iNewsAfrica | July 1, 2025
🇳🇬✨ Breaking the Sky Barrier:
West Texas, USA – In a groundbreaking moment for Nigeria and the African continent, U.S.-based Nigerian lawyer and philanthropist Chief Owolabi Salis has become the first Nigerian to travel to space, flying aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-33 mission on June 29, 2025.
The 10-minute suborbital journey launched from Blue Origin’s private facility in Van Horn, Texas, reaching a height of over 105 kilometers—crossing the internationally recognized Kármán line, the boundary of outer space. Salis returned safely with five other civilian astronauts, including Allie and Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin.
“It was more than just a flight—it was a spiritual mission to show what’s possible for every African child,” Salis declared after landing, visibly moved by the experience.
Born in Ikorodu, Lagos, Salis is a chartered accountant, dual-licensed attorney (Nigeria and U.S.), and renowned author of Equitocracy, a manifesto for inclusive democracy. His latest celestial feat now adds citizen astronaut to his impressive résumé.
This is not his first extraordinary adventure. Salis previously became the first Black African to journey to both the Arctic and Antarctic within the same season and has been a multiple-time gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, running on platforms focused on equity and justice.
A Leap for Nigeria—and for Africa
Salis’ trip to space is being hailed as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s presence in global science and technology. Experts say it could spark increased youth interest in STEM and bolster calls for deeper African participation in the global space economy.
“This milestone sends a message to African innovators: the sky is no longer the limit,” said Dr. Tunde Ajayi, a Nigerian aerospace consultant.
The launch adds to Blue Origin’s momentum in private spaceflight and elevates Africa’s visibility in the rapidly democratizing frontier of space travel.
iNewsAfrica Exclusive
Photos from Salis’ space journey and desert training camp ahead of launch coming soon.
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