In a landmark move that blends art, science, and African heritage, acclaimed American sculptor Steve N. Barber has unveiled plans to create a monumental sculpture in honour of Chief Owolabi Salis, the first Nigerian-born individual to travel into space.
Barber, who has gained global renown for his space-themed memorials and tributes—including installations dedicated to U.S. astronauts and former President Donald Trump—announced the tribute in a statement released Sunday, August 3, 2025. He described the proposed sculpture as a “global tribute to a man who broke new ground and elevated Nigeria’s place in the global aerospace and scientific community.”
According to Barber, the sculpture is currently in the design phase in California and will be constructed with materials built to withstand the test of time—projected to last 1,000 years. The structure will bear engraved inspirational messages aimed at motivating future generations of Africans and aspiring astronauts across the world. The completion date is set for July 4, 2026, to coincide with America’s Independence Day, underscoring the transatlantic significance of Salis’ feat.
After the unveiling ceremony, which is expected to draw international media attention, the monument will be shipped to Ikorodu, Lagos State, the hometown of Salis, where it will be permanently installed as a beacon of pride for Nigeria and the African continent.
“This isn’t just about honouring one man. It’s about inspiring millions of Africans and people of colour across the globe to dream big, pursue science, and break frontiers,” Barber stated.
The artist also expressed his hope for collaboration and financial backing from key global players, including Jeff Bezos, the Nigerian government, and private sponsors from aerospace and technology sectors. He emphasized the need for institutions to support projects that document and immortalize African excellence in frontier disciplines such as space exploration.
Chief Owolabi Salis, a New York-based attorney and founder of Salis Law, etched his name into history books when he crossed the Kármán line—commonly recognized as the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space—becoming the first Nigerian in space. His feat has been hailed by Nigerians and Black communities around the world as a symbol of excellence and possibility.
In a recent interview, Salis recounted the overwhelming reception he has received since his return to Earth.
“People approach me in hotels, airports, restaurants—some with tears in their eyes—asking for photographs and offering heartfelt thanks. It’s truly humbling,” he said.
Salis also reflected on the rarity of human space travel, noting that fewer than 750 people in recorded history have ventured beyond Earth, a remarkable achievement considering that over 117 billion people have lived on this planet.
Apart from his space achievement, Salis also gained international recognition for another historic milestone—becoming the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic in the same season between January and July 2024. This feat further cemented his status as a global explorer and symbol of African resilience.
His success has resonated deeply within the Nigerian diaspora and among young Black professionals in the STEM fields, offering a powerful counter-narrative to the often-underrepresented stories of African contributions to science and innovation.
As Nigeria continues to push for advancements in science and technology, Salis’ accomplishments stand as a reminder of the country’s untapped potential in the global innovation space. The upcoming monument not only honours his individual journey but serves as a call to action for government, institutions, and the private sector to invest in youth education, space research, and African excellence.
With Barber’s sculpture in the works, Salis’ story is set to be immortalized—not just in history books, but in bronze and stone—forever standing as a testament to what is possible when dreams cross borders and break boundaries.