Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has responded to criticism from Tokunbo Wahab over a video showing her cooking for underprivileged children.
The commissioner had earlier called her out after the video surfaced online, raising concerns about cooking on the street.
His words …
“Dear @officialsarahmartins
I hope you are well. My attention has been drawn to your recent activity of cooking and distributing food on the streets of Lagos.
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. Cooking or trading on public infrastructure poses safety, sanitation and traffic concerns.
You were previously cautioned about this same issue last year due to the understanding of it’s philanthropic intention and pleas. I would strongly advise that you desist from carrying out street cooking or similar activities in public spaces in Lagos in order to avoid apprehension and prosecution.
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.
We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city.
Thank you for your understanding.
Tokunbo Wahab”
Sarah Martins reacts
Reacting in a lengthy post on her Instagram page, Martins clarified that the activity did not take place on a walkway or on the main road.
According to her, the food was prepared in front of a king’s palace and was done under the supervision of security personnel.
The actress explained that her intention was not to cause any disturbance but to spend time with children in the area who had repeatedly asked her to return.
However, she acknowledged the concerns raised and apologised if her actions were interpreted as inappropriate, stressing that she holds the laws and environmental standards of Lagos State in high regard.
Her response …
“Dear Honourable Commissioner Wahab Tokunbo,
I write with utmost respect regarding the concerns raised about my recent visit to cook with some vulnerable street children.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you for your understanding and for the great work your office continues to do in maintaining environmental order in Lagos State.
Yours respectfully,
Sarah Martins
Founder, Sarah Martins Golden Heart Foundation
Cc: @hctokunbowahab”.
Check out post below …
