By Emmanuel Nduka
A Nigerian-born lawyer and politician, Owolabi Salis, has etched his name into history by becoming the first Nigerian to journey into space.
Salis was among six passengers aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 suborbital mission, which launched on Sunday from West Texas, United States. The spaceflight, operated by Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company, reached an altitude of 105.2 kilometres—crossing the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. The mission lasted approximately 10 minutes.
He was joined on the mission by fellow crew members Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin.
Ahead of liftoff, Salis described the journey as more than a scientific feat. “This mission is more than just a trip into space, it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations,” he said.
He also expressed hope that his participation would ignite greater interest in space exploration across the African continent.
Born in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Salis is a chartered accountant and licensed attorney in both Nigeria and the United States. He is the author of Equitocracy, a book that advocates fairness and equity in democratic systems.
Salis also holds the distinction of being the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in the same season. In Nigeria, he is known for his political engagements, including his 2019 candidacy for Lagos State Governor under the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
