March 08, (THEWILL) — Nollywood actress, Sarah Martins, has responded to the Lagos State Government’s warning about her recent public cooking activity, saying it was an emotional moment with vulnerable children, not a deliberate violation of environmental laws.
The warning came from Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, who cautioned her against cooking and distributing food on public roads. He said continued activity could lead to arrest and prosecution.
In an Instagram letter, Martins clarified that the meal was prepared safely, away from 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.
Martins explained that the cooking was motivated by her bond with street children.
“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. On this 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.
She also apologised to the Lagos State Government if her actions were misunderstood.
“My brief return to that location was never intended to create any form of public nuisance. 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.”
Martins also thanked Seyi Tinubu, noting that the charity kitchen donated to her foundation allows her to conduct feeding programs in a safe and organised manner.
The warning follows an October 2025 incident when officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) apprehended Martins while she was cooking on a road median in Lekki and seized her equipment.
Authorities said cooking on roads, walkways, or medians raises safety and traffic risks and stressed that all charitable activities should be done in approved places to comply with the law and avoid breaking environmental rules.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
