Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has responded to criticism surrounding her recent roadside cooking activity in Lagos, saying the gesture was driven by an emotional desire to reconnect with street children.
The actress issued a public statement after the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, cautioned against cooking on public roads due to environmental and sanitation regulations.
Actress Clarifies Location of Activity
In her response, Martins explained that the meal preparation did not take place on a public walkway or along the main road as suggested in some reports.
According to her, the cooking was done in front of a king’s palace and under the supervision of security personnel, adding that the location was far from the main road and did not obstruct movement.
She said the visit was a spontaneous decision prompted by her long-standing relationship with vulnerable children in the area.
“I had deeply missed the bond I share with the vulnerable street children there,” Martins said, noting that the children had often asked her to return and cook with them as she previously did.
Emotional Visit With Street Children
The actress explained that while driving through the area on several occasions, the children had repeatedly asked her to spend time with them again.
She said she decided to stop by and prepare a meal as a way of reconnecting and sharing a moment with the children who had shown her affection over the years.
Martins emphasised that the activity was not intended to create a public disturbance or violate Lagos State’s environmental laws.
Apology and Commitment to Compliance
Despite her explanation, the actress apologised to authorities and residents who may have viewed the action as inappropriate.
She reiterated her respect for Lagos State regulations and environmental standards, stating that she had no intention of causing a public nuisance.
Martins also pledged that future feeding programmes would take place exclusively in the charity kitchen facility provided for her foundation, the Sarah Martins Golden Heart Foundation.
Acknowledges Support for Foundation
The actress also expressed appreciation to Seyi Tinubu for supporting her foundation with a dedicated charity kitchen intended to host organised feeding programmes.
She said the facility was created to ensure that charitable activities are conducted in a structured and lawful environment.
Previous Encounter With Authorities
Martins previously had an encounter with enforcement officers in October 2025 when officials from the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force arrested her while cooking on a road median in Lekki. Her cooking equipment was seized during the operation.
At the time, the Lagos State Government defended the enforcement action, citing sanitation and environmental regulations aimed at keeping public spaces orderly.
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