Nigerian Afrobeats star Adekunle Temitope, widely known as Small Doctor, has voiced serious concern about the worsening drug abuse crisis among young people in Nigeria. His alarm was triggered by a recent visit to his childhood neighborhood in Agege, Lagos.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Small Doctor recounted a heartbreaking experience while walking through familiar streets. He said he encountered several young men he grew up with who now appeared to be battling drug addiction.
The singer described seeing some of them “sleeping while standing,” while others were stuck in unusual and disturbing postures, indicating severe disorientation.
He called for increased efforts to combat drug abuse, especially among the youth, and urged celebrities and influencers to use their platforms to create more awareness and push for action.
Reflecting on a conversation he had six years ago with Fuji icon Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, Small Doctor noted that the veteran had once advised him to set up a rehabilitation centre—a suggestion he now sees in a new light.
“Wasiu Ayinde told me 6 years ago to establish a rehabilitation centre, stating it is the new oil. That man saw the future,” he wrote.
In his post, the singer also referenced a social media content creator known for speaking against drug abuse. “There is one bros that sings against drug abuse on socials, been a minute I came across his contents (David something can’t fully remember). I think we need him more at this moment,” he said.
Sharing more about what he witnessed, Small Doctor added, “I strolled through hoods on Sunday and what I saw was heartbreaking. The rate young chaps use drugs nowadays is alarming… Most heartbreaking was when I arrived in my hood, I saw some promising guys we grew up together sleeping while standing, some were even making some crazy postures while sleeping. So sad.”
His emotional message has since sparked conversations online, with many calling for urgent and collaborative action to tackle the growing drug epidemic in Nigeria.
