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‎A Nigerian-born lawyer and politician, Owolabi Salis, has become the first Nigerian to travel to space.

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‎Salis was one of six passengers on Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission, which launched from West Texas on Sunday.

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‎His fellow crew members were Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin.

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‎The suborbital flight, operated by Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company, Blue Origin, lasted 10 minutes and reached a peak altitude of 105.2 kilometres, crossing the Kármán line, the internationally recognised boundary of space.

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‎Speaking before the flight, Salis said, “This mission is more than just a trip into space, it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations.”

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‎He also expressed hope that his journey would encourage interest in space exploration across Africa.

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‎Born in Ikorodu, Lagos, Salis is a chartered accountant and attorney licensed to practise in both Nigeria and the United States.

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‎He is also the author of Equitocracy, a book that promotes fairness and equity in democratic governance.

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‎Salis was the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in the same season.

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‎He is also known in Nigerian politics, having contested several elections, including as the Alliance for Democracy’s governorship candidate in Lagos in 2019

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