How Nigerian-Born Lawyer Owolabi Salis Makes History as First Nigerian in Space

Owolabi Salis, a Nigerian-born lawyer and political figure, has etched his name in history as the first Nigerian to journey into space. He was among six crew members aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission, which launched successfully from West Texas on June 29, 2025.

The flight, part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard programme—founded by Jeff Bezos—carried Salis alongside fellow passengers Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin. The 10-minute suborbital trip surpassed the Kármán line, the internationally recognized space boundary, reaching an altitude of 105.2 kilometres, as reported by Space in Africa.

Before the launch, Salis described the mission as profoundly meaningful, transcending its scientific achievements. “This mission is more than just a trip into space; it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations,” he said. He expressed hope that his historic flight would ignite a passion for space exploration among young Africans.

Born in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Salis is a licensed attorney in Nigeria and the U.S. and the author of Equitocracy, a book advocating governance rooted in fairness and equity. A seasoned explorer, he previously made history as the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in the same season.

Salis is also a familiar face in Nigerian politics, having run for Lagos State governor multiple times—under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003 and 2007, the Action Party of Nigeria in 2007, and the Alliance for Democracy in 2019. After the 2019 election, he contested Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s victory in court, though his petition was dismissed.

This milestone cements Salis’ legacy as a trailblazer in law, exploration, and now, space travel.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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