Sarah Martins receives ₦20m from Seyi Tinubu to expand her Golden Heart Foundation’s mission to feed underprivileged children in Lagos

Sarah Martins, the Nollywood actress and founder of the Golden Heart Foundation, has received a ₦20 million donation from philanthropist Seyi Tinubu to support her mission of feeding underprivileged children in Lagos.

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The donation, announced on October 17, 2025, comes barely a day after the actress was apprehended by Lagos State officials for cooking on a public median in Lekki — a remarkable turn of events that transformed adversity into opportunity.

On Thursday, Martins was stopped by operatives of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) while preparing meals for the homeless.

Officials cited breaches of environmental laws that prohibit food preparation on public roads and pavements, stressing health and safety risks.

Martins, who sustained minor bruises during the encounter, took to social media to narrate her ordeal, sparking public debate over the balance between grassroots charity and urban regulation.

Her post attracted widespread sympathy and caught the attention of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu and co-founder of the Noella Foundation.

In a swift response, Tinubu donated ₦20 million to the Golden Heart Foundation to enable the actress to acquire a fully compliant cooking facility that aligns with Lagos State’s environmental standards.

The funds, presented through an intermediary, will also be used to expand operations and increase the number of children benefiting from the programme.

Tinubu further pledged to support the initiative by providing industrial kitchen equipment and collaborating with the Golden Heart Foundation through the Noella Foundation to deepen its community impact.

Born Chukwukere Sarah Ujunwa in Imo State, Martins is a seasoned actress known for her roles in The Widows, Dangerous Mad Man, and Feast of the Spirits. Beyond film, she is an entrepreneur with ventures in real estate and wellness, including Body Solution Spa and Sarah Homes and Properties.

Her Golden Heart Foundation focuses on tackling hunger among street children, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on zero hunger and good health.

Expressing gratitude, Martins described the gesture as “a powerful act of kindness,” vowing to use the funds responsibly. “This support will help us operate safely and in full compliance with state regulations while continuing to feed those who need it most,” she said.

She reaffirmed her commitment to working with government and private partners to uplift vulnerable communities and bring smiles to children’s faces.

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The partnership between the Golden Heart Foundation and Noella Foundation is expected to enhance the scale, safety, and sustainability of Martins’ outreach — setting a powerful example of how compassion and compliance can work hand in hand to drive meaningful social change.