Nigerian singer Small Doctor has raised the alarm over the increasing abuse of drugs among youths in Lagos, painting a disturbing picture of what he recently witnessed in his old neighborhood.
In a heartfelt post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) account on May 20, 2025, the Penalty crooner lamented the visible toll drug abuse has taken on many of the young people he once knew.
According to him, a casual stroll through familiar streets revealed a deeply unsettling reality. “I strolled through hoods on Sunday and what I saw was heartbreaking,” he wrote. “The rate young chaps use drugs nowadays is alarming.”
He went on to recount scenes that left a lasting impression on him. Small Doctor noted how people he once considered promising peers were now shadows of their former selves, lost to substance abuse.
“The 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,” he shared, adding a crying emoji to emphasize his grief.
His words reflect not just disappointment, but deep emotional pain over the decline of a generation he once walked alongside.
In his post, Small Doctor also referenced a content creator known for anti-drug advocacy, expressing hope that this individual would return to the spotlight and help lead the charge against the epidemic.
“There is one bro that sings against drug abuse on socials; it’s been a minute since I came across his content (David something, can’t fully remember). I think we need him more this moment,” he said.
The call for support from individuals using their platforms for positive change signals Small Doctor’s recognition that addressing the crisis requires a collective, public effort.
The singer also recalled a prophetic conversation with Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde, who had urged him years ago to establish a rehabilitation center.
“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.
His mention of this advice served as a sobering reminder that the signs of the drug crisis were visible long before they became this pronounced.
It also suggested a need for infrastructure and long-term solutions to support rehabilitation and recovery.
However, not everyone was quick to praise Small Doctor’s concerns. Several online reactions to his post questioned the role of celebrities in promoting or normalizing the very behavior they now condemn.
One user responded, “No be una celebrity they mentor them? No be waiting most of you dey use do lifestyle now b dat? They practice what they saw and hear from your music. Fix up the entertainment industry. Let the clean up begin from you guys.”
The comment reflects growing frustration with public figures who speak against drug abuse but whose lyrics or image often glamorize it.
Another commenter echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for accountability. “No offence bro, but leaders set the tone. If we’re speaking against drug abuse, the example we show matters. It’s hard to push the message when your content sometimes promotes smoking or drinking. You’re influential—let’s not just talk change, let’s live it too.”
These reactions underline the importance of consistency between message and action.
While Small Doctor’s observations are heartfelt, they also ignite a larger conversation about responsibility, influence, and the role of artists in shaping youth behavior.
