By Adenike Lawal
The National Orientation Agency has cautioned luxury car dealer Sarkin Mota over a viral video in which he appeared to mock Nigerian civil servants while promoting a 2023 Mercedes Benz C300.
In the video, Sarkin Mota asked the vehicle’s AI assistant, “Can civil servants afford you?” The AI responded, “No! Maybe in 2062,” a remark that drew laughter but sparked backlash from many viewers who saw it as a jab at hardworking public employees.
NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, condemned the video, saying the agency was compelled to respond due to public outrage and the underlying danger of glorifying wealth at the expense of integrity and service.
“At a time when many Nigerians are facing intense socio-economic pressure, and in an era where flashy wealth is often idolized over integrity and hard work, statements like these are not only insensitive but also dangerous,” Issa-Onilu stated. “To ridicule civil servants, individuals who are the backbone of governance and national service is to undermine the very system that supports entrepreneurs like Sarkin Mota.”
He emphasized that civil servants are critical to national development and deserve respect, not ridicule.
“It is deeply inappropriate to demean people who dedicate their lives to serving the nation,” he added.
The NOA boss urged the car dealer to adopt a more respectful marketing approach that reflects the values of dignity, unity, and equity.
“We felt it necessary to address this not just because of the backlash the video has generated, but because we must constantly remind ourselves of the values that hold our society together,” he said. “As we strive to build a Nigeria where hard work and integrity are respected over material display, every voice in the public space must be mindful of the messages they send.”
The agency ended its statement with a call for reflection and a reaffirmation of its mission to promote a society where all citizens are valued, regardless of income or status.
