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Nigerian street-pop artist Adekunle Temitope, known as Small Doctor, has expressed his serious concerns regarding the increasing incidence of drug abuse among the youth in Nigeria.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the singer recounted a troubling observation from a recent visit to his childhood neighborhood.
"I took a walk through the hood on Sunday, and what I witnessed was heartbreaking," Small Doctor shared. "The number of young people using drugs today is alarming."
He noted that many young men he saw clearly appeared to be under the influence of drugs, some exhibiting disturbing behaviors, standing asleep or assuming strange positions due to the substances they had taken.
"These were once promising individuals we knew. Now, they're mere shadows of their former selves," he sorrowfully remarked.
Small Doctor also recalled advice he received years earlier from renowned Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), who had suggested he establish a rehabilitation center.
"Six years ago, K1 advised me to create a rehab center. I didn’t take it seriously back then. But now, I realize the urgent need for it," he noted.
Additionally, he referred to another artist named David, who had previously advocated against drug use on social media through his music.
He articulated his worry about the absence of such messages, stating, "There’s a guy who used to sing against drug abuse online—David something; I can’t remember his full name. I haven’t seen his content in a while. We need voices like his now more than ever."
His remarks come in the light of rising national concerns regarding substance abuse.
