Nigerians are celebrating a monumental milestone as U.S.-based Nigerian lawyer and chartered accountant, Chief Owolabi Salis, becomes the first Nigerian to journey into space! Salis was among six passengers aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 suborbital space mission, which launched from West Texas on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
The historic 10-minute flight, operated by Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company, soared past the Kármán line (100km above Earth) to reach an apogee of 105.2km — offering the crew breathtaking views and the unforgettable experience of weightlessness.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Salis described his journey as a “convergence of science and spirit,” saying, “This is more than just space travel — it’s about inspiring future generations, especially in Africa.”
Hailing from Ikorodu, Lagos, Salis is not only a space traveler but a global adventurer. He previously made headlines as the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in one season. A political figure and author of Equitocracy, Salis is also committed to youth empowerment and community development.
His historic leap into space is being hailed as a bold message to African youth: dream big, reach for the stars — literally!
