The Lagos State Government has cautioned actress Sarah Martins over her recent street cooking and food distribution activities, citing safety, sanitation, and traffic concerns.

 

The warning was issued on Sunday via the government’s official page on X, where officials directed the actress to immediately stop preparing and distributing food on public roads, walkways, and medians.

 

The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, noted that while Martins’ charitable intentions were appreciated, the activity violated environmental and public order regulations and could expose her to arrest and possible prosecution.

 

According to the commissioner, similar concerns had been raised about the actress’ outreach activities last year. He advised that all future charitable feeding programmes should be carried out through approved and regulated channels to ensure safety and order.

 

Reacting to the warning, Martins explained that her most recent outreach was conducted responsibly and in a controlled environment with vulnerable children.

 

Taking to Instagram, the actress clarified that the cooking did not take place on a walkway or the main street.

 

“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 said her decision to cook for the children was inspired by her emotional connection with them. According to her, the children frequently asked her to return and spend time with them, which motivated her to prepare a meal for them on that day.

 

She also revealed that her foundation had been empowered with a charity kitchen by Seyi Tinubu, the son of Bola Tinubu, to ensure that the feeding programmes are organised and carried out in a structured manner.