Transit Professional Brings Financial Expertise To Public Service
Public transit systems face unique operational challenges that require careful coordination, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and efficiency. As cities expand their transit networks and seek to improve service reliability, the individuals who keep these systems running smoothly play a crucial but often overlooked role in ensuring that buses and trains are […]
Public transit systems face unique operational challenges that require careful coordination, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and efficiency. As cities expand their transit networks and seek to improve service reliability, the individuals who keep these systems running smoothly play a crucial but often overlooked role in ensuring that buses and trains are ready to serve their communities.
Olawole Akomolafe has recently joined Halifax Transit as a Hostler, a position that involves safely operating and repositioning transit vehicles to ensure they are properly prepared for service deployment. This role represents a significant career transition for Akomolafe, who brings more than a decade of experience in financial analysis, internal controls, and risk management from Nigeria’s insurance sector.
“Every career transition offers an opportunity to apply your existing skills in new contexts while developing new capabilities,” Akomolafe observes. “Working in transit operations has given me a deeper appreciation for the complexity of public service delivery and the importance of operational excellence in serving communities. The attention to detail, systematic approach, and commitment to safety that I developed in my previous roles translate well to this environment.”
His responsibilities include performing comprehensive pre-trip inspections of transit vehicles, checking and replenishing essential fluids such as engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid, and refueling buses as necessary. He also maintains communication with the Operations and Dispatch team regarding vehicle placement and adherence to the designated parking matrix, ensuring that the right vehicles are in the right places at the right times.
Akomolafe’s background in risk assessment proves valuable in her current role, where he inspects tire conditions and wheel fasteners, promptly reporting any service-related concerns or safety issues to supervisors. This vigilance helps prevent potential problems before they can impact service delivery or compromise safety. He also ensures that buses meet cleanliness standards by cleaning and sweeping interiors, removing debris and hazardous materials in accordance with established protocols.
His career in Nigeria’s insurance sector was marked by significant achievements across multiple roles. As a Risk and Compliance Officer at Goldlink Insurance Plc from September 2010 to April 2013, he developed risk management strategies that reduced incident occurrences, achieved high compliance rates, and facilitated training programs that increased employee compliance. He subsequently served as Internal Control Officer at Nigeria Liability Insurance Pool from June 2013 to April 2018, where he conducted internal audits, developed internal control frameworks, and performed comprehensive risk assessments.
From May 2018 to June 2023, Akomolafe worked as Financial Analyst at Nigeria Liability Insurance Pool, conducting comprehensive financial analysis, improving forecast accuracy, and leading cross-functional teams in budget preparation. His analytical skills and attention to detail contributed to significant reductions in budget discrepancies and improvements in account reconciliation accuracy.
In 2024, Akomolafe completed a Graduate Certificate in Business Intelligence and Analytics from Nova Scotia Community College, demonstrating her commitment to continuous professional development. This certification, combined with her existing credentials as a Certified Information System Risk and Compliance Professional and Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional, reflects a career-long dedication to expanding her expertise.
His educational foundation includes a Higher National Diploma in Banking and Finance from The Polytechnic Ibadan, earned in 2008. He also holds Associate Memberships with the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Economics of Nigeria, credentials that speak to his professional standing in the financial sector.
“Public service offers a different kind of satisfaction than private sector work,” Akomolafe reflects. “In my previous roles, I worked to protect organizational integrity and support strategic decision-making. Here at Halifax Transit, I’m part of a team that directly serves the community, ensuring that people can get to work, school, appointments, and all the places they need to be. Both types of work are valuable, but there’s something particularly meaningful about contributing to essential public services.”
His transition to Halifax Transit demonstrates the versatility of skills developed in financial analysis and risk management. The systematic thinking, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence that served him well in analyzing financial data and conducting audits now support his work in ensuring that transit vehicles are safe, properly maintained, and ready for service.
As he continues in this role, Akomolafe brings a unique perspective shaped by years of professional experience in financial services, complemented by recent training in business intelligence and analytics. His journey illustrates how professionals can successfully navigate career transitions while continuing to contribute value in new and different contexts.