, my brother's son.

Congratulations. Well done for taking care of him.

-Toyin, you are a mother indeed. -Well done.

-God will not allow you to see shame. -Amen.

I said it, that Adetola my brother's son

-is stronger than death. -You said it.

Even when some people were saying trash,

that this man wants to use him for money ritual.

I told them that this man seems

like a good person and that he wants the best for our family.

Thank you, you will not be put to shame. May God stand by you. Thank you.

Abike, are you sure?

Or were you not the one going around telling people all sorts in the village.

-No, she didn't say such. -You mean me? Me?

Me that's been praying since you left the village.

I kept going from one medicine man to the other, then to the Ifa priest.

I went to Osun's shrine that my brother's son

must walk back into this village hale and hearty,

-and God heard me. -That's true, your prayer was answered.

-My dear! -Thank you.

I will come and check on you in the evening.

Eh, Abike, this child came back.

-Yes, he has arrived. -This child actually came back.

‎-He is well. He came into town. ‎-He came back.

Look, help me pack up my wares,

-I will go home with them. -You will go home with them?

-Ah! Eh! -Eh-eh.

-It is what I'm lifting up now. -It is, you said it.

‎God, thank you so much.

-Thanks be to God, thanks to Jesus. -The deities are favorable towards you.

-Look, father, help me thank Pastor. -Ah!

Ah, Pastor is a good person.

He stood by us like he was Ade's father.

Hm, how do we properly thank him? Only God can help us reward him.

-May God take all the glory. -Amen in Jesus Name.

-Thank you, my dear. -Amen.

My mother.

I missed you too, my dear.

Eh-eh, Ade, tell me everything about the hospital you were taken to in Lagos.

Hmm, ah! I really had a swell time.

I really enjoyed myself.

-Pastor? -Greetings.

-Ah, welcome. -Thank you.

-Good day. -Good day.

-Baba well done. Ah-ah, Ade-Ade. -Thank you.

-Sir? -How is everything?

I hope all is going fine?

-Yes sir. -We thank God. Aah.

Pastor, it's good to see you.

Glory to God. The work of Jesus Christ is growing.

-Glory to God. -Those people, Mrs. Kylie,

-Ah! -The woman that paid for--

No. My Helper, our helper. Eh-eh.

-They send their greetings. -Thank you.

Eh… They said they want Ade to come to Lagos.

Eh?

To go to school. She promises to pay for his school fees till completion.

Ah! God thank you!

Wait, I didn't hear what you said well.

She said Ade should come to Lagos

and she'll send him to school and she'll pay his school fees.

-Such joy! God where is your face! -God thank you.

-I am not going to any school. -Eh?!

Ah-ah, Ade.

Don't you know the opportunity you have?

A lot of kids in this village are looking for such. What is the matter?

I am happy here. Also, I am too old for school.

Keep quiet! What is he saying?

Hold on Ade, You are offered something for free and you are complaining.

Does it cost you anything?

-I'm not going to school. -You will go!! I said you'll go.

Ade, come back here!

How can I go to school at this age?

My friend Olamilekan whom I am older than started school years ago.

Is it…

about starting earlier we are talking about?

What's important is that you go to school not when you started.

How can I learn?

Very soon, I will be old enough to marry.

Okay then, no problem.

A word is enough for the wise.

Not heeding advice leads to regrets.

I'm just worried about you.

I don't want you to wake up one day with regret

saying, "If I had known, I would have gone to school when I had the opportunity".

I just want you to know there is no life here in this village.

Grandpa, I am only going because of you.

Hmm? You will do what?

I will go to school, become a doctor and come back to take care of you.

-You will become a doctor? -Yes, Grandfather.

-And you'll take care of me? -Yes Grandfather.

Ah-ah, God will see you through.

Okay, let's pray.

Let's pray.

Lord, thank you for the food that is in front of us or before us,

we pray that as we eat, it will nourish our body. Amen.

Amen. Thank you Jesus.

-Enjoy your meal. -Thank you.

‎-Thank you, Father. ‎-Thank you.

-Enjoy your meal. -Amen sir.

Mom,

-Yes love? -look at him.

Adetola, what's wrong?

What is it?

Um…

I can't eat earthworms.

Adetola, these are not earthworms.

It's called spaghetti, it's the white man's food.

-Spaghetti? -Yes.

What's he saying?

He doesn't know what to do with it.

No, it's spaghetti.

-Oh you've never eaten spaghetti before? -You've not eaten it before?

-Aw, let me show you how to eat it. -She will show you how now.

-Hold your fork up like this… -Now hold the fork.

-Hold your fork like this. -It is called fork, Hmm?

Yes, dip into the mountain of spaghetti,

Put it into the food from the top.

…erupt it like a volcano,

Turn like you want to make Amala.

The spaghetti, take a lot of it.

-And… -Turn it very well.

Now put it in your mouth.

-Eat it, there's nothing wrong with it. -it's alright, eat it.

‎-It's food. ‎-You are going to love it.

-Don't be scared, go ahead. -Hmm. It's alright.

Mm-hmm. How is it?

isn't it delicious or not?

I told you you were going to like it.

Did you like it? Eh-eh. So continue eating.

Well… Primary Four will be okay.

It is going to be hard for him but he will cope.

Good.

-Ade. -Sir?

-It's alright. Primary Four then. -Alright.

-Thank you very much. -You are welcome sir.

-l appreciate, thank you very much. -Madam.

-Thank you very much. -Thank you.

-So have a good day Doctor.. -Thank you, you too.

Here, we speak English, do you understand me?

So, if any teacher or anyone complains to me that you speak Yoruba in class,

I'll beat you in front of everyone like a thief.

-Do you understand me? -Yes sir.

-Eh? What did you just say? -Yes.

"Yes"

-Mrs. Taiwo, you're welcome. -Thank you, sir.

This is the boy I said will be coming to join us.

Oh, okay.

-You can take him with you. -Alright sir, come with me please.

Follow me.

-Good morning class. -Good morning ma'am.

So we have a new student, tell them your name, please.

What did you say ma'am?

That's okay, that's fine.

My name is Ms. Taiwo.

Adetola Akinjobi.

His name is Adetola Akinjobi.

Busayo, please kindly pack your books and bag, go sit on that chair at the back.

So Adetola…

Thank you. Um, Ade, please come and sit down here.

Come and sit down here.

So…

Ms. Taiwo, I can't see the board, he's too tall.

Please try and manage. Shift to that side.

-I'm sure you can see the board now. -Yes ma.

Okay, so the last time that I was in class, I taught you about "clause",

-right? -Yes ma.

So who can tell me what a clause is?

Busayo.

A clause is a group of words that contains a verb, object, and subject.

Good. Please clap for her

That is very nice.

There are two types of clauses.

We have the main clause and the subordinate clause.

What did I just say?

The main clause and the subordinate clause.

Good.

I know you don't understand all I've been saying,

but as time goes on, you get to understand, okay?

-This is letter "C". -Letter "C".

-This is letter "D". -Letter "D".

-Let's say it again, this is letter "A". -Letter "A".

-This is letter "B". -Letter "B".

-This is letter "C". -Letter "C".

-This is letter "D". -Letter "D".

Now say it. What's this?

-This is letter "A". -Mm-hm.

-This is letter "B". -Okay.

This is letter "C".

-Okay. -What are you guys doing?

-Hi Dad. -How are you, Ade?

-Are you well, sir? -How are you?

Daddy, just a memorizing technique

to help him remember the alphabets without getting confused.

Very good.

-So whose idea is this? -It's mine, daddy.

-I've always known you are a genius. -Yes dad.

-That's good. Um, Ade, -Sir?

I'd like you to concentrate on your books. Hmm?

-Yes sir. -Put your mind to it too, hmm?

As you keep doing this and moving forward,

in later years… What's the word… You will reap the rewards.

-Amen sir. -Eh, so,

-focus on your book, don't play too much. -Yes sir.

-Let me go. -Thank you sir.

That's yours. Alright, well done.

-Bye bye daddy. -Goodbye sir.

-See you guys later. -Love you.

Alright, love you too.

So let's start.

Good morning ma, you are welcome ma.

Good morning everybody, how was your night?

It was fine, ma.

Okay, you can have your seat.

Who was supposed to clean the board, eh?

Adetola Akinjobi.

Has anyone seen Adetola Akinjobi this morning?

Aunty, I saw him entering Primary One classroom.

Primary One, are you sure?

Yes ma, I saw him too.

‎Two times one, two

‎Two times two, four

‎Two times three, six

‎Two times four, eight

‎Two times five, ten

‎Two times six, twelve…

-Good morning, Miss Taiwo. -Good morning, Tony.

-What can we do for you? -Nothing,

just continue with what you are doing.

Okay.

-Children, can we start all over again? -Yes.

Let's go.

‎Two times one, two, two times two, four

‎Two times three, six‎ ‎Two times four, eight

‎Two times five, ten, two times six, twelve

‎Two times seven, fourteen ‎Two times eight, sixteen

‎Two times nine, eighteen ‎two times ten, twenty

Ade, what happened?

Let's talk to him before his mother gets here.

Uh, hello, our friend.

What? You are disrespectful. Who is our friend?

You call this old man your friend? Can't you see his face?

Uh, you will say, "Good day, daddy".

This is why I didn't want him admitted into the school initially.

Why?

Because I don't know how to properly address him.

the other day, I wanted to send him to get me water,

but when I called him I felt I was disrespecting an elder.

-He ended up sending me to get him water. -Wow!

Please my daddy, I mean my brother. Because you can't be older than me,

I have a voter's card and I've voted thrice. I hope you understand me.

-You and your mom are clueless. -Of course.

When your mom brought you here and took you to the headmaster's office

and told him you are coming back to school.

At this age do you still think you are destined for school?

Pardon me, is it that your destiny is printed in small letters

or you and your mother did not think it through?

If you were in an Arabic school, you should be an Imam by now.

You are supposed to come and join us,

-"the sweeping team". -Yes.

You will be receiving 3200.

3000 is the normal pay but any day we sweep well,

the headmaster adds 200.

You pay school fees and we are paid salaries.

-That's it. -So what is your problem?

It looks like you are both out of your senses.

Who made you the school's guidance counselors

that gave you the right to say that rubbish to him?

-I'm not a counselor. -Get out of my face!

-We have his mate at home. -We're just advising--

What? Who has his mate at home? It's the other way around. He's our daddy.

Ah-ah, don't listen to them,

they have no plans for their future.

In this life, everyone needs a formal education even if it's for selling pepper.

Because that's what will differentiate you from an uneducated seller.

Don't listen to them.

God will help you, okay? it is well with you.

But what are you doing sitting here?

Let's go.

-I will survive this and be successful. -That will surely happen by God's grace.

Don't take the words of people like that seriously, it makes no meaning at all.

-Welcome ma. -Ade.

-Ibrahim! -Ade!

It's alright, bring your bag.

Uh…

They say they want to promote me to Primary Three.

-Wow! Congratulations! -Thank you, ma.

-That's amazing. -Yes ma.

What are you doing here?

I've come to stay here, they said they want to send me to school.

Is it also Mrs. Kylie that wants to sponsor your education?

No, it's not her, mummy arranged it.

-That's good. Ibrahim! -Ade!

What are you boys talking about?

We are talking about um…

-He said you want to send him to school. -I will be staying here. Yes.

-Okay. Alright, let's go. -Ade.

Um, go this way, you will see a reception there,

just wait for me.

-Thank you, sir. -I'll be right over. Thank you. Next!

Ah. Mrs. Macauley, good afternoon.

-Good afternoon Mr. Joseph. -Have a seat.

-Thank you. -Have your seat, yeah.

Hello boys, how are you?

-Are these the boys? -Yes.

Please, take care of my boys for me.

-They are very precious. -No problem.

This one…

-he might be bigger but he's fragile. -Alright.

So please, take care of them.

No problem ma.

-Your boys are in a safe haven. -I hope I can count on that.

-100% -Okay.

I'll miss you. Take care of yourself.

Come in boys.

So what's next, are they going already or what?

Ah no. You can have your leave I will put them down, they'll wait in the reception.

Alright.

-Hi guys -Hi.

-Later, I want to see my brother. -I will see you later.

Okay later.

Ade, what are you writing?

I am writing a letter to Mrs. Kylie.

-All of these? Oh, that's good. -You want to see it?

Wow.

I want mummy to help me send it to her when she comes back.

Okay, that's good.

-I even mentioned your name. -Yes, I've seen it. That's good.

-My baby, how are you? -I'm fine ma.

How's your brother?

I know you are taking good care of him.

Ah, he's the one that is taking care of me.

How is daddy and Naomi?

They are fine. Sent their greetings.

I told them you are now a secondary school boy.

Yes ma, we are.

Ma, did you receive the letter I sent to you?

Yes, I did. I read everything.

I am so proud of you and Ibrahim. Especially you, Ade.

Thank you, ma.

I even wrote letter for Mrs Kylie.

I don't know, maybe you can help me send it her when you return.

-Uh… -Hello?

-It's about Mrs Kylie. -What happened to her ma?

-She might not receive your letter, Ade. -Ah-ah, why?

-I received news yesterday that… -Eh?

‎Mrs. Kylie is dead.

But, you don't have to worry, Ade.

She left a lot of money to see you through secondary school.

I am so sorry, Ade.

That I am alive today…

it's because of Mrs. Kylie.

That I learnt to read and write…

it's because of her.

She changed my life even though she doesn't know who I am.

It's okay.

‎It's okay.

Why does God take good people away so easily?

Ade, stop. Don't do this.

Hm? Instead, you should be praising God and pray that she rests in his bosom.

Eh, wipe your tears.

You see, God knows all things. And according to Mrs. Macauley,

she said she has been sick for a very long time.

So it is best she just rests.

Eh? Take heart boy,

Stop crying. It's alright.

Thank you.

I have spent 15 years as head of schools,

ten years as um, headmaster of C.G.A primary school

and five years as principal of C.G.A secondary school.

Along these years, I have been opportune to meet some gifted students,

whom God has blessed abundantly with intelligence.

But this boy's case is different.

Without further ado, I am obliged to announce

this year's student of the year award winner…

Adetola Akinjobi!

Adetola Akinjobi's story has not ceased to amaze every one of us who know him.

At the age of 13, this boy could not read or write a word in English language.

Look at him today, he has become a fine example to others.

Congratulations. Please take our picture.

-Please come. -Let's go.

‎Thank you.

Ah-ah. Why are you staring at me like that?

Ah, Ade, you really became someone who has such excellent scores in your exams,

you were the best student in your school, how did you do that?

I just read my books.

Ah, our mother will be so happy when she hears this.

-That's good. -Hmm.

Eh, can you see that your life here is better now?

Ah!

Your life is better. We should be grateful to the Macauleys.

-Look, all things are in God's hands. -Hmm.

-And what's predestined cannot be changed. -That's true.

Ade the school boy.

So how was your exam?

-It was fine. -Wow, simple?

I can't say until the result is out.

You know higher institutions' systems are not… are quite different.

Yeah.

Ibrahim, I think you should come with me.

And who is going to take care of dad and Mom?

-Ah, dad. -Ah, gentlemen.

-How are you? -Welcome daddy.

-Ade, how was your exam? -Yes, sir? It was fine.

Um…

Your mom is not feeling too well.

How did you know that?

Damilola.

Actually she called in the morning but,

I didn't want to distract you on account of your exam earlier today.

Did she say how critical it might be?

No.

But I think that is why she wants you to come home. Hmm?

Maami.

‎Adetola's mom.

Maami, this is not what we agreed on.

‎This is not what we agreed on.

What is it? Why would you do something like this?

This is wickedness. Maami.

Stand up.

‎Maami, stand up!

We have seven characteristics of life. One, organization.

Organization.

Two, metabolism.

Metabolism.

Three, reproduction.

Reproduction.

Four, growth.

Are you a student here?

Yes sir.

I'm talking to you!

I'm a fresher, sir.

What is your name?

What is your name?!

Adetola Akinjobi.

Now Adetola, in my class

no one comes late, do you understand me?

-It won't happen again, sir. -I don't care.

Find yourself a seat and stop wasting my time.

Like I was saying,

number four, growth.

Number five, environmental response.

Um…

Adetola, right?

Yes. Who's asking?

-I'm Busayo. Busayo Awolowo from C-- -Wait.

-From C.G.A primary school… -Yes.

Oh my God.

You're the lady that gave up her seat for me.

Yes, I am.

-What are you doing here? -I’m a student here.

-Oh. -What are you studying?

Medicine and Surgery.

Okay let me guess, you are here on a scholarship?

Nope, I'm not.

I'm here just like every other person.

So what are you studying?

Um, Biochemistry.

Biochemistry. Cool. Nice. Small world.

-I know right? -Who would have thought that

we would be here together again taking lectures?

-I know right? Very small world. -I swear.

-Um, so are you ready to go? -Yes, I am.

Okay.

Okay.

Mom…

I've not paid for my tuition, if I don't pay they won't let me receive lectures.

Have you lost faith in God, son?

I've not. I have a strong belief in God.

Then trust in God with all your heart and in all circumstances.

I sent the letters you wrote, attached with your second year's result

and some of the replies I've got in my mail are impressive.

They are happy with your performance.

It makes them believe their donations are not in vain.

But I failed a course last year, mom.

-It's not as easy as secondary school. -Of course.

They know. Who says Medicine and Surgery are for children?

You always have a way of bringing me peace again.

You will always find peace, son.

It lies deep inside you.

You should know we have gotten some donations but the money isn't enough yet.

I know. Thank you for your support.

And thanks to everyone who has been supporting my dreams.

-I always put them in my prayers. -I will, son.

You and I knew this won't be easy before we began, right?

Yes, mom.

Then, let's trust in the Lord who did it before.

He will do it once more.

I will ma.

-Thank you. You're the best mom. -So tell me,

how's that your beautiful girlfriend?

-Thank you. -Ah-ah. You've finished with it.

Give me… Sprite.

Here.

‎Hey.

Thank you.

You are welcome.

Ah.

My mother sends her greetings.

Aww, how is she?

Yeah, she's fine. Trying hard to get my school fees together.

Ade…

I'm so sorry you have to go through this every year just to pay your school fees.

It's okay.

I don't even think about it like that.

But I'm grateful to God

for my family and for the good people

that donate their hard-earned money

just to see this village boy go to school.

It is what it is.

It is well.

What?

Take it.

I can't take this.

Where did you get this huge amount of money from?

I stole it.

What?!

I'm just joking.

Ade you just have to have it.

See, Busayo, I can't take this.

Mom said my school fees looks promising.

I should expect it before the-- By the end of the week.

Moreover, I am supposed to give to you, not the other way around.

Ade, it's either you take this money or you forget about me.

Do you think I'm happy seeing you here working not focused on your studies?

It's not fair.

Thank you.

Should I?

It's fine.

-You're going to be okay. -Yeah.

-Sorry. -Leave me alone!

Excuse me. Sorry.

-How are you? -I'm fine.

Ah!

‎Ah!

I've checked. I want to check the other one.

Yes, I passed, I did very well.

-You passed? -Yes.

You did very well?

Ade…

Ade! Ade stop!

Ade.

Busayo.

Ade please, open the door please, you can't lock me outside.

Please go back, I'm fine.

Ade, Ade please I can't go away until you open this door.

How can I go back when you've locked yourself up inside.

Ade please.

I am not joking, just leave me alone. Go back! I am fine!

Ade, don't be like this. Please it's not the end of the world.

Ade, you can always rewrite the course.

You've done it before and I know you can do it again. Ade--

I am not doing anything again.

How many times do I have to keep trying?

I'm going back home, that is where I belong.

Go back, leave me alone!

Ade no, Ade, please. Ade, I'm begging you please just open the door, please.

‎I will not.

‎I will…

-Ah-ah! -Adetola! Ah-ah! Adetola!

‎Welcome!

What are you doing here, how's school?

We've finished exams, so I decided to come to see you.

That's good. Welcome!

But we have been expecting you for so long.

-I'm back now, how about my siblings? -Eh, let's go in first.

Let's go in. Please come back for your money, okay?

Let me carry this. Ah! Neighbors! Villagers! Our doctor is here!

He's here. Will you eat? There's amala. Ah!

When the challenge became too much and too hard to handle,

I told Mayowa to go to Lagos

to learn a trade from Mr. Olaitan.

He will train to be a mechanic.

Eh, the new Pastor that was brought to our village helped me arrange it.

Ah-ah, you did not tell me anything about this.

Hmm. I didn't want to disturb you.

You have your own worries.

Ah.

But, I'm happy to see you.

-Adetola. -Mom.

Where are you? Are you okay?

Tell me where you are right now and I will come and get you.

You don't need to worry, I am fine.

Don't tell me not to worry. Where are you?

Home.

Ade, Adetola.

Get up, it's afternoon already.

Come and eat.

-I'm not hungry. Hm. -You are not hungry?

You didn't eat yesterday and today you are saying you are not hungry.

Ah-ah, come and eat. What is wrong?

Ha, I'm just not hungry.

Ah, something's wrong, Detola. Tell me.

-I'll listen. -Leave me alone.

-Ade-- -What is the meaning of all this?

I tried everything I could to convince him.

Ade might have a gentle soul but he is stubborn as a mule.

Ade is not stubborn. He's just um…

He's depressed, empty and um… having a hard time.

But he can't give up now, he has all the help he needs.

Even I support him in my own way.

Well, to be honest, Busayo, it's um, very easy for one to say.

But Ade has gone through so much in his life that um…

any slight thing might just break his spirit.

What he needs now is comfort and um…

someone to remind him of who he is.

I will go to him.

Come on Busayo, no one can put such a weight on your shoulder.

No, please, it's no weight.

I just can't allow him destroy everything he has built just like that.

Um, the only problem is I cannot find my way there.

Well, that's not a problem.

So you leave first thing in the morning.

I will provide funding for the transportation

and also give you the address to make your way to the village very easily.

-Thank you. Mm-hm. -Alright?

My dear, there's no problem. She will bring Ade back to us. Okay?

I know Ade, he may never come back.

I know Ade, he will never come back.

He will not come back.

I'll carry him if I have to. Trust me.

-He will not come back. -My dear, it's okay.

-If you agree to my proposal-- -Huh?

-What's that? What do you mean to listen? -For what? Listen…

-You have started again. -Is this why you called me for?

-What else should I have called you for? -I'll think about it.

Don't make it hard,

what's with you saying you will think about it all the time.

I have bigger things on my mind than all that you're saying.

You want to marry--

Ilo?

How are you?

She is looking for me? Ah.

Thank you, dear. Here have this.

-Good afternoon. -good afternoon.

-Please I'm looking for Adetola Akinjobi. -Really?

-Yes. -From where?

My name is Busayo, he is my friend.

He's your friend? Ah welcome.

Macauley sent me.

-Oh! Macauley! Ade's parents! Come please. -Macauley. Yes.

-Thank you. -Are they okay, I hope there's no problem?

-I'm grateful. -Have a seat.

Eh, let me get you some water.

-Ah, no thank you, It's Ade… -It's Ade you came to see?

Yes.

Eh, Ade came back not long ago

but I noticed that something was not right with him.

He is not eating, sleeping or doing anything. He's not happy.

Please, did something happen? What's happening? I don't understand it.

That is why I'm here.

Ade needs help.

What is wrong with him? Talk to me, I'm his elder sibling. What is wrong with him?

Depression.

-Eh… Depression. -Depression?

Yes.

What is he thinking about?

He has all he needs and his parents treat him well.

what is he thinking…

He's struggling with school.

-He is… Ah-ah. -School is hard for him.

What do you mean school is hard for him? He's brilliant.

And he has a good head on his shoulders, school can't be hard for him.

Ah! Busayo right?

Wait, I'll go and get him. I'll tell him someone is looking for him.

Okay, let me follow you.

Ah… Eh… Oh… Ah.

It marvels me…

It marvels me how peaceful the world is in the village

while we face the hostility of everyday life

in the city all in the name of chasing dreams.

What are you doing here?

I have come to find you, Ade.

Find me?

-I am not lost, I'm I? -Ade,

you need to come back to school.

I mean, look around you, just look around you, Ade.

Is this what you want for yourself?

This is what life has given to me.

I have to return to everything I used to be.

Busayo, can't you see for yourself…

I have failed in life, I have failed in everything.

Ade, no. Ade, please stop saying that, you are not a failure. Stop saying that.

You know your sister told me.

She told me…

that nobody has ever risen from this village to become a medical doctor.

And you are just going to abandon your chance of becoming that?

The chance of becoming what?

I have failed. I have failed to be a medical doctor.

So, I've failed in everything, what is left in life?

You can retake the courses.

I can't!

Busayo…

-please you need to return to the city. -Ade…

You need to forget about me.

I am nothing. I'm a nobody. I'm a failure.

See, you are a lovely lady and trust me,

there are men out there waiting for your type.

-Please go back. -No.

Ade, Detola.

‎Ade.

Ade. Please--

-Just go back. -Busayo, let's go.

He's a fool. Whenever there's a problem,

he runs away. Let's go.

-No evil will befall you. -Amen.

-No evil will befall you. -Amen.

-You will grow old and be healthy. -Amen.

‎Wait sir!

-May you be healed. -Wait, sir.

Who are you?

Don't do what you're about to do to him.

-Abomination. -Hold on.

Be careful so that you don't incur the wrath of the deities.

Sir, this ritual is not the solution to what is wrong with this child.

-Don't let the deities fight you. -Forget the deities, they will understand.

Listen, I'm not going to allow this. All you are saying won't work.

-You don't know what you're saying. -What is wrong with you?

What's happening to this child has happened to me before. I know you, sir.

-You don't know me. -Remove the chicken. Are you not a mother?

I am a mother, I gave birth to my child.

What is it, why are you interrupting the ritual?

I'm saying this has happened to me before, look at my scar.

It has happened to me before. He needs to be taken to the hospital.

-Hospital, where is the hospital? -You're saying he's healed, healed how?

-Why are you youths like this? -Yes, sir.

-Drop the chicken, they'll eat it at home. -Let me do the work God has sent me.

‎-May you be healed. ‎-Leave him alone. Can you see his leg?

Can you see my own leg? Let's go. Only a hospital can handled this.

-What's wrong with you youths? -Yes, sir.

I know what I'm saying. Let them kill the chicken and eat it at home.

‎Let me do the work that God has sent me.

-Ah-ah, what's chasing you? -Where's Busayo?

-She left already. -She left?

-She's gone already. -She can't leave without taking me.

Taking you to where?

Back to school.

-You will go to school? -Yes.

-Ah! -I want to go back. I saw a sign.

What kind of sign?

I saw a sign that said

-I have to go back to school -Eh!

to fulfill my real purpose in life.

-God showed me the sign. -Hmm.

-I must return to school. -I'm happy. You will return.

-Ade. -Busayo.

Thank you.

Let's go.

-Ade. -Hm?

Maami?

Should I teach you?

Cellular adaptation,

cells are completely reversible coming back to end stage. Hm?

We have morphology, physiology,

metabolism, do you understand?

Write it down, my dear.

My Adetola…

you will be great.

You will always be loved by all.

God will give you wisdom and understanding to be great, well done dear.

May God give you knowledge.

-Resitting student? -Yes sir.

Endeavour you get it right this time around.

Because there'll be no more chances waiting for you. Okay?

-Yes sir. -Alright?

Yes sir.

Now, You have one hour thirty minutes for this paper.

Your time start now. Okay?

Hey!

-Does the exam look like a joke to you? -No sir.

You better concentrate or I'll send you out of the examination hall.

I'm sorry sir.

Oh.

‎Whoo.

Yes! Whoo.

Ah. How was it?

It's 99%

Are you serious?! Ade!

‎-Oh my God. 99% ‎-Yes.

Yes. Babe…

I think you should marry me now.

Now that I am sure that I am going to be a medical doctor.

Wait. Wait a minute, did you think

I was going to marry you only if you were going to become a medical doctor?

Ade, I was going to marry you even if you were going to become a bus conductor.

-Oh really? -Yes!

So how would we meet?

That is going to be me fighting you over…

twenty naira change?

Well, you have a point, you can say that again.

-Ade I'm so proud of you. -I'm proud of you too baby.

Thank you.

Bosede Akinwunmi.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

The overall best graduating student…

Adetola Akinjobi.

Congratulations. My VC sir.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Thank you, sir.

-Um, Adetola Akinjobi, -Yes sir?

-Do you have anything to tell us? -Yes sir.

Um… I am grateful to God,

to my parents, my sister…

my darling Busayo…

and to everyone

who because of their good hearts I stand here today.

Thank you so much, I'd always remember you in my prayers.

Yes? Come in.

-Aah! -Good afternoon sir.

-Good afternoon, Detola -Yes sir.

Akinjobi.

-I've been expecting you. -Yes sir.

-Please sit. -Thank you, sir.

Aah. Yes.

So, your mother told me you're a medical doctor now.

Um…

A certificate does not make a medical doctor.

But helping patients recover from their ailments does.

-Isn't that why you're here? -Of course. Thank you.

I mean, who would have believed that you would…

return to this hospital as a medical doctor?

God and all his wonders.

-Alright, let me see your document. -Yes sir.

Wow. First class in medicine and surgery.

By the special grace of God.

Wow.

I mean you could have applied to any of the you know…

good hospitals in this country.

And I'm sure with this excellent certificate

they will be more than obliged to have you as one of their doctors.

But you decided to come to C.G.A. Why? Did your mother persuade you?

No, she didn't. Um…

this hospital saved my life.

Everything I am today, is credit to this hospital.

So I just feel… um, it's good for me to just come back here.

I just want to say a very big thank you to you for

helping this hopeless boy from the village with no dreams.

Everything I am today is credit to this hospital, so I have to be back here.

Hmm.

Welcome to C.G.A, Doctor Adetola Akinjobi.

Thank you very much sir.

Congratulations son.

-Congratulations. -Thank you so much.

Thank you, dad.

I’m so proud of you.

Mom.

Hmm. Thank you, mom.

Mom, what is it?

I have a confession to make to you, son.

Confession?

You have never wronged me.

Yes, I have.

You are just unaware.

When Dr. Kylie's letter arrived with the request that you go to school,

I had written back to her,

telling her not to waste her money, that education wasn't for you.

But, look at you today.

I'm sorry.

Mama…

I never believed in myself too.

But, it is what it is today.

I am a medical doctor. It's fine.

Yeah.

-It's fine. -Medical doctor.

I think "doctor" has always been in your bloodline.

Even your grandpa was one.

-Yes. It's okay, mama. -So proud of you.

I haven't always believed in life.

I still have my doubts and I still fight my battles.

But one lesson life has taught me

is to believe that there will be good people

who will see me through my hard times.

People I know,

people I do not know.

People I might never meet in my lifetime.

Dr. Akinjobi…

your food is ready.

Okay, Dr. Akinjobi.

I'm coming.

Aww, come come.

Let me help you with that.

Kayla…

Come.

‎Subtitle translation by: Anu Akiyode.