Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has apologised to the Lagos State Government following warnings issued over her recent public cooking activity, explaining that the event was meant to reconnect with vulnerable street children rather than violate environmental laws.
The actress responded after the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, cautioned her against cooking on public roads and warned that she could face arrest and prosecution if the action continued.
In a statement shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Martins clarified that the cooking did not take place on a public walkway or roadway as alleged.
“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,” she said.
She explained that the location of the activity was far from the main road and did not obstruct movement or cause any public disturbance.
According to Martins, the event was inspired by her emotional connection with street children in the area who had repeatedly asked her to return and cook 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.
“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 that particular day, I decided to spend some time with them and prepare a meal to reconnect and create memories with them,” she added.
Despite defending her actions, the actress apologised to the Lagos State Government if the activity was perceived as inappropriate.
“My return to that location was never intended to create any 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,” she said.
Martins also pledged that her charity activities would henceforth be conducted in a designated 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,” she noted.
The actress expressed appreciation to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, for supporting her humanitarian initiative with a charity kitchen to enable her feeding programme operate in an organised environment.
Martins was previously arrested in October 2025 by officials of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force while cooking on a road median in the Lekki area, during which her cooking equipment was confiscated.
