The Lagos State Government has cautioned Nollywood actress Sarah Martins against cooking on public streets, warning that the activity violates environmental and public order regulations.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, warned her to desist from street cooking or similar activities in public spaces to avoid arrest and prosecution.
“You were previously cautioned about this same issue last year due to the understanding of its philanthropic intention and pleas,” he said.
Wahab noted that cooking or trading on public infrastructure raises safety, sanitation and traffic concerns.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate the spirit of charity and compassion behind what you are trying to do, carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations,” he said.
He added that charitable activities should be conducted through approved channels and in designated locations to avoid violating the law or creating an environmental nuisance.
“If you wish to continue your charitable outreach, it should be done through proper channels and in approved locations so that your efforts can support vulnerable people without violating existing laws and constituting environmental nuisance,” he added.
Reacting yesterday on her Instagram page, Martins clarified that the cooking did not take place on a public walkway or main road as suggested in some reports.
She said the meal was prepared in front of King’s Palace under the supervision of security personnel and far from the main road, ensuring that movement was not obstructed.
The actress explained that the visit was motivated by her desire to reconnect with children in the area.
“I had deeply missed the bond I share with the vulnerable street children in that area.
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 showed me genuine love,” she said.
She added that President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, supports the charity initiative and recently assisted the foundation with a charity kitchen to ensure that feeding programmes are conducted in a structured environment.
While maintaining that the visit was not intended to cause any disturbance, Martins expressed regret if the action was perceived otherwise.
“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,” she added.
