US-Based Lawyer Owolabi Salis Makes History as First Nigerian in Space

In a historic breakthrough, Nigerian-born lawyer and political figure Owolabi Salis has become the first Nigerian to journey to space, as part of Blue Origin’s NS‑33 mission.

Launched from West Texas on June 29, 2025, the suborbital flight, operated under Jeff Bezos’ New Shepard programme, carried six private astronauts—including Salis—beyond the Kármán line at 105.2 km, the internationally recognised boundary of space  The mission lasted about 10 minutes, offering momentary microgravity and dramatic views of Earth.

A Historic First

• Joining crew members Allie & Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin, Salis marked his milestone at the flagship NS‑33 mission, Blue Origin’s 13th human spaceflight and 33rd overall.

• Space in Africa hailed Salis as an "inspiration for Africa", celebrating his role in democratizing access to space.

More Than a Flight

Salis, who hails from Ikorodu, Lagos, shared that the journey was not purely technical but deeply spiritual—a call to inspire young Africans to embrace science, technology, and space exploration. His reflections stressed the harmony between cosmic wonder and spiritual awakening .

Multifaceted Pioneer

• A chartered accountant and licensed attorney in both Nigeria and the U.S., Salis is also the author of Equitocracy, advocating for equitable governance 

• An adventurer at heart, he previously became the first Black African to reach both the Arctic and Antarctic in one season

• Politically active in Lagos, Salis pursued PDP's governorship nominations in 2003 and 2007, ran under Action Party in 2007 and Alliance for Democracy in 2019, before challenging the 2019 results in court—unsuccessfully 

The Bigger Picture

Salis' flight underlines a significant shift in space access, where private companies like Blue Origin are empowering citizen astronauts. His achievement marks a milestone, showing that space exploration is no longer the exclusive domain of government agencies — and it opens doors for African representation in global space ventures.

As more Africans embark on such paths, Salis’ journey may encourage institutional investment and policy focus on space STEM education across the continent.

Final Word
Owolabi Salis’ pioneering flight is a triumph not just for Nigeria, but for African aspiration. His story fuses ambition, spirituality, and a vision of equality — embodying the potential of Africa's next generation of explorers.