Renowned American sculptor, Steve N. Barber, has announced plans to create a monumental sculpture in tribute to U.S.-based Nigerian lawyer and astronaut, Owolabi Salis, who recently made history as the first Nigerian to cross the Kármán line—the internationally recognized boundary of space.
Barber, globally celebrated for his space-themed monuments and iconic works honoring astronauts and U.S. figures like Donald Trump, revealed the upcoming project in a statement released on Sunday.
“This monument will be a global tribute to a man who not only broke new ground as a Nigerian in space but also elevated Nigeria’s standing in international aerospace and scientific communities,” Barber stated.
The sculpture, currently in the design phase in California, is expected to feature inspirational inscriptions etched into its surface and is scheduled for completion by July 4, 2026—America’s Independence Day. Upon unveiling, the artwork will be transported to Salis’ hometown of Ikorodu in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Barber noted he is seeking support from the Nigerian government, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and other major sponsors, adding that the structure is engineered to last a millennium. “This isn’t just about honouring one man—it’s about inspiring millions,” he emphasized.
Salis, founder of Salis Law in New York, has garnered widespread admiration since his return from space, particularly among the global Black community 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,” he shared in a recent interview.
Reflecting on the rarity of human spaceflight, Salis remarked: “Only about 720 people in human history have been to space. Considering Earth is around 5 billion years old and over 117 billion people have lived on it, this achievement is truly humbling.”
In addition to his space feat, Salis also became the first Black African to visit both the Arctic and Antarctic within a single season—between January and July 2024—marking another extraordinary milestone in exploration.