A Nigerian-born lawyer and politician, Owolabi Salis, has become the first Nigerian to travel to space.
Salis who was born in Ikorodu, Lagos State, was one of six passengers on Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission, which launched from West Texas on Sunday.
Also joining him on the historic flight were Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr and Jim Sitkin.
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INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the expedition soared past the Kármán line, the demarcation widely regarded as the threshold of outer space, reaching a zenith of 105.2 kilometres above sea level.
The 10-minute ascent and descent, part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard programme, marked yet another chapter in the democratisation of space travel.
The initiative, spearheaded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has enabled civilians to experience space without the conventional rigours of astronaut training.
Ahead of liftoff, Salis emphasised the transcendent nature of the experience.
He said: “This mission is more than just a trip into space, it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations.”
READ MORE: Nigeria To Send First Civilians To Space
Salis is a chartered accountant and attorney with licences to practise in both Nigeria and the United States.
Politically, he has been a recurring contender in Lagos State.
Salis vied for the Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial ticket in 2003 and 2007, ran under the Action Party of Nigeria the same year, and flew the Alliance for Democracy’s banner during the 2019 elections.
After 2019 contest, he legally challenged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s victory, though the tribunal dismissed his petition.
