KONGA 103.7FM, a leading voice in business and development-focused broadcasting, reaffirmed its commitment to projecting Nigerian innovation by hosting an insightful session with Zinox Technologies on its flagship business programme, ‘The Market Square‘.
The interview, held at the studios of KONGA 103.7FM, featured Darlington Ibeleme, Marketing Lead at Zinox Technologies, alongside Zinox Project Manager, Daniel Okpara. They provided an in-depth look into the company’s groundbreaking efforts in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Founded in 2001, Zinox Technologies has evolved from producing Nigeria’s first internationally
certified computer into one of Africa’s most impactful ICT conglomerates.
The interview illuminated key milestones:
Pioneering IT Solutions: Zinox computerised over 65% of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, partnering with global players like Intel to deliver e-education platforms at significantly reduced costs.
Renewable Energy Revolution: Through its iPower solar and inverter brand, Zinox is investing
over $250 million, deploying clean energy solutions with up to 25-year warranties, serving over 25,000 homes, schools, and offices, while training and certifying over 500 Nigerian engineers and technicians.
Speaking on the company’s trajectory, Ibeleme noted,
Zinox was founded with the vision to domesticate IT infrastructure in Nigeria. We began by manufacturing computers, but today, we have expanded into renewable energy, consumer electronics, and ICT solutions that touch nearly every facet of national development.
Okpara emphasized Zinox’s deeper vision beyond technology, highlighting its role as a key player in nation-building.
For over two decades, Zinox has driven Nigeria’s digital growth, not only by creating access to technology but by empowering Nigerians to use it meaningfully. Through infrastructure rollouts in underserved communities and digital literacy training for youth, civil servants, and small business owners, we are bridging the digital divide and fostering sustainable progress.
He further noted that the company sees itself not merely as a tech enterprise but as a nation builder.
True digital inclusion isn’t only about gadgets or connectivity, it’s about equipping citizens with knowledge, platforms, and tools to engage meaningfully. Our rural deployments and digital literacy training initiatives are about empowerment and opportunity, Okpara explained.
KONGA 103.7FM, through The Market Square, continues to elevate stories of Nigerian enterprises whose innovation transcends business and contributes to national wellbeing. By profiling Zinox, the station aligns itself with advocates of economic development, technological sovereignty, and inclusive growth.
<p>If you’re dreaming of an adventure-packed escape this summer, the Algonquin Highlands might just be Ontario’s best-kept secret. While its neighbour, Algonquin Park, sees hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each year, the Township of Algonquin Highlands quietly welcomes tens of thousands of seasonal guests annually. With its small-town charm, the area […]</p>
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Inna Lillahi Wa’inna Ilaihir’raji’un. It is with total submission to Almighty Allah (SWT) that I wish to on behalf of friends and contemporary professional colleagues…
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/flowers-in-front-of-the-montreal-skyline.jpg?id=59911676&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=45%2C0%2C45%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Easter weekend is just around the corner — and if you've been holding off on <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/mapaq-chocolate-recall-montreal" target="_blank">chocolate</a> (or wine) since Lent, the finish line is in sight. But before you dive into holiday mode, keep in mind that Easter also brings closures and schedule changes across Montreal.</p><p>Whether you're planning a Good Friday (April 18) hangout or trying to squeeze in errands on Easter Monday (April 21), it's worth knowing what's open, closed, or operating on reduced hours throughout the weekend.</p><p>Good Friday is a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-stat-holidays-2025-calendar" target="_blank">statutory holiday in every province and territory except Quebec</a>. Here, employers are only required to give either Good Friday or Easter Monday off — not both. So depending on your workplace, you could be off Friday, Monday, or neither.</p><p>From grocery stores and liquor outlets to public transit, government services, and attractions, here's what you need to know about what's open and closed in the city from April 18 and 21 — including the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/saq" target="_blank">SAQ</a>, Maxi, IGA, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/societe-de-transport-de-montreal" target="_blank">the STM</a>, and more.</p><h3>Grocery stores and markets</h3><br/><p><strong>Grocery stores:</strong></p><ul><li>Metro: Stores will be open on Good Friday and Easter Monday (regular hours) but only the Metro Plus De La Montagne will be open on Easter Sunday.</li><li><span></span>Super C: Stores will be open on Good Friday and Easter Monday (regular hours), however none will be open on Easter Sunday.</li><li>Aisle 24: All locations of this cashierless grocery chain are open 24/7, all year round. You'll just need to download the app and create a profile in order to unlock the door.</li><li>IGA: IGA did not respond to MTL Blog's request for information on the holiday hours and their websites do not have holiday hours posted as of the time of publishing. You may want to call your local store to confirm their hours before heading out.</li><li>Maxi: All Maxi stores in Montreal will maintain regular hours on Friday and Monday, but will be closed on Sunday.</li><li>Walmart: All Walmart stores in Montreal will maintain regular hours on Friday and Monday, but will be closed on Sunday.</li></ul><p><strong>Markets: </strong>All of Montreal's public markets — including Atwater, Jean-Talon, and Maisonneuve — will be open throughout the Easter long weekend, with slightly reduced hours on Sunday. You can find full schedules on the <a href="https://www.marchespublics-mtl.com/" target="_blank">Marchés publics de Montréal website</a>.</p><h3>Pharmacies</h3><br/><p><strong>Pharmacies: </strong>Most major pharmacies (Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix, Uniprix, etc.) will be open during their regular hours all weekend.<br/><br/></p><p><strong>Dépanneurs: </strong>Convenience stores and 24-hour dépanneurs remain open throughout the weekend, depending on the owner.</p><h3>SAQ</h3><br><p><strong>SAQ:</strong> If you're planning to pick up a bottle for your Easter weekend celebration you've got a few days to work with — but some locations will be closed depending on the day and store type.</p> <ul> <li> Good Friday (April 18) & Saturday (April 19):<br/> All SAQ locations will be open as usual.</li> <li> Easter Sunday (April 20): <ul> <li> SAQ Express stores will be open.</li> <li> Most SAQ stores (formerly “SAQ Classique”) will also be open.</li> <li> SAQ Sélection locations will mostly be closed.</li> <li> SAQ Dépôt stores will be closed.</li> </ul> </li> <li> Easter Monday (April 21):<br/> Most SAQ stores will be open, except for those inside enclosed malls that don't have exterior access.</li> </ul> <p>To check exact hours for your local branch, visit the "Branches" section on <a href="https://www.saq.com/en/store?srsltid=AfmBOor0ZWcR9zyQEhWzzzE2GYWxfRl_PuxpFPh2Ttc2j1CzssToy4CP" target="_blank">SAQ.com</a>.</p><p><strong>SQDC: </strong>All SQDC stores in Montreal will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sunday.</p><h3>Shopping malls</h3><br><p>In Quebec, Easter Sunday is considered an official retail closing day, meaning most stores — including major shopping malls — must close by law. However, they're open on Good Friday, Saturday, and Easter Monday.</p><p>Here's a quick look at Montreal-area malls that will be closed on Easter Sunday (April 20) but open the rest of the weekend:</p> <ul> <li> CF Fairview Pointe Claire</li> <li> Carrefour Laval</li> <li> Centre Rockland</li> <li> Carrefour Angrignon</li> <li> Plaza Côte-des-Neiges</li> <li> Galeries d'Anjou</li> <li> Centre Eaton de Montréal</li></ul><h3>Services</h3><br><p><strong>Garbage collection:</strong> Regular collection schedules (garbage, recycling, compost) will continue across Montreal this weekend. For more info about your specific borough, you can visit <a href="http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/collectes" target="_blank">ville.montreal.qc.ca/collectes</a>.<span></span></p><p><span></span><strong>Canada Post:</strong> Canada Post is closed on national, provincial and territorial <a href="https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/kb/sending/general-information/find-out-operating-hours-on-holidays" target="_blank">holidays</a>. That means there is no collection or delivery of mail happening on Good Friday or Easter Monday, as they are both observed at the federal level. However, post offices operated by private businesses may be open if their host businesses are.</p><p><strong>Banks:</strong> All banks are closed on Good Friday. Some may be open on Easter Monday, despite it being a national holiday — it's best to call your local branch to make sure before heading out.</p><p><strong>Courts: </strong>The municipal court is closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, and "only cases of persons in custody will be processed in court during this period at the building on 775 Rue Gosford," according to the <a href="https://montreal.ca/en/articles/open-or-closed-holiday-schedule-offices-facilities-and-services-30540" target="_blank">City of Montreal website</a>.</p><p>If you need to get in touch with the City over the long weekend, you can still <a href="https://montreal.ca/en/contact-city" target="_blank">call 311</a> but hours will be reduced from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Good Friday and Easter Monday.</p><h3>Transportation</h3><br><p><strong>STM: </strong>Good Friday and Easter Monday are recognized holidays by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), so both bus and metro service will follow a holiday schedule. Be sure to check your specific route before heading out.</p><p><strong>Exo: </strong>Exo will also be adjusting its schedules for the long weekend. Regular paratransit schedules are automatically cancelled on legal holidays. Full details are available on the <a href="https://exo.quebec/en/customer-service/statutory-holiday-schedules" target="_blank">Exo website</a>.</p><h3>Things to do</h3><br/><p><strong>Espace pour la Vie museums:</strong> All five sites — the Biodome, Biosphere, Insectarium, Planetarium, and Botanical Garden — will be open all Easter weekend but closed on Monday.</p> <ul> <li> Good Friday, April 18:<br/> All locations open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except the Planetarium, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.</li> <li> Saturday, April 19:<br/> Same hours as Friday — all museums open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Planetarium open until 8:15 p.m.</li> <li> Easter Sunday, April 20:<br/> All sites open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the Planetarium closing a bit earlier at 5 p.m.</li></ul><div><strong>Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: </strong>The museum is open all weekend, including Friday and Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.</div><p><strong>Cinemas: </strong>Most movie theatres in Montreal — including all Cineplex theatres, Cinema du Parc, Cinéma Moderne Ciné-Starz, and Cinéma Starcité— are open all weekend.</p><p><strong>City-run </strong><strong>sports and cultural centres:</strong> Activities will have hours that vary by borough — call ahead or check your local borough site.</p><p><strong>Libraries:</strong> <span style="">Many public libraries in Montreal will be closed on Good Friday (April 18), Easter Sunday (April 20), and Easter Monday (April 21).</span> <span style="">Some branches may have modified hours on Saturday (April 19).</span> Since schedules can vary by borough, it's advisable to <a href="https://montreal.ca/en/places?mtl_content.lieux.installation.code=BIBL" target="_blank">check with your local library</a> for specific hours.</p><p><strong>Federal election early voting: </strong>Advance voting for the 2025 federal election kicks off this Easter weekend, running from Friday to Tuesday. Polling stations will remain open throughout the long weekend, including on statutory holidays. To find your local advance poll, confirm your registration, and get all the key info you need before heading out, check out <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/election-canada-montreal-voting" target="_blank">our full federal election guide here</a>.</p><div></div></br></br></br></br><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
<p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p><p><br/></p>