Owolabi Salis, a US-based Nigerian lawyer and perennial Lagos governorship aspirant, has become the first Nigerian to travel to space. On June 29, 2025, Salis joined five other private astronauts on Blue Origin’s NS-33 suborbital flight, reaching an altitude of 105.2 kilometers and crossing the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The journey was part of Jeff Bezos’ New Shepard program, marking another milestone in the commercialization of space travel. Before the launch, Salis described the mission as a “spiritual journey” and encouraged young Africans to pursue careers in science, technology, and space exploration.
Salis, a native of Ikorodu, Lagos State, is a chartered accountant and attorney qualified to practice in both Nigeria and the US. He is also the author of “Equitocracy,” a political treatise promoting social justice and inclusive governance. His background and achievements serve as an inspiration to many, showcasing the potential for Nigerians to excel globally.
This achievement adds to Salis’s impressive list of accomplishments, including becoming the first Black African to reach both the Arctic and Antarctic within the same season. His latest feat marks a new chapter in his unconventional public life, which has also included multiple attempts at the Lagos governorship.
Salis’s journey to space was a remarkable feat, with the spacecraft launching from West Texas and reaching an altitude of 105.2 kilometers. The mission lasted approximately 10 minutes, and Salis was joined by fellow private astronauts Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr, and Jim Sitkin.
Salis’s achievement serves as a significant milestone for Nigeria and Africa, highlighting the potential for individuals from the region to excel in space exploration. His message to young Africans emphasizes the importance of pursuing careers in science, technology, and space exploration, inspiring a new generation of leaders.
As Salis continues to make history, his story serves as a testament to the power of determination and hard work. His accomplishments in space exploration and politics demonstrate his commitment to making a positive impact on society.
