Wikipedia lists Owolabi Salis as first Nigerian to travel to space

Following official recognition by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), globally acclaimed online encyclopedia Wikipedia has listed U.S.-based astronaut, Chief Owolabi Salis, among the universally recognized individuals who have successfully traveled to outer space.

The FAI defines spaceflight as any journey exceeding 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level. Individuals who achieve this milestone are awarded Astronaut Wings.

Wikipedia further recognized the Nigeria-born lawyer and finance expert as the first Nigerian to travel to space. By this classification, Salis—listed as number 702 in the historical registry of space travelers—becomes not only the first but also the only Nigerian to have accomplished this feat since the beginning of human space exploration.

Describing the recognition as “immensely gladdening and encouraging,” Salis noted the rarity of the achievement:

“Our planet is approximately five billion years old and about 117 billion people have lived on it. Out of this number, only about 720 people have been to space.”

At the top of this historic list is Yuri Gagarin of the former Soviet Union, who became the first human in space on April 12, 1961, followed closely by American astronaut Alan Shepard, who achieved the milestone on May 5, 1961.

According to Wikipedia, the criteria for inclusion require an altitude exceeding 330,000 feet, as stipulated by the FAI—the globally recognized body responsible for certifying aviation and spaceflight records.

On June 29, Salis made history when he joined six others on a spaceflight aboard the Blue Origin spacecraft New Shepard (mission code NS-33), which launched from West Texas. The flight reached an altitude of approximately 105 kilometers, crossing the Kármán Line—the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The journey, organized by Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, included fellow travelers Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin. Salis, founder and leader of Soul Makers Ministry Worldwide, described the trip as “spiritually rewarding.”

In recognition of his achievement, renowned sculptor Steve N. Barber recently announced plans to honor Salis with a monumental sculpture. The visionary project is expected to reflect the trailblazing nature of Salis’s accomplishment. Barber expressed hope that Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Jeff Bezos, or major corporate organizations would support the initiative, noting that Salis’s journey had elevated Nigeria’s image and positioned him as a foremost national ambassador.

The monument—designed to last 1,000 years—will serve as a permanent tribute to the history-making lawyer-astronaut. Barber described it as an “honorific epitaph” befitting a man whose achievement has brought Nigeria greater global visibility. He expressed confidence that the structure would inspire Nigerians, Black communities worldwide, and future generations to pursue space exploration and its limitless possibilities.

The California-based designer confirmed that the monument will feature engraved inspirational citations and is scheduled for completion by July 4 next year.

It will be unveiled on U.S. Independence Day under global media spotlight before being transported to Salis’s birthplace for permanent installation.