Sarah Martins, the popular Nollywood actress, has responded to the warning issued by Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, over cooking and sharing food on public roads in the state.
The response came after a video surfaced online showing the actress preparing food and giving it to children in an open area in Ajah, Lagos.
The development drew the attention of the commissioner, who warned that cooking or carrying out similar activities on public roads, walkways, or road medians violates state environmental rules.
In a message posted on her Instagram page, Sarah Martins explained that her visit to the area was driven by feelings and her long-standing connection to the children who live there.
She said she had missed the bond she shared with the street children in the area and decided to spend time with them again.
According to her, the children usually call out to her whenever she passes through the area and often ask her to return and cook for them the way she used to.
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The actress said that on that day, she decided to stop by and prepare a meal for the children so they could spend time together and reconnect.
She stated that the visit was meant to create a happy moment with the children, who have continued to show her love.
Sarah Martins also mentioned that Seyi Tinubu had earlier supported her foundation by providing a charity kitchen. She explained that the kitchen was meant to ensure that their feeding programmes are carried out in a proper place.
She added that her organisation, the Sarah Martins Golden Heart Foundation, normally uses the charity kitchen for its regular food outreach.
According to her, the visit to the Ajah location was not planned as a public activity but was simply a moment to reconnect with the children who had been asking for her presence.
The actress, however, apologised if her action was seen as going against the rules in any way.
She stated that she respects the laws and environmental regulations of Lagos State and assured that all cooking activities linked to her charity work would now take place inside the charity kitchen provided for the foundation.
She wrote: “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 very far from the main road, ensuring that it did not obstruct movement 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.
“I would also like to emphasize 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 and organized 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 simply to share a heartfelt moment with children who have continued to ask for my presence.
“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.”
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