Small Doctor Raises Alarm Over Drug Abuse Crisis Among Lagos Youths

Nigerian street-hop sensation Small Doctor has spoken out about the rising wave of drug abuse affecting young people across Lagos, expressing deep concern after witnessing its impact firsthand in his old neighborhood.

On May 20, 2025, the “Penalty” hitmaker took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to share a series of emotional reflections following a recent visit to his roots. His posts painted a grim picture of a community grappling with substance abuse, and the once-promising youth now visibly caught in its grip.

“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 added that legendary Fuji icon Wasiu Ayinde had advised him years ago to consider setting up a rehabilitation centre, calling it “the new oil” — a suggestion he now regrets not acting on sooner.

The singer went on to describe a painful moment when he saw familiar faces — friends he grew up with — now in distressing conditions due to drug addiction. “I saw some promising guys we grew up together sleeping while standing, some were even making some crazy postures while sleeping. So sad,” he lamented.

He also made reference to a content creator known for speaking out against drug abuse, urging the return of such influential voices online. “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.”

Small Doctor’s candid remarks quickly gained traction on social media, sparking important conversations about the role of influencers and celebrities in shaping youth culture. Some users responded with pointed criticism, urging artists to lead by example and stop glorifying drug use in music and lifestyle content.

While Small Doctor has long been admired for using his platform to stay connected with the streets and promote positivity, critics believe more needs to be done within the entertainment industry to combat the drug abuse epidemic. They argue that change must begin with those in the spotlight, especially in an era where young people look up to entertainers as role models.

As Lagos continues to battle increasing cases of substance use, Small Doctor’s call for awareness serves as a sobering reminder of the real-life consequences playing out in neighborhoods across the state. Whether his message leads to tangible action remains to be seen, but it’s clear the conversation has reached a critical turning point.