Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has replied the Lagos Commissioner for Environment, Tokunboh Wahab.
Newsunplug reported that the commissioner had chastised her for a video of her cooking on the street for less-privileged children.
Responding to him in a lengthy post on her Instagram page, Sarah clarified that she didn’t cook on the walkway or on the main street, but in front of the King’s Palace under the supervision of security personnel.
She made it clear that her return to the location wasn’t to create any public nuisance, but to share a heartfelt moment with children who have continued to ask for my presence. She, however, apologises if her actions were perceived as inappropriate and expresses her highest regard for the laws and environmental standards of Lagos State.
“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”.
