Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has addressed the warning issued by the Lagos State Government over her recent street cooking activity, explaining the circumstances surrounding the incident and clarifying that the outreach was not intended to violate environmental regulations.
The development followed concerns raised by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, after a video surfaced showing the actress cooking and distributing food to vulnerable children in parts of the city.
The government had cautioned that cooking or carrying out similar activities on public roads, walkways or medians violates Lagos environmental and public order regulations, noting that such practices raise safety, sanitation and traffic concerns.
In response, Martins issued a statement explaining that the activity did not take place on a walkway or the main road.
“Dear Honourable Commissioner Wahab Tokunbo,
I write with utmost respect regarding the concerns raised about my recent visit to cook with some vulnerable street children.
I would like to respectfully clarify that I did not cook on the walkway or on the main street. The meal was prepared in front of the King’s Palace under the supervision of security personnel, and the activity took place far from the main road, ensuring it did not obstruct traffic or create any public nuisance.
The visit was simply born out of an emotional moment. I had deeply missed the bond I share with the vulnerable street children in that area. As I occasionally drive past that axis, the children often plead with me to come back and cook with them like I used to. On this particular day, I decided to spend some time with them and prepare a meal, purely to reconnect and create memories with the kids who have always shown me genuine love.”
The actress also noted that her charity outreach is usually conducted from a dedicated facility.
“I would also like to emphasise that Mr Seyi Tinubu (@seyitinubu) generously empowered my foundation with a charity kitchen, specifically to ensure that our feeding programs are conducted in a proper, organised environment. I do not take his generosity for granted, and my foundation has remained committed to using the charity kitchen for our regular feeding initiatives.
My brief return to that location was never intended to create any form of public nuisance, but to share a heartfelt moment with children who have continued to ask for my presence.”
She apologised if her actions were interpreted as inappropriate and pledged to comply with Lagos environmental laws in the future.
“However, if my actions were perceived as inappropriate in any way, I sincerely apologise. I hold the laws and environmental standards of Lagos State in the highest regard. Going forward, I will ensure that all cooking activities are carried out strictly within the charity kitchen provided for the foundation.
Thank you for your understanding and for the great work your office continues to do in maintaining environmental order in Lagos State.
Yours respectfully,
Sarah Martins
Founder, Sarah Martins Golden Heart Foundation.”
The issue has drawn public attention because Martins has become known for cooking and distributing meals to vulnerable residents and street children in Lagos through her charity outreach. The state government has maintained that while charitable efforts are commendable, such activities must be carried out through approved locations and channels in order to comply with environmental and public safety regulations.
