Chief Owolabi Salis, a Nigerian lawyer and finance expert, has officially been recognized by Wikipedia as the first Nigerian to travel into space. The listing follows confirmation from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the global body responsible for certifying aviation and spaceflight records.
Salis made history on June 29, 2025, when he joined five other crew members aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft, designated NS-33. The suborbital mission reached an altitude of approximately 105 kilometers above Earth’s surface, crossing the Kármán line — the internationally accepted boundary of space.
Speaking about the milestone, Salis described the journey as a “spiritually rewarding” experience, expressing gratitude for the recognition and optimism that his achievement would inspire future generations of Nigerians to pursue careers in science, technology, and space exploration.
In honor of his accomplishment, renowned sculptor Steve N. Barber is set to create a monument dedicated to Salis. The sculpture is expected to be completed by July 4, 2026, after which it will be relocated to his birthplace in Nigeria for public display.
This landmark achievement places Nigeria on the map in the global space community and marks a significant step forward for African representation in space travel.
