Owolabi Salis, a US-based lawyer and prominent political figure, has etched his name in history as the first Nigerian to journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere. He was among six private passengers aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 suborbital mission, which lifted off from West Texas on June 29, 2025. The 10-minute ascent and descent marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s space exploration journey, with Salis describing the experience as a spiritual journey and a call to inspire future generations.
Salis, a native of Ikorodu in Lagos State, is a chartered accountant and attorney licensed to practice in both Nigeria and the United States. He’s also the author of “Equitocracy,” a book promoting an egalitarian system rooted in justice and inclusivity. His achievement is a testament to his adventurous spirit, having previously become the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic within the same season.
The NS-33 mission, part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard program, reached a peak altitude of 105.2 kilometers, crossing the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. Salis hopes his feat will spark greater interest in science, technology, and space exploration among African youths, inspiring them to dream bigger.
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