Chief Owolabi Salis, a Nigerian lawyer and finance expert based in the United States, is officially recognised by Wikipedia as the country’s first space traveller.
Salis was recognised after the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, the international organisation that accredits aviation and space flight records, confirmed that it complied with its requirements for space travel.
The FAI defines space flight as travelling 100 kilometres (62 miles) above sea level, or the internationally recognised Kármán Line. Those who accomplish this feat are given “astronaut wings.”
Salis made the trip on June 29 aboard the Blue Origin spacecraft NS-33, which is owned by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. This makes him the 702nd person in history to travel to space.
After taking off from West Texas, the aircraft flew to a height of roughly 105 kilometres.
Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno, and Jim Sitkin joined him on the mission.
Salis, who founded Soul Makers Ministry Worldwide, called the experience “spiritually rewarding.”
Salis reacts to Wikipedia’s recognition
Salis, who responded in a statement on Tuesday, said that he was grateful for the recognition and that it would inspire others to accomplish more.
“This recognition is immensely gladdening and encouraging, considering the fact that our planet is approximately five billion years old and about 117 billion people have lived in it, out of which only about 720 have been to space,” Salis said.
According to Wikipedia, the first people to go into space were Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961, and American astronaut Alan Shepard on May 5, 1961.
Additionally, plans are in motion to have renowned Californian sculptor Steve N. Barber create a monument in Salis’ honour.
According to Barber, the project is anticipated to last 1,000 years and will include engraved motivational quotes. It will also act as a beacon for Africans and Nigerians who want to travel to space.
The monument is expected to be finished on July 4, 2026, the same day the United States will celebrate Independence Day. After that, it will be moved to Salis’ birthplace in Nigeria.
The National Space Research and Development Agency describes Salis’ achievement as a significant advancement in Nigeria’s space exploration.
According to a statement released by NASRDA’s Director of Media and Corporate Communications, he stated, “This achievement highlights new opportunities for private sector engagement in Nigeria’s space programme and shines international attention on the nation’s growing capabilities.”