Owolabi Salis: US-based Lawyer From Ikorodu Becomes First Nigerian To Travel To Space

• Owolabi Salis becomes the first Nigerian to travel to space as part of Blue Origin's NS-33 mission, launched on June 29, 2025
• Blue Origin’s 13th human spaceflight carried six astronauts, including Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Jim Sitkin, Freddie Rescigno Jr., Leland Larson, and Nigerian lawyer Owolabi Salis
• The 10-minute suborbital mission took off from West Texas, soared past the Kármán line, and offered the crew a breathtaking view of Earth

An American-based lawyer, Owolabi Salis, became the first Nigerian to travel to space, alongside five other astronauts.

Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, launched its 13th human spaceflight, the NS-33 mission, marking another milestone in commercial space travel.

According to Space in Africa, the flight took place on June 29, 2025 and carried six passengers, including Chief Owolabi Salis.

Others in the flight include Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Jim Sitkin, Freddie Rescigno, Jr., and Leland Larson.

US-based lawyer emerges first Nigerian on space.

With the flight, Salis became the first Nigerian to journey into space, which took off from the company’s West Texas site.

The report stated that the 10-minute suborbital mission made a safe return from its takeoff point.

It added:

“(The flight) soared past the Kármán line (100 km / 62 miles) to reach an apogee of 105.2 km (345,044 feet), offering the crew a breathtaking view of Earth and a life-changing experience of weightlessness.”

Hailing from Ikorodu, Lagos, Salis said:

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

Furthermore, Salis’ flight marked a key moment for Nigeria and Africa, demonstrating growing participation in space endeavours.

Reactions trail first Nigerian on space

Salis’s safe return sparked celebrations in Nigeria, with many hailing him as a national hero.

Legit.ng compiled some of the reactions.

Lawal Aobafemi said:

"A good safe journey to the space,a hilarious return back to the surface heart with pleasant joy and happiness sir....Amin."

'Banjo Banjoko said:

"Barrister Chief Owolabi Salis Fakus Fakunmoju Fakus. The well known Ikorodu born, Lagos state LEADER,human right activist, human development prophet, gubernatorial candidate, Boy Scout leader, traditionalist, philanthropist and lover of peace."

Idris Abbey Nojeem said:

"Congratulations to you chief Owolabi Salis imo Fanimoku Fakus... a wealthy and generous Philanthropist.. it not new to you when you once said you had traveled more than 75% c ok countries on earth. Sir, congratulations to you once more."

In related stories, a young Nigerian man showed the car he built from scratch, while another group of students transformed a regular okada into an electronic motorbike.

Last surviving twin rescued by Mary Slessor dies

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the last surviving twin, whom Mary Slessor rescued many years ago, Madam Malinda Mgbafor Okereke, has died.

Her family shared a statement about her years with Slessor and how the missionary adopted her.

Mary Slessor was known for fighting against the killing of twins in some Nigerian regions in the 19th century.

Source: Legit.ng