Council of Islamic Organizations Greater Chicago held 32nd Anniversary

The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) celebrated its 32nd anniversary at Shalimar Banquets in Addison, Illinois on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Every year, the Council of Islamic Organizations Chicago unites to fight discrimination in all its manifestations and raise awareness of the tremendous challenges faced by Muslim brothers and sisters in Palestine, Sudan, the Congo, Myanmar, and other countries.

The Council of Islamic Organizations Chicago recruited more than a thousand people from the Chicagoland area to board buses and go to Washington, DC, for a historic national march in support of Gaza in 2024. CIOGC's dedication was shown by their persistent pursuit of justice and peace, their active involvement in the annual Illinois Muslim Action Network (IMAD), their discussions with Illinois leaders, and the installation of billboards urging a ceasefire in Gaza.

At the core of their goal is community support, which extends beyond lobbying. CIOGC have given away more than $1,000,000 for rental help, given food and winter kits to impoverished neighborhoods, hosted training sessions for nonprofit groups, and much more.

CIOGC Chair Dr. Abdulghani Hamadeh described in his speech the goals, initiatives, strategies for growth, and financial requirements required to satisfy the community's rising expectations. "Today, we are commemorating 32 years of enhancing communities and making a lasting impact," he said. When we work together, we can constantly alter the circumstances."

Senators Laura Ellman of Illinois and Rachel Ventura of Illinois were present at the event. At the event, speakers included Irshad Khan, the former chair of CIOGC.
This wonderful event, which honors Top Muslim Achievers and their significant contributions to society, increases public awareness of the Muslim community. More than 70 mosques and Islamic organizations from all around Chicagoland are united under the non-profit CIOGC, which represents Muslims from all backgrounds. "Our unity, our strength" was the theme of the event.
Over 400,000 Muslim Americans in the greater Chicago area and, increasingly, the entire state of Illinois are led by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) and have been for more than 32 years. The Chicago-based International Mosque and Islamic School Consortium (CIOGC) is a vast and multifaceted coalition of organizations, comprising more than 70 member mosques, Islamic schools, and community organizations. There are a wide variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds represented in the Muslim community, such as African Americans, Nigerians, South Asians, Arabs, Bosnians, Albanians, Turks, Latinos, Caucasians, and many more. These incredible communities come together through the Council to interact and work together with the public, government, media, interfaith community, and other relevant parties.
The event was moderated by Dr Saba Khan. A beautiful Quran recital and translation kicked off the gathering. In his speech, CIOGC Executive Director Cheikh Ahmed Mbareck emphasized the organization's goals, objectives, and design framework. Additionally, he underlined how crucial it is for Muslim communities of all stripes to work together to overcome obstacles and accomplish CIOGC goals.It gives CIOGC great pleasure to celebrate two Top Muslim Achievers. The Pakistani American Dr. Aadeel Akhter, the founder and CEO of PSYONIC, and Ndidid Amatullah Okakpu, the principal and CEO of N.Okakpu Consulting, Achievers, were presented with the honor in recognition of their exceptional contributions to respective fields and well-received work in the community.

The Ability Hand, invented by Dr. Aadeel Akhter, CEO and creator of PSYONIC, is the world's quickest bionic hand. It has sensors that attach to the user's remaining limb and enable them to manipulate the hand with their arm muscles. Medicare health insurance covers it as well. It is the first device on the market that provides users with touch feedback, allowing them to feel what their fingertips' sensors are experiencing.

Ndidi A. Okakpu is a consultant specializing in social enterprise and community development. She has a vast expertise in business, nonprofit management, community organizing and relations, and activism. Her goal is to support the progress of neglected and most vulnerable communities by fostering comprehensive community development that is grounded in robust and long-lasting models.

Every year, Muslim achievers were recognized for their outstanding contributions to a range of fields, including academia, sports, science, medicine, engineering, journalism, law & law enforcement, finance & business, and entrepreneurship.
The fundraising endeavors were expertly directed by Sheikh Hassan Mostafa Aly, the Imam and Director of Religious Affairs of The Mecca Center in Willow brook. In fifteen minutes, the fundraising goals were reached.
The annual Dinner was sponsored by a number of organizations, including the Mosque Foundation, Downtown Islamic Center, Islamic Center of Naperville, Muslim Community Center, Zakat Foundation of America, Islamic Foundation North, Benedictine University, Mecca Center, Iman Fund, Orland Park Prayer Center, and many more.