Nigerian Lawyer Makes History As First From Nation To Journey Into Space.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Owolabi Salis, a Nigerian-born lawyer and politician based in the United States, has become the first Nigerian to travel to space. The historic feat occurred on 29 June 2025, when Salis joined five other passengers aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission, which launched from West Texas. The 10-minute suborbital flight soared past the Kármán line, the internationally recognised boundary of space, reaching a peak altitude of 105.2 kilometres.
Salis, hailing from Ikorodu, Lagos, was part of a diverse crew dubbed “The Solstice 33,” which included Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin. The mission, operated by Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, marked the 13th human spaceflight for the New Shepard programme, a private initiative advancing commercial space travel.
Speaking before the launch, Salis described the journey as both a scientific and spiritual endeavour. “This mission is more than just a trip into space; it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations,” he said, expressing hope that his voyage would ignite interest in space exploration across Africa. The mission’s patch, featuring green rings symbolising Earth’s horizon and the Kármán line, reflected the crew’s collective aspiration to push boundaries.
A chartered accountant and attorney licensed to practise in both Nigeria and the United States, Salis is no stranger to trailblazing. He previously made history as the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in a single season. Beyond his adventurous spirit, Salis is a prominent figure in Lagos politics, having contested the governorship under various parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003 and 2007, the Action Party of Nigeria in 2007, and the Alliance for Democracy in 2019. He also authored *Equitocracy*, a book advocating for a democratic system rooted in fairness and equity.
Salis, a spiritual leader of The Soul Makers Ministry Worldwide, dedicated his space mission to victims of discrimination and civil rights violations, underscoring his commitment to social justice. His journey has sparked widespread pride, with social media posts celebrating his achievement as a milestone for Nigeria and the Yoruba community. One user on X wrote, “Ọmọ Yorùbá àtàtà,” hailing Salis as a proud representative of his heritage.
This historic flight marks a significant moment for Nigeria, which has had a space agency (NASRDA) since 1999 but had yet to see one of its citizens cross the Kármán line. Salis’ achievement not only places Nigeria on the global space exploration map but also serves as an inspiration for young Nigerians, particularly those in STEM fields, to dream beyond the stars.
As Blue Origin continues to pioneer private spaceflight, Salis’ journey signals a new era of inclusivity in space exploration, with hopes that more Africans will follow in his footsteps. The live webcast of the NS-33 mission, accessible to the public via Blue Origin’s platforms, allowed millions to witness this historic moment. For Nigeria, it’s a reminder that, as one commentator put it, “we were never too small for space—just too starved of opportunity.”