Lagos Environment Commissioner Issues Public Warning to Actress Over Charity Cooking
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has issued a formal public warning to Nollywood actress Sarah Martins regarding her charitable cooking activities on public roads. This action comes in response to a video shared by Martins showing her preparing and distributing food to destitute individuals in Lagos.
Official Statement Cites Environmental and Safety Concerns
In a detailed statement released on the social media platform X, Commissioner Wahab acknowledged the philanthropic intentions behind Martins' actions but emphasized that cooking on public roads, walkways, or medians violates Lagos environmental and public order regulations. The commissioner specifically mentioned that such activities pose significant safety, sanitation, and traffic concerns that cannot be overlooked.
"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 is not permitted under Lagos regulations," Wahab stated in his message directed at the actress.
Previous Warning and Legal Consequences
Commissioner Wahab revealed that this was not the first time Martins had been cautioned about street cooking. According to his statement, she received a similar warning last year after authorities recognized the philanthropic nature of her activities and accepted her pleas at that time.
The commissioner made it clear that continued violation would result in legal action. "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," Wahab warned in his statement.
He suggested alternative approaches for charitable work, stating: "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."
Actress Disputes Commissioner's Claims
In her response to the commissioner's warning, Sarah Martins contested the characterization of her activities. The actress asserted that she never cooked on the road as described by the environmental official.
"I never cooked on the road but cooked in front of the King's palace in Ajah," Martins stated in her rebuttal. She further emphasized that her actions did not constitute the environmental nuisance described by Commissioner Wahab, suggesting a discrepancy between the official account and her actual activities.
This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between charitable initiatives and urban regulations in Lagos, one of Africa's most populous cities. The commissioner concluded his statement by reminding all residents of their responsibility to maintain order, noting: "We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city."
