Entertainment

Sarah Martins Clarifies Roadside Cooking Incident, Apologises to Lagos Govt

Published

2 months ago

March 8, 2026

Sarah Martins Clarifies Roadside Cooking Incident, Apologises to Lagos Govt

Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has responded to the Lagos State Government’s warning over her recent public cooking activity, explaining that the moment was a charitable and emotional reunion with vulnerable children rather than an attempt to violate environmental laws.

The clarification came after the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, cautioned the actress against cooking on public roads. Wahab warned that such activities violate Lagos environmental and sanitation laws and could lead to arrest and prosecution if repeated.

Reacting in an open letter posted on her Instagram page, Sarah Martins said the viral incident had been misunderstood. According to her, the cooking activity did not take place on the roadway but within a controlled environment close to a palace, under the supervision of security personnel.

“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 far from the main road, ensuring that it did not obstruct movement or create any public nuisance,” she wrote.

The actress explained that the visit was driven by her long-standing relationship with vulnerable street children in the area through her charity initiative, the Sarah Martins Golden Heart Foundation.

According to Martins, the children often ask her to return and cook meals with them whenever she passes through the area, which prompted the recent visit.

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“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,” she said.

“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.”

Despite defending her intentions, Martins apologised to the Lagos State Government for any perceived violation of environmental standards.

“My brief return to that location was never intended to create any form of public nuisance but simply to share a heartfelt moment with children who have continued to ask for my presence,” she said.

“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.”

She also assured authorities that future cooking activities for the foundation would take place strictly in a designated charity kitchen.

Martins expressed gratitude to Seyi Tinubu, noting that support linked to him had helped her foundation secure a charity kitchen to organise its feeding programmes more effectively.

The actress previously said she received ₦20 million to support her charity work, though Tinubu later clarified that the funds were not a personal donation but contributions raised by friends to help Martins secure a proper space for her humanitarian activities.

The latest controversy comes months after Martins reportedly had a run-in with the Kick Against Indiscipline officials. In October 2025, she was reportedly arrested while cooking on a road median in the Lekki area of Lagos, during which her cooking equipment was seized.

At the time, the Lagos State Government defended the enforcement action, stating that cooking on public infrastructure violated sanitation regulations aimed at maintaining order, public safety and environmental cleanliness across the city.

The recent incident has reignited discussions on social media about balancing charity work, urban sanitation laws, and the responsibilities of public figures when engaging in humanitarian activities in public spaces.

While many Nigerians praised Martins for supporting vulnerable children, others argued that charitable initiatives must still comply with state environmental regulations.

For now, Martins says her foundation will continue supporting underprivileged children while ensuring that all outreach activities are carried out in legally approved spaces.

Sarah Martins Clarifies Roadside Cooking Incident, Apologises to Lagos Govt

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Entertainment

Blessing CEO Returns to Instagram, Deletes Cancer Claim Posts

Published

3 days ago

April 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Controversial Nigerian social media influencer, Blessing Okoro Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO

Blessing CEO Returns to Instagram, Deletes Cancer Claim Posts

Controversial Nigerian social media influencer, Blessing Okoro Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has returned to Instagram weeks after deactivating her account following widespread backlash over her claim that she was battling stage four breast cancer.

A check on her verified page shows that the influencer has now deleted all posts related to the alleged diagnosis, including videos, interviews, and fundraising content that were previously used to support her claim.

The controversy began in January 2026 when Blessing CEO publicly announced that she had been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, appealing for financial assistance from the public. She also shared what she described as a medical report to back her claim.

However, the development took a turn after Xinus Medical Diagnostics reportedly disputed the authenticity of the document, alleging that it had been altered. The medical facility claimed the report originally belonged to another individual and was not issued to the influencer.

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The alleged original owner of the medical record, a makeup artist and cancer survivor identified as Deborah Mbara, later spoke out, accusing Blessing CEO of using her medical documents without consent.

Following the controversy, Mbara’s family reportedly petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the influencer of fraudulent fundraising, forgery, and cyber-related offences, and alleging that over ₦300 million may have been raised from the public under false pretences.

The Nigerian Cancer Society also called for a thorough investigation into the matter, urging authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in all public fundraising linked to health conditions.

Blessing CEO subsequently deactivated her Instagram account as the backlash intensified. However, she has now reactivated the account, though all cancer-related posts have been removed, leaving only a documentary-style awareness post on breast health.

As of the time of filing this report, the influencer has not issued any fresh public statement addressing the allegations or explaining the deletion of the posts following her return to social media.

The situation continues to generate debate online, raising concerns about online fundraising transparency, influencer accountability, and medical misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space.

Blessing CEO Returns to Instagram, Deletes Cancer Claim Posts

Entertainment

‘Why Are You Angry?’ — Peter Okoye Questions Critics Over Birthday Shift

Published

3 days ago

April 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigerian music star, Peter Okoye

‘Why Are You Angry?’ — Peter Okoye Questions Critics Over Birthday Shift

Nigerian music star Peter Okoye has strongly responded to critics questioning his decision to shift his birthday celebration from November 18 to November 30, making it clear that the move is personal and not open to public debate.

The Afrobeats star and member of the defunct duo P-Square had earlier announced that he would no longer accept goodwill messages or gifts on November 18. Instead, he urged fans, friends, and associates to recognize November 30 as his official celebration date going forward.

Reacting to the backlash on social media platform X, the singer expressed surprise at the level of outrage his decision generated. He questioned why many Nigerians were bothered by a private choice that does not directly affect them. In his words, critics were reacting “like say I cancel Christmas,” adding that even the date of Christmas itself remains a subject of global debate.

The Nigerian singer further criticized what he described as misplaced priorities, noting that the attention surrounding his birthday shift appeared to outweigh discussions about more pressing national concerns. According to him, it was “funny” that such a personal matter could spark widespread debate while serious issues affecting the country receive less engagement.

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Okoye also addressed the wave of insults trailing the announcement, stating that criticism would not diminish his success or achievements. He maintained that those who have already attained success remain unaffected by public opinion, emphasizing confidence in his career and personal journey.

Born on November 18 alongside his twin brother Paul Okoye, Peter rose to fame as part of P-Square, one of Africa’s most successful music groups in the 2000s and early 2010s. The duo achieved massive continental and international recognition before their split, with both brothers pursuing solo careers.

Although the singer has not given detailed reasons for moving his birthday, the decision has sparked conversations online, with fans speculating about possible personal motivations. However, Okoye has consistently maintained that the change reflects his individual choice and should be respected without controversy.

The Peter Okoye birthday change controversy continues to trend across social media, highlighting how celebrity decisions often attract intense public scrutiny in Nigeria’s digital space.

‘Why Are You Angry?’ — Peter Okoye Questions Critics Over Birthday Shift

Entertainment

Peter Okoye Officially Changes Birthday Date Amid P-Square Family Rift

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Peter Okoye Officially Changes Birthday Date Amid P-Square Family Rift

Nigerian music star, Peter Okoye, has sparked widespread reactions after announcing that he has officially changed the date he celebrates his birthday, a move that comes amid the long-running family and music industry dispute involving his twin brother, Mr P.

In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the singer stated that November 18 would no longer serve as his birthday celebration date and informed fans that he would now be marking a new date going forward.

“I am officially changing my birthday date. I’m making it official. November 18th is no longer my birthday celebration date. Please note that I will not be accepting any messages or gifts on that day,” he wrote.

He added that his new official birthday celebration date would now be November 30, describing the decision as personal and asking fans for understanding.

“My birthday will now be celebrated on November 30th. This is a personal decision, and I truly appreciate your understanding,” he added.

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The singer did not provide further explanation for the change, but the announcement has reignited conversations about the ongoing tensions within the P-Square family.

Peter Okoye rose to fame as one half of the iconic music duo P-Square, alongside his twin brother Paul Okoye (Rudeboy). The duo dominated African music charts throughout the 2000s and early 2010s with multiple hit songs and sold-out performances across the continent.

However, internal disputes began to surface around 2015, largely tied to disagreements over management, royalties, and creative control. Their elder brother, Jude Okoye, who previously managed the group, was also central to the business-related tensions that deepened the rift.

By 2017, the group officially disbanded, with both brothers pursuing solo careers under the names Mr P and Rudeboy. The split marked one of the most publicised celebrity breakups in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Although the twins reunited in November 2021, exciting fans across Africa and beyond, reports later emerged suggesting that underlying issues—particularly around financial transparency and business structures—had not been fully resolved.

Peter’s latest announcement has therefore been interpreted by fans as another sign of emotional and symbolic distance within the family dynamic, even as he continues his solo music career.

As of press time, neither Paul Okoye nor other members of the Okoye family have issued an official response to the development.

The announcement has continued to generate debate online, with fans expressing mixed reactions over whether the move is purely personal or linked to deeper unresolved issues within the P-Square legacy.