A Certificate, But More Than a Certificate

On 28 September 2026, Every Life Counts Initiative (ELCI) was officially incorporated in Nigeria.
Today, as I hold the certificate in my hands, I am reminded that this is far more than a document.
It is a physical reminder that something that once lived only as a burden in my heart, a vision in my mind and a prayer on my lips has now taken another significant step toward becoming what it was always meant to be.
Every Life Counts Initiative (ELCI) is officially here.
The journey to this certificate was not without its moments.
There were queries. Corrections. Re submissions. Waiting. Uncertainty. Moments when I wondered, “What exactly is still missing?” 😂
There were times I became tired.
But I kept going.
Not because the process was easy, but because the vision was bigger than the frustration.
And through it all, I kept reminding myself that this was never just about registering an organisation.
It was about giving structure to a mission.
Giving a name and a legal identity to a vision born from a deep conviction that every life truly counts.
Today, I can hold this certificate in my hands and say:
ELCI is no longer just an idea.
It is now a legally established organisation with a mission, a vision and a responsibility to serve.
But this certificate is not the destination.
It is the beginning of another chapter.
There is still much work to do.
Children to reach.
Communities to serve.
Health education to take beyond the walls of hospitals and classrooms.
Ideas to develop.
Partnerships to build.
Lives to touch.
And perhaps years from now, when ELCI has grown far beyond what I can currently imagine, I will look back at this certificate and remember the little organisation that was once just a vision and the woman who kept pushing when the road became difficult.
So today, I celebrate.
Not because everything is accomplished.
But because one very important milestone in the birth of ELCI has been achieved.
To God be the glory.
The One who gave the vision will determine its direction.
Every Life Counts Initiative.
This is only the beginning. 🌱
MaryJane Obianuju Ayika
Founder, Every Life Counts Initiative.
@highlight NurseMaryjanespeaks Nurse MaryJane Obianuju Ayika MaryJane Obianuju Ayika

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