The Incident and the Alleged Generosity
The Nigerian social sphere was recently alight with news involving Nollywood actress and philanthropist Sarah Martins and Seyi Tinubu the son of President Bola Tinubu Martins who runs the Golden Heart Foundation was recently apprehended by officials of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESCKAI for cooking and distributing free meals on a street median in the Lekki area of Lagos This act was deemed a violation of the states environmental and safety regulations which prohibit the preparation of food on public roadsides .
The actress quickly drew public sympathy after narrating her ordeal alleging harassment by the officials claiming her equipment was seized and that she sustained minor burns from hot oil during the altercation In a remarkable turn of events that initially painted a picture of grace to grace Martins publicly announced that she had received a $\text{₦20 million}$ donation from the office of the President specifically crediting Seyi Tinubu for the generous gesture to support her foundation .
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The Actresss Claim and Public Reaction
Following her apprehension the actress took to her Instagram page to celebrate the alleged financial support Martins claimed From the office of the President our philanthropic youth leader Mr Seyi Tinubu just supported my NGO with $\text{₦20,000,000}$ She further stated that he not only provided the funds but also promised to help elevate her free food charity outreach .
The announcement sparked significant public discussion While many celebrated the timely intervention to support a charitable cause others questioned the apparent contradiction a donation from a figure associated with the presidency being given to someone who had just violated state environmental laws in a state controlled by the same political alignment The Lagos State Government through the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab had already defended the officials actions stressing that while charitable initiatives are appreciated they must comply with the law to avoid obstructing traffic and endangering lives .
Seyi Tinubus Official Clarification and Stance on Law and Order
In response to the widespread reports and swirling social media speculation Seyi Tinubu moved to set the record straight publicly distancing himself from the claim of making the $\text{₦20 million}$ personal donation .
In a statement shared via his Instagram Story Tinubu clarified that he was aware that some of his friends moved by compassion had raised funds to support the young woman who had encountered the law over an environmental violation He stated Their intention I believe was to help her secure a proper space to run her business not to undermine the law I appreciate their kindness and concern .
Crucially Seyi Tinubu explicitly emphasized that despite the good intentions of his friends he does not support any action that violates the regulations of Lagos State His statement read That said I must emphasise that while their hearts were in the right place I do not support any act that violates the laws of Lagos State Lagos thrives on order and Nigerias strength depends on our collective respect for both our law and order Empathy and patriotism must always go together .
A Call for Responsible Charity
Tinubus clarification underscores a delicate balance between empathy and civic responsibility He concluded his statement by stressing that while citizens have the right to support people in need such efforts must be conducted responsibly in a way that uplifts lives while keeping faith with the rules and values that bind us as a community .
This incident and the subsequent clarification highlight the friction that often exists between spontaneous charitable acts and the necessity for urban order and regulatory compliance particularly in densely populated cities like Lagos The focus now shifts to how the actresss foundation will use the funds reportedly intended to secure a proper environmentally compliant space to continue its humanitarian work within the confines of state laws .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources concerning a public figures reaction to a social incident Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets and statements from the involved parties .