Small Doctor laments rising drug abuse among youths
Nigerian afro-pop singer, Adekunle Temitope, popularly known as Small Doctor, has raised fresh concerns over the rise in hard drug use among Nigerian youths
The 28-year-old singer made this known in a series of posts shared via his X handle on Tuesday, where he narrated how a visit to some inner-city areas left him disturbed.
According to the singer, while walking through the neighbourhood where he grew up, he saw several young men in disturbing conditions, some sleeping while standing, others bent into “crazy postures” while clearly under the influence of hard substances.
“The rate at which young chaps use drugs nowadays is alarming. These were promising guys we grew up with. Now, they’re shadows of themselves,” he wrote.
Small Doctor recalled being advised by Fuji legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 de Ultimate) about six years ago to consider building a rehab centre. At the time, he didn’t take the idea seriously. But now, he said the situation has grown worse and demands urgent action.
He also mentioned a content creator and singer named David, who was known for campaigning against drug abuse on social media. Small Doctor called for his return, saying:
“We need him more than ever.”
“There’s one bros that sings against drug abuse on socials. It’s been a minute since I came across his content. I think we need him more at this moment.”
The singer’s concerns reflect a wider national issue. Data from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) shows that over 14.3 million Nigerians, between the ages of 15 and 64, are involved in drug abuse. The agency also noted a worrying rise in the number of female users.
Small Doctor, a former bus conductor and commercial bike rider, rose to fame after hustling through Alaba Market and being discovered by DJ Real of Eko FM.
His 2015 debut album “Omo Iya Teacher” featured street favourites like Mz Kiss, Seriki, Qdot, and Olamide and established him as one of the strongest voices of Lagos inner-city youth.
He is now using that voice to warn: drug abuse is destroying too many young lives.
