Afrobeats star Small Doctor raises alarm over rising drug abuse among Nigerian youths
Popular Afrobeats singer Small Doctor has voiced his deep concern over the growing drug abuse crisis among young Nigerians, calling for urgent advocacy and action.
In a series of emotional posts on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the Agege-born artist described a recent visit to his childhood neighborhood, where he witnessed several young men — once full of potential — now visibly struggling with addiction.
“I strolled through hoods on Sunday and what I saw was heartbreaking. The rate young chaps use drugs nowadays is alarming,” Small Doctor wrote.
He said the most disturbing part of the visit was seeing some of his childhood friends “sleeping while standing” and striking unnatural postures due to drug effects.
“Most heartbreaking was when I arrived 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.”
The singer also recalled a prophetic conversation with Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde about the future of drug rehabilitation services in Nigeria.
“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.
Small Doctor added that he missed the social media presence of a content creator named David, known for creating videos about drug abuse prevention, and urged for more voices like his to return to the spotlight.
“There is one bros that sings against drug abuse on socials… I think we need him more this moment.”
As substance abuse continues to rise among Nigerian youth, Small Doctor’s powerful message adds to growing calls for rehabilitation programs, awareness campaigns, and community-led solutions to tackle the crisis before more lives are lost.
