Renowned American artist, Steve N. Barber, has announced plans to create a monumental sculpture in honour of U.S.-based Nigerian lawyer and astronaut, Owolabi Salis, who recently became the first Nigerian to travel beyond the Kármán line into space.
Barber, internationally recognised for designing space-themed monuments, including tributes to astronauts and former U.S. President Donald Trump, revealed the project in a statement personally signed on Sunday.
He described the planned monument as a lasting global tribute to Salis’ groundbreaking achievements in space exploration and his role in projecting Nigeria’s image on the world stage.
“This monument will be a global tribute to a man who not only broke new ground as a Nigerian in space but also raised Nigeria’s profile in international scientific and aerospace circles,” Barber said.
The monument, currently being designed in California, will feature engraved inspirational citations and is expected to be completed by July 4, 2026, America’s Independence Day.
Following its unveiling amid global media coverage, the sculpture will be transported to Salis’ hometown of Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Barber, who hopes to attract support from the Nigerian government, tech billionaire Jeff Bezos, or major corporate sponsors, said the structure is being built to last for at least 1,000 years.
“This isn’t just about honouring one man, it’s about inspiring millions,” he added.
Salis, a New York-based attorney and founder of Salis Law, has received widespread admiration since returning from space, particularly among Black Americans and Nigerians in the diaspora.
“People walk up to me in restaurants and hotels, give me hugs, and ask for photographs. It’s been overwhelming,” Salis said in an interview.
Reflecting on the rarity of space travel, he noted, “Only about 720 people in human history have been to space.
“Considering that the Earth is around 5 billion years old and over 117 billion people have lived on it, this achievement is truly humbling.”
Beyond his space mission, Salis also made history between January and July 2024 as the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic within a single season, marking yet another milestone in global exploration.
