Nigerian street-pop star Adekunle Temitope, better known as Small Doctor, has raised alarm over the growing drug abuse crisis among Nigerian youths. He described the situation as both “heartbreaking” and “alarming.”
On Tuesday, the singer took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to share a disturbing experience from a recent visit to his childhood neighbourhood. He said many of the young men he saw were under the influence of drugs, showing strange behaviours, some stood while asleep, others froze in bizarre positions.
“I strolled through the hood on Sunday, and what I saw was heartbreaking. The rate young chaps use drugs nowadays is alarming,” he wrote.
Small Doctor expressed sadness over the decline of many he once grew up with.
“These were promising guys we grew up with. Now, they’re shadows of themselves,” he lamented.
The singer revealed that six years ago, Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate) had urged him to open a rehabilitation centre. At the time, he didn’t take the advice seriously. Now, he admits the need has become urgent.
“K1 told me six years ago to set up a rehab centre. I didn’t take it seriously then. But now, I see the need more than ever,” he stated.
He also mentioned an artist named “David” who once promoted anti-drug messages online but has since gone silent.
“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.”
A Worsening National Crisis
Small Doctor’s concern adds to the growing call for action. A 2023 PUNCH report quoted Ibiba Odili, Ogun State Commander of the NDLEA, who said 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 abuse drugs.
She noted that cannabis remains the most commonly used substance, especially in Nigeria’s southwest. Odili also raised concern about the rising number of female users.
“One out of every four drug users is a woman. That’s troubling because women are caregivers and role models. If more women use drugs, it affects the kind of children and communities they’ll help shape,” she warned.
As drug use rises across Nigeria, Small Doctor’s message adds urgency to the growing demand for awareness, intervention, and rehabilitation programs.
