A heartwarming family moment showcasing Nigerian ingenuity has captured widespread attention online. A young man, identified as Engineer Godday, recently shared a video of taking his family on a Sunday outing in a unique vehicle: a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon he constructed himself.
Showcasing Family and Craftsmanship
The video, which surfaced on social media platform TikTok, begins with Godday's family lined up beside the rugged, locally-built vehicle. The family unit includes his parents, three sisters, and a brother, all dressed and ready for their trip. The car, while resembling the iconic G-Wagon, bears the unmistakable marks of handcrafted fabrication with its rough edges and distinctive build.
In the clip, Godday enthusiastically directs his family to enter the vehicle, saying, "Oya enter. Come close camera. Oya enter sharp sharp." As they approach, his siblings are seen dusting sand from their shoes, a detail that added a touch of relatable, everyday Nigerian life to the scene.
The moment took a particularly touching turn when Godday proudly introduced his mother, who responded by affectionately hailing him as "engineer." He then guided his father, who was seen holding a neon rosary, to the other side of the vehicle. The entire sequence radiates a strong sense of familial pride and support for Godday's creative endeavor.
Mixed Reactions Flood Social Media
The online response to the video was swift and divided, reflecting a spectrum of opinions common on Nigerian social media.
Many users praised Godday's talent and creativity. User @gautier commented, "Oga you are so talented, for you been a welder to carve the image of motor like this, you are so creative." Others, like @RIGE BEAUTY, saw the bigger picture, stating, "I think he's the one that built that car? wow you guys are missing the point. that's his craft and he's proud of it. the government should invest in his craft."
However, skepticism and concern were also prominent. Some questioned the vehicle's practicality and safety. User @D'Jindu'sDynasty wondered how six people could fit, while @BT expressed safety concerns: "Next time never move with all your family members in the same car it’s not good bro, in case of an accident all the family will die." Others critiqued the design and sound of the vehicle.
Celebrating Support and Potential
Amidst the critique, a powerful theme emerged: the value of a supportive family and the need to nurture local talent. User @Valentine of all people noted, "You don’t know how rich you are by having a supportive family. I heard your mum call you 'the young engineer' she believes in the engineering part of you. Keep building and creating."
@Tafok Outaheah added, "Bro has a beautiful family that he loves and love him back, that right there makes him richer than most of the people commenting." This sentiment highlights that the video's core message transcends the vehicle itself, focusing instead on familial bonds and encouragement.
User @Ella slimzy offered a broader critique, pointing out how foreign nations often encourage innovators more than Nigerians do at home, urging people to "appreciat[e] the effort that someone took out his time to construct this."
This is not the first time Godday has displayed his creation. In a previous demonstration, he reportedly showed the vehicle's functionality, turning on the ignition to prove it did not use a tricycle's engine. He has expressed his ability to create more and stated that financial support is the primary resource he needs to advance his craft.
The viral video of Engineer Godday and his family ultimately serves as a microcosm of a larger Nigerian narrative: one of remarkable grassroots innovation, the irreplaceable strength of family support, and the ongoing public debate about how best to recognize and develop homegrown talent.
