By John Umeh
The Lagos State Government has stepped in to clarify the heated encounter between Nollywood actress Sarah Martins and operatives of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), following viral clips of her street charity drive that ended abruptly in Lekki.
Martins, known for her philanthropic efforts through the Golden Heart Foundation, was captured in tears in videos widely shared online, holding a visibly swollen hand after hot oil reportedly spilled during the incident. The footage triggered a wave of sympathy from fans and criticism of the task force, with many questioning whether the enforcement was too heavy-handed.
Responding to the public outcry, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, explained that the actress’s activity fell foul of existing environmental regulations. He said the street cooking took place on a road median, which counts as public infrastructure, and therefore violated Lagos sanitation and safety rules.
“While we appreciate the charitable intentions, public spaces cannot be converted into makeshift kitchens,” Wahab stated. “Our enforcement campaigns, #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos, are designed to protect both the city and its residents from hazards and disorder.”
He stressed that such initiatives must align with state guidelines, adding that unauthorised use of public areas for personal or charitable purposes creates risks ranging from traffic obstruction to environmental damage.
The government urged individuals and organisations to partner with relevant agencies for approvals, assuring that philanthropic efforts will be better supported when carried out within designated zones.
Meanwhile, reactions continue to pour in on social media, where the incident has ignited a debate about balancing enforcement with compassion. While some insist rules must be upheld, others argue the officials could have handled the actress’s charity drive with more sensitivity.
