The Lagos state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has publicly warned actress Sarah Martins, against cooking on the road.
Wahab said this while reacting to a video Sarah shared some hours ago in which she was cooking for some destitutes in Lagos state. In a statement released on X this evening, Wahab said while Sarah’s philanthropic gesture is well appreciated, cooking on the road is not permitted in Lagos, He mentioned that she was warned last year against cooking on the road and has now returned to do the same thing. He added that she must desist from cooking on the road or else face arrest and prosecution,
His statement reads
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.’
Sarah in her response said she never cooked on the road but cooked in front of the King’s palace in Ajah. She said she never constituted a nuisance as the Commissioner described her actions.
