Chief Owolabi Salis, the first Nigerian to journey into space, is set to be immortalized with a grand monument crafted by renowned American sculptor Steve N. Barber.
This historic tribute celebrates Salis’s groundbreaking achievement as the first Nigerian to cross the Kármán Line, the internationally recognized boundary of outer space, aboard Blue Origin’s NS-33 suborbital mission on June 29, 2025.
Salis, a New York-based Nigerian lawyer, chartered accountant, philanthropist, and politician, made history with his 10-minute suborbital flight, reaching an altitude of 105.2 kilometers alongside a six-member crew.
His voyage marked a significant milestone for Nigeria and Africa’s representation in global space exploration.
The monument, designed by Barber—who is celebrated for creating 37 world-class astronaut monuments and a notable piece for former U.S. President Donald Trump—promises to be a timeless symbol of inspiration, expected to endure for at least 1,000 years.
According to Barber, the monument will feature inspirational inscriptions and serve as a beacon to ignite enthusiasm for space exploration, particularly among Nigerians and Black communities worldwide.
“Owolabi Salis’ achievement has elevated Nigeria to higher esteem in global reckoning, conferring on him an elevated status as a foremost National Ambassador of his country,” Barber stated.
The unveiling is scheduled for July 4, 2026, in the United States, coinciding with America’s Independence Day, and is expected to draw significant media attention and global recognition.
Following the unveiling, the monument will be transported to Salis’s birthplace in Ikorodu, Lagos State, where it will stand as a symbol of national pride and a source of inspiration for future generations.
Barber has called on the Nigerian government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as global figures like Jeff Bezos and leading corporations, to support the initiative, emphasizing its role in promoting scientific discovery and Nigeria’s growing presence in the global space sector.
Salis, a multifaceted individual known for his contributions to philanthropy, politics, and diversity advocacy, expressed gratitude for the proposed honor.
Beyond his space journey, he has made significant strides, including being the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in a single season and establishing a skill acquisition center and a mini stadium in Ikorodu to empower Nigerian youth.
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) congratulated Salis, noting that his privately funded mission highlights the growing interest of Nigerians in space exploration and opens new opportunities for private-sector engagement in Nigeria’s space program.
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