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Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has reacted to criticism from the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, following concerns raised about a video showing her cooking for underprivileged children in a public space.
The controversy began after the actress shared footage of herself preparing food for street children, an act that drew the attention of the Lagos government. The commissioner reportedly faulted the activity, raising concerns about environmental regulations and the use of public spaces.
In response, Martins issued a lengthy statement on her Instagram page explaining the circumstances surrounding the event. She clarified that the cooking did not take place on a public walkway or on the road, as suggested.
“Dear Honourable Commissioner Wahab Tokunbo,” she began in her statement. “I write with utmost respect regarding the concerns raised about my recent visit to cook with some vulnerable street children.”
The actress explained that the cooking activity was carried out in a controlled environment and not in a way that obstructed public movement or traffic.
“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,” she wrote.
Martins further stated that the gathering was motivated by her emotional connection with the children she has supported through her charity work. According to her, the visit was simply an opportunity to reconnect with 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 said.
She noted that the children frequently ask her to return whenever she drives through the neighbourhood.
“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 highlighted that her charitable activities are now supported by a dedicated facility provided through the generosity of Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria’s president.
“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,” she stated.
Martins insisted that her visit to the location was not intended to violate regulations or cause disruption.
“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.”
Despite her explanation, the actress apologised in case her actions were misunderstood.
“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.”
The actress also thanked the commissioner for his efforts in maintaining order and sanitation across the state.
“Thank you for your understanding and for the great work your office continues to do in maintaining environmental order in Lagos State.”
This is not the first time Martins has faced issues while carrying out her feeding outreach for street children. Last year, she alleged that she was assaulted by officials believed to be from the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force while cooking for underprivileged children in a public area.
At the time, she shared a video showing bruises on her hand, expressing shock and sadness over the encounter. In another post, Martins admitted that cooking on the walkway may have been inappropriate but criticised the officials for seizing food meant for hungry children.
According to her, the operatives allegedly confiscated a large cooler of rice prepared for about 200 street children, an incident she said left the children traumatised and disappointed.
Despite the unpleasant experience, the situation later brought unexpected support for her charity initiative. Martins received a donation of N20 million from Seyi Tinubu, who also pledged to support the expansion of her free food outreach programme.
Through her Sarah Martins Golden Heart Foundation, the actress continues to provide meals and support for vulnerable children, insisting that her goal remains to bring hope and compassion to those living on the streets.
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