Nigerian street-pop artist Adekunle Temitope, widely known as Small Doctor, has raised serious concerns about the escalating rate of drug abuse among young Nigerians.
The singer took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to share a troubling account of what he observed during a recent visit to his childhood neighbourhood.
“I strolled through the hood on Sunday, and what I saw was heartbreaking,” Small Doctor wrote. “The rate young chaps use drugs nowadays is alarming.”
He described encountering several young men visibly under the influence of drugs, with some standing while asleep and others locked in unusual postures, all indicating heavy substance use.
“These were promising guys we grew up with. Now, they’re shadows of themselves,” he lamented.
Small Doctor also recalled a conversation from six years ago with veteran Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate. The older artist had urged him at the time to consider opening a rehabilitation centre. “Six years ago, K1 told me to set up a rehab centre. I didn’t take it seriously then. But now, I see the need more than ever,” he said.
In his post, the singer also mentioned another artist named David, who had previously used his platform to speak against drug abuse through music and social media content.
“There’s one bro that sings against drug abuse on socials—David something, can’t fully remember. Been a minute I came across his contents. I think we need him more this moment,” he stated.
Small Doctor’s comments come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with a growing drug crisis. Data from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency shows that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 are involved in drug abuse, with a worrying increase in female users.
