Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has tendered a public apology for cooking and sharing food on a Lagos roadside as part of her charity outreach.
Martins had recently come under fire from the Lagos State Government after videos showed her cooking on a road median and serving food to street children and other vulnerable people. The state, through its Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, warned that such activities violate environmental and sanitation regulations, as well as rules on the use of public infrastructure.
In her apology, the actress acknowledged that, although her intentions were to help the less privileged, she now understands that using the road and public spaces in that manner was wrong and unsafe. She promised to comply with Lagos laws going forward and to move future charity programmes to approved or designated locations.
Martins also expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to the government and the public, stressing that she did not set out to break the law or obstruct traffic. She maintained that her goal has always been to support the needy and said she is open to working with government agencies so that her outreach can be better organised.
The Lagos State Government had earlier advised her and other well meaning residents to seek proper guidance and approvals before organising charity events in public spaces. Officials said this is necessary to protect public safety, keep the city clean and ensure that humanitarian efforts do not create health hazards or disrupt urban order.
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