Small Doctor Expresses Shock Over Drug Abuse Among Youths: “I Saw Promising Men Sleeping While Standing”

Afrobeats sensation Small Doctor has voiced strong disapproval regarding the alarming surge of drug abuse among Nigerian youth. The artist, who hails from Agege, Lagos, shared his personal encounter that left him emotionally disturbed and deeply concerned about the future of young Nigerians.

During a recent visit to the neighbourhood where he grew up, Small Doctor observed an unsettling sight. He revealed that he came across some of his childhood friends—young men once full of potential—who were in such a drug-induced state that they were literally sleeping while standing.

This disturbing experience, according to him, was both shocking and saddening. He used the opportunity to advocate for greater awareness and intervention against drug misuse, calling for more voices to rise in support of the campaign.

The artist also referenced a piece of advice he received from Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde (K1 De Ultimate) six years ago. According to Small Doctor, Ayinde had encouraged him to establish a drug rehabilitation centre, foreseeing that the demand for such facilities would become increasingly vital. He described the advice as prophetic, stating that Ayinde “saw the future.”

Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Small Doctor wrote:

“There’s one guy that consistently speaks out against drug use on social media—I think his name is David-something, though I can’t recall fully. We need his voice now more than ever.

I walked through a few neighbourhoods this past Sunday and what I saw broke my heart. The rate at which young people are indulging in substance use today is beyond alarming.

Wasiu Ayinde advised me six years ago to set up a rehab centre, calling it the new oil. That man had vision.

What pained me most was returning to my old neighbourhood and seeing guys I grew up with literally asleep while standing. Some were even stuck in awkward and strange postures while sleeping.

It’s truly devastating.”