Eric Patrick
A Nigerian-born lawyer based in the United States, Owolabi Salis has been hailed as the first Nigerian to journey into space, marking a historic milestone for the country.
According to The Yoruba Times, Salis was a crew member on the 13th human spaceflight and 33rd mission of Blue Origin’s New Shepard space program.
He flew alongside fellow passengers Allie Kuehner and her husband Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin.
Following the successful mission, Salis delivered a heartfelt message, reflecting on the experience and its significance for Nigeria and the world.
His achievement has drawn praise from across the globe, particularly within the Nigerian community, where it is being celebrated as a groundbreaking moment in the nation’s scientific and technological journey.
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In the video, he said, “People should stop fighting. Leaders in this world should all be gathered and sent to space to live there for one day — they’ll all be humble.”
The New Shepard is a fully reusable sub-orbital launch vehicle developed for space tourism by Blue Origin.
The vehicle is named after Alan Shepard, who became the first American to travel into space and the fifth person to walk on the Moon.
The vehicle is capable of vertical takeoffs and landings.