The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a stern warning to popular auto dealer and content creator, Sarkin Mota, over a viral video that has stirred conversations about wealth, aspiration, and the economic realities faced by civil servants. The video, which features Sarkin Mota engaging with the AI system of a sleek Mercedes-Benz 2023 C300, has been deemed by the NOA as potentially harmful to the nation’s moral fabric, raising concerns about fostering a “get-rich-at-all-cost” mentality among Nigerians.
The video in question, widely circulated on social media platforms, shows Sarkin Mota, a well-known figure in Nigeria’s automotive content creation space, interacting with the advanced AI system embedded in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300. In a lighthearted yet provocative moment, Sarkin Mota asks the AI, “Can civil servants afford this car?” The AI’s response, which implied that the car’s price tag is far beyond the reach of most civil servants, quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and sparking a flurry of reactions online.
For many, the exchange was a humorous yet pointed commentary on Nigeria’s economic landscape, where civil servants often earn modest salaries that pale in comparison to the cost of luxury vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz C300, which retails for millions of naira. However, the NOA, the federal agency tasked with promoting national values and ethics, took a different view, arguing that the video could have far-reaching consequences on public perception and behavior.
Sarkin Mota: The Man Behind the Controversy
Sarkin Mota, whose real name remains less prominent than his online persona, has built a significant following through his engaging automotive content. Known for his charismatic reviews and creative marketing strategies, he has become a go-to figure for car enthusiasts in Nigeria. His use of the Mercedes-Benz AI system in the controversial video was a clever way to highlight the car’s advanced technology while sparking conversation—an approach that has clearly succeeded, albeit with unintended consequences.
As of now, Sarkin Mota has not publicly responded to the NOA’s warning, leaving room for speculation about how he will navigate this controversy. Will he double down on his content style, or will he heed the NOA’s call for more responsible messaging? Only time will tell.
NOA’s Stance: A Call to Protect National Values
In a statement issued by the NOA’s Director General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, the agency expressed deep concern over the video’s potential to undermine the values of hard work, integrity, and modesty that it seeks to instill in Nigerians. The NOA argued that by highlighting the inaccessibility of luxury cars to civil servants, the video inadvertently glorifies materialism and could encourage individuals to pursue wealth through unethical means, such as corruption or fraud.
“Content like this risks promoting a dangerous narrative,” Issa-Onilu stated. “It suggests that civil servants, who are the backbone of our public service, should aspire to lifestyles that are unattainable through honest means. This can fuel a get-rich-quick mentality, which is antithetical to the principles of diligence and integrity we are working to promote.”
The NOA’s response underscores its broader mandate to shape public behavior and foster a sense of national pride and ethical conduct. The agency has been vocal in recent years about the need to counter narratives that glorify ostentatious displays of wealth, particularly in a country where economic inequality and corruption remain pressing challenges.
Public Reaction: A Divided Discourse
The NOA’s warning has sparked a polarized debate, particularly on social media platforms like X, where Nigerians have weighed in on both sides of the issue. Supporters of Sarkin Mota argue that the video is a harmless reflection of economic realities and that the NOA’s reaction is an overreach. A user with the handle
@el_bonga
commented, “This is free publicity for Sarkin Mota. He’s just stating facts—civil servants can’t afford a Mercedes-Benz C300 unless they’re dipping into something extra. Why is NOA acting like this is news?”
Others echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the video highlights a broader truth about Nigeria’s economic system.
@Realoilsheikh
wrote, “It’s not just Nigeria. Globally, civil servants don’t drive luxury cars unless they’re corrupt or have side hustles. Sarkin Mota’s video is a mirror to society, not a call to crime.” These reactions suggest that many Nigerians see the video as a commentary on systemic issues, such as low public sector wages and the pervasive influence of corruption, rather than an incitement to unethical behavior.
On the other hand, some Nigerians align with the NOA’s concerns, arguing that public figures like Sarkin Mota have a responsibility to promote positive values. A user named
@PatrioticNaija
stated, “Sarkin Mota may not have meant harm, but his video could make young people think wealth is all that matters. We need content that uplifts, not divides.” This perspective reflects the NOA’s view that media and influencers play a critical role in shaping societal attitudes, particularly among impressionable youth.
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