From Ikorodu Lagos to Space: Owolabi Salis Makes History as First Nigerian to Travel to the Space
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that US-based Nigerian lawyer and political figure, Owolabi Salis, has made history as the first Nigerian to travel into space, following his successful journey aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 suborbital mission.
OTN News reports as gathered that, the mission, which launched from Blue Origin’s West Texas facility on June 29, 2025, carried six private astronauts beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, crossing the Kármán line, considered the boundary of outer space, at an altitude of 105.2 kilometres above sea level.
Salis was joined on the landmark flight by fellow passengers Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin.
OTN observes from the information gathered that, the entire voyage lasted approximately 10 minutes, with a rapid ascent and descent typical of the New Shepard programme, a commercial spaceflight initiative by Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos.
Describing the momentous trip as more than just a scientific achievement, Salis said prior to the launch, “This mission is more than just a trip into space, it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations.”
He further expressed hope that his participation in the mission would ignite interest in space exploration, science, and technology among African youths, encouraging them to aim for new frontiers.
A native of Ikorodu in Lagos State, Nigeria, Salis is a seasoned legal and financial professional with licences to practise both in Nigeria and the United States.
He is also the author of 'Equitocracy', a political treatise advocating a justice-based, inclusive system of governance.
Salis’s trip to space adds to a long list of extraordinary accomplishments. He previously made headlines as the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic within the same calendar season, a rare feat requiring complex logistical coordination.
In Nigeria, Salis is also known for his political engagements. He contested for the governorship of Lagos State under multiple platforms, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Action Party of Nigeria (APN), and the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
OTN News also recalls that in 2019, he challenged the electoral victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in court, though his petition was dismissed.
The NS-33 mission forms part of Blue Origin’s ongoing efforts to democratise space travel, allowing civilians to experience space without undergoing rigorous astronaut training.
OTN News, however, observes that, Salis’s participation not only breaks new ground for Nigeria but also underscores the increasing accessibility of space as the next frontier for global citizens.
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