Nigerian street-hop star Small Doctor has sparked an emotional conversation online after raising concerns about the alarming rise in drug abuse among youths in Lagos.
On May 20, 2025, the Penalty crooner took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his heartbreak after visiting his old neighborhood. According to the singer, what he saw left him deeply disturbed.
“I strolled through hoods on Sunday and what I saw was heartbreaking. The rate young chaps use drugs nowadays is alarming,” he wrote.
Small Doctor painted a grim picture of his experience, recalling seeing promising young men he grew up with now lost to substance abuse, some of them even “sleeping while standing” or in disturbing physical states.
The singer also referenced a conversation he had with Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde, who had once advised him to invest in a rehabilitation center, calling it “the new oil.” In hindsight, Small Doctor acknowledged how prophetic that advice now seems.
“Wasiu Ayinde told me 6 years ago to establish a rehabilitation centre, stating it is the new oil. That man saw the future.”
He also mentioned a content creator (whom he only remembered as “David something”) known for preaching against drug abuse on social media, saying his presence and message are sorely needed now more than ever.
“There is one bro that sings against drug abuse on socials… I think we need him more at this moment.”
His post quickly went viral, with many users applauding him for speaking out, while others turned the spotlight on the entertainment industry’s role in influencing youth behavior.
“No be una celebrity they mentor them? No be waiting most of you dey use do lifestyle now be dat? They practice what they see and hear from your music. Fix up the entertainment industry.”
Another commenter added:
“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.”
Small Doctor’s emotional account comes amid rising concerns about the widespread use of substances like “colorado” (synthetic cannabis) in many Nigerian urban areas, especially among teenagers and young adults.
His call to action is clear: community voices, especially influential entertainers, must take a stronger stand against drug abuse, not just in words, but in the lifestyles they model and the content they create.
As the conversation continues to build, many are hopeful that this moment could spark more intentional action from artists, creators, and leaders across Nigeria.
