Tag: Lagos

Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has responded to concerns raised by the Lagos State Government over her cooking activity on a roadside while feeding children. In a lengthy post shared on Instagram, the actress explained that the cooking did not happen on a walkway or busy road as some reports suggested. According to her, the activity took place “in front of the King’s Palace under the supervision of security personnel.” Martins said the visit was driven by emotion and her long-standing relationship with vulnerable children in the area. “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.” She also mentioned that Seyi Tinubu had previously supported her foundation by providing a charity kitchen to ensure feeding programmes are carried out in an organised setting. “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.” Martins stressed that her return to the location was not meant to disrupt public order but to share a moment with children who often ask for her. “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. 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.” She assured authorities that future cooking activities linked to her charity work will be conducted strictly inside the kitchen facility provided for her foundation. “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.” The actress ended her statement by reiterating her respect for the laws of Lagos State while maintaining that the brief street cooking session was not intended to create any form of disturbance.

The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to Nollywood actress Sarah Martins over her street food charity, cautioning that she could face arrest if she continues preparing and distributing meals on public roads. The warning was delivered on Saturday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement addressed to the actress. Wahab acknowledged that Martins’ actions were driven by goodwill and compassion but stressed that carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways or road medians violates Lagos environmental and public order laws. He explained that cooking or trading on public infrastructure could create sanitation concerns, safety risks and traffic disruptions. He also revealed that the actress had earlier been cautioned about the same activity the previous year but had resumed it. “While we acknowledge and appreciate the spirit of charity and compassion behind what you are trying to do, carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations.” “Cooking or trading on public infrastructure poses safety, sanitation and traffic concerns. You were previously cautioned about this same issue last year due to the understanding of its philanthropic intention and pleas.” The commissioner urged Martins to stop conducting street cooking in public spaces and instead channel her charitable activities through approved venues and official platforms. “You were previously cautioned about this same issue last year due to the understanding of it’s philanthropic intention and pleas. I would strongly advise that you desist from carrying out street cooking or similar activities in public spaces in Lagos in order to avoid apprehension and prosecution.” “If you wish to continue your charitable outreach, it should be done through proper channels and in approved locations so that your efforts can support vulnerable people without violating existing laws and constituting environmental nuisance.” Wahab further reminded residents and visitors that Lagos expects strict adherence to its laws. “We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city.”