Chinedum Treasure
What began as a grassroots humanitarian initiative in rural Anambra has reached the global stage, with All Nations Arise and Manifest Initiative for the Less Privileged (ANAM Initiative) receiving Special Consultative Status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The prestigious recognition gives the Anambra-based non-governmental organization official access to engage with the United Nations system by participating in meetings, contributing policy recommendations, submitting written statements and collaborating with global development partners.
Announcing the development, the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Unoma Tessy Aniesi, described the approval as a defining moment that crowned five years of determination and commitment to humanitarian service.
According to her statement, the application process commenced in 2021 and was officially concluded on June 10, 2026, when the United Nations Headquarters in New York adopted the organization’s application following a comprehensive evaluation process.
Aniesi explained that obtaining the coveted status required patience and perseverance through several stages of scrutiny, assessments and detailed questioning by the UN Committee on NGOs.
“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 stated.
She recalled that receiving the official approval letter was an emotional experience, saying the organization’s leadership initially found it difficult 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 recognition as a new chapter in the organization’s history, Aniesi said the honour reflects the remarkable journey of an NGO that started in Umuenwelum Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, and has now earned international recognition.
She dedicated the achievement to the volunteers, donors, partners, beneficiaries and supporters whose commitment helped the organization attain the milestone.
Aniesi also honoured the memories of OBC Alazor, Nekky Ekwenze and Pa Tony Emeka Ugbagu, thanking them for their invaluable contributions to the organization’s mission.
“We remain grateful for their services, support and impact. We thank God Almighty for His grace. The work continues. The vision only grows stronger. The impact will reach further,” she said.
The newly acquired ECOSOC Special Consultative Status positions ANAM Initiative to contribute directly to global development conversations while strengthening its collaborations with international organizations working to advance sustainable development.
Beyond the organization itself, the achievement represents a significant milestone for Anambra State’s civil society sector, demonstrating that locally driven humanitarian initiatives can earn recognition and influence at the highest international level.
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