…Milestone places grassroots organization on global policy platform after five-year application process

By Olisemeka Sony

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) based in Anambra State, All Nations Arise and Manifest Initiative for the Less Privileged (ANAM Initiative), has achieved a major international milestone after securing Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

The approval marks a significant recognition of the organization’s humanitarian work and gives it the opportunity to contribute to global discussions and policymaking within the United Nations system.

The development was announced in a statement signed by the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Unoma Tessy Aniesi, who described the recognition as the culmination of five years of perseverance, dedication and unwavering commitment to serving vulnerable communities.

According to the statement, the organization’s application was formally adopted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 10, 2026, following an extensive review process that began in 2021.

Reflecting on the journey, Aniesi said obtaining the prestigious status required years of rigorous scrutiny, including detailed assessments, reviews and multiple rounds of questioning.

“This journey started in 2021. For five years, we went through a rigorous application, review, questioning and assessment process. We remained patient, hopeful and committed to our mission of serving humanity.”

She recalled the emotional moment the approval letter arrived, saying members of the organization’s leadership initially struggled to believe the news.

“When the official letter arrived, honestly, we could hardly believe it. We read it several times. We sent it to members of our Board of Trustees. We read it again. We looked at each other and asked, ‘Is this really happening?’ It felt like a dream. Today, that dream has become reality.”

Describing the achievement as both an honour and a greater responsibility, Aniesi noted that the recognition represents the remarkable journey of an organization that began as a grassroots initiative in Umuenwelum Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, and has now earned a place on the global stage.

“From a grassroots organization working tirelessly in communities, to being recognized by the United Nations system, this is a moment of great honour and responsibility.”

She dedicated the achievement to the organization’s volunteers, donors, development partners, beneficiaries and supporters whose contributions made the feat possible.

“This achievement belongs to every volunteer who gave their time, every donor who gave support, every partner who believed in us, every beneficiary who trusted us and every friend who encouraged us along the way.”

Aniesi also paid tribute to two late supporters of the organization, OBC Alazor and Nekky Ekwenze, acknowledging their contributions to the NGO’s growth.

“To those we lost along the line, OBC Alazor, Nekky Ekwenze and Pa Tony Emeka Ugbagu, we remain grateful for your services, supports and impacts. We thank God Almighty for His grace. The work continues. The vision only grows stronger. The impact will reach further.”

With the new ECOSOC Special Consultative Status, ANAM Initiative is now positioned to participate in United Nations meetings, contribute expert recommendations on issues within its mandate, submit written statements, and strengthen partnerships with international development organizations.

The recognition represents a landmark achievement not only for the organization but also for Anambra State’s civil society sector, highlighting the growing global impact of locally driven humanitarian initiatives.