Seyi Tinubu gifts Sarah Martins ₦20m after Lagos Street cooking drama

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

In a remarkable turn of events, Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has received a ₦20 million donation from philanthropist Seyi Tinubu to bolster her Golden Heart Foundation’s mission to feed underprivileged children in Lagos.

The contribution, announced on October 17, 2025, comes just one day after Martins faced enforcement action from Lagos State officials for cooking on a public median, highlighting a swift transition from adversity to opportunity.

On Thursday, Martins, a prominent Nollywood actress and founder of the Golden Heart Foundation, was apprehended by operatives of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) while preparing meals for the homeless in Lekki Phase 1.

The officials cited violations of environmental laws prohibiting food preparation on public roads or pavements, emphasizing public health and safety concerns.

Martins, who reported sustaining bruises during the encounter, shared her experience on social media, sparking public discourse about grassroots charity and urban regulations.

Less than 24 hours later, Martins announced via Instagramthat Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu and co-founder of the Noella Foundation, had donated ₦20 million to her foundation.

The funds, presented through an intermediary, are designated for acquiring a compliant cooking space to scale the foundation’s efforts to feed street children while adhering to Lagos State’s environmental standards.

Tinubu also pledged to equip the facility with industrial tools and collaborate through Noella Foundation to amplify the initiative’s impact.

Martins, born Chukwukere Sarah Ujunwa in Imo State, is a seasoned actress known for roles in films such as The Widows, Dangerous Mad Man, and Feast of the Spirits.

Beyond her acting career, she is a serial entrepreneur with ventures including Body Solution Spa and Sarah Homes and Properties.

Her Golden Heart Foundation focuses on providing free meals to vulnerable populations, particularly street children, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for zero hunger and good health.

As an ambassador for peace and humanity, Martins aims to complement government efforts by reducing societal burdens through community-driven charity.

Martins expressed profound gratitude for the donation, vowing to use the funds judiciously to establish a safe, compliant cooking facility.

She emphasized her commitment to supporting government efforts and bringing smiles to street children.

The partnership with Noella Foundation is expected to enhance the scale and sustainability of her outreach, potentially setting a model for how celebrity-driven initiatives can align with regulatory frameworks to maximize impact.