Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has reacted to the warning issued by the Lagos State Government over her recent cooking activity in a public space, explaining that the event was meant to reconnect emotionally with vulnerable children rather than violate environmental regulations.
The clarification followed a caution issued on Saturday by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who warned the actress against cooking on public roads, noting that such actions could lead to her arrest and prosecution if repeated.
In an open letter shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Martins, who founded the Sarah Martins Golden Heart Foundation, addressed the concerns raised by the government and insisted that the cooking exercise did not take place on the road.
“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,” she wrote.
She further explained that the initiative was motivated by an emotional connection with children in the area who often ask her to visit and cook for them.
“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,” she explained.
“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 added.
Martins also apologised to the Lagos State Government for any misunderstanding her actions may have caused.
“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 apologide. 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.”
The actress also expressed appreciation to Seyi Tinubu, the son of the President, noting that his donation of a charity kitchen was meant to ensure that her feeding initiatives are carried out in a structured and suitable environment, which her foundation remains committed to utilising.
PUNCH Online recalls that Martins was arrested in October 2025 by officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline task force while cooking on a road median in the Lekki area, during which her cooking equipment was confiscated.
The Lagos State Government defended the enforcement action at the time, with Wahab stating that the actress had carried out unauthorised activities on public infrastructure, which violated the state’s environmental and sanitation laws.
Although Martins earlier claimed that she received ₦20 million from Seyi Tinubu’s office, he later denied personally making the donation, explaining that the funds were raised by some of his friends who were moved by compassion to support her charity efforts. He, however, maintained that he does not support actions that contravene Lagos State laws.
