Grassroots NGO Secures UN ECOSOC Status, Gains Access to Global Policymaking
By Felix Oti Awka
What began as a grassroots humanitarian initiative in rural Anambra has reached the global stage. The All Nations Arise and Manifest Initiative for the Less Privileged, ANAM Initiative, has been granted Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council, ECOSOC.
The status gives the Anambra-based NGO official access to the UN system, including participation in meetings, submission of policy recommendations and written statements, and collaboration with international development partners.
Founder and Executive Director, Unoma Tessy Aniesi, described the approval as a defining moment after five years of work.
She said the application began in 2021 and was approved on June 10, 2026, by the UN Headquarters in New York following a comprehensive evaluation by the UN Committee on NGOs.
“Obtaining this status required patience and perseverance through several stages of scrutiny, assessments, and detailed questioning,” Aniesi explained.
“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.
Aniesi said receiving the approval letter was emotional for the team.
“When the official letter arrived, honestly, we could hardly believe it. We read it several times, sent it to our Board of Trustees, and asked, ‘Is this really happening?’ It felt like a dream. Today, that dream has become reality.”
She described the recognition as a new chapter for an NGO that started in Umuenwelum Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, and now has international standing.
Aniesi dedicated the achievement to volunteers, donors, partners, beneficiaries, and supporters. She also honoured the memories of OBC Alazor, Nekky Ekwenze, and Pa Tony Emeka Ugbagu for their contributions.
“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 ECOSOC status positions ANAM Initiative to contribute directly to global development conversations and strengthen collaborations with organizations advancing sustainable development.
For Anambra’s civil society sector, the milestone shows that locally driven initiatives can earn recognition and influence at the highest international level.
