Owolabi Salis, Nigerian-born lawyer, accountant and former political contender has just added another remarkable milestone to his name — becoming the first Nigerian to travel to space.
From the courtroom to the campaign trail and now to the edge of Earth’s atmosphere, Salis’s journey is a testament to bold ambition and a restless spirit of adventure.
Here are five things to know about the man who keeps pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
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1.He’s Nigeria’s first space traveller
In June 2025, Salis made history as the first Nigerian to travel to space. He was one of six passengers on Blue Origin’s NS-33 mission, a suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line — the recognised boundary of space.
2. A seasoned lawyer and chartered accountant
Salis is both a chartered accountant and an attorney, licensed to practise in Nigeria and the United States. His diverse professional background has given him a unique perspective on governance and social equity.
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3. A familiar face in Lagos politics
For over two decades, Salis has been active in Lagos State politics. He contested the governorship multiple times under different parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2003 and 2007 and the Alliance for Democracy in 2019, often championing themes of fairness and inclusion.
4. A record-breaking explorer
Beyond the courtroom and the campaign trail, Salis is an adventurer at heart. He previously became the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in the same season — a rare feat that reflects his appetite for pushing boundaries.
5. Author and advocate for equity
He is the author of Equitocracy, a book that argues for fairness and balance in democratic governance. Salis has described his space mission as a “spiritual journey” and hopes it will inspire young Africans to dream bigger — whether in politics, science, or exploration.
