News
Wikipedia Lists First Nigerian Astronaut
Published
4 weeks agoon
By
Editor
Wikipedia has officially listed United States–based Nigerian lawyer and finance expert, Chief Owolabi Salis, as the first Nigerian to travel to space.
The recognition follows confirmation by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, the global body that certifies aviation and space flight records, that Salis met its criteria for space travel.
The FAI defines space flight as crossing an altitude of 100 kilometres (62 miles) above sea level, the internationally recognised Kármán Line, and awards “astronaut wings” to those who achieve the feat.
Salis, who became the 702nd person in history to travel to space, undertook the journey on June 29 aboard the Blue Origin spacecraft NS-33, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
READ ALSO:Ibom Air Passenger Emmason: Why Kwam1 Was Not Charged In Court — NCAA
The flight, which launched from West Texas, reached an altitude of about 105 km.
He was joined on the mission by Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno, and Jim Sitkin.
Salis, who is also the founder of Soul Makers Ministry Worldwide, described the experience as “spiritually rewarding.”
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Salis expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying that the development will encourage others to achieve more feats.
READ ALSO:Jonathan, Obi Can’t Match APC’s Strength For 2027 – Mustapha Salihu
“This recognition is immensely gladdening and encouraging, considering the fact that our planet is approximately five billion years old and about 117 billion people have lived in it, out of which only about 720 have been to space,” Salis said.
Wikipedia’s records show that the first human to travel to space was Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961, followed by American astronaut Alan Shepard on May 5, 1961.
Plans are also underway to honour Salis with a monument by renowned California-based sculptor Steve N. Barber. Barber said the project, expected to last 1,000 years, would feature engraved inspirational citations and serve as a beacon for Nigerians and Africans aspiring to explore space.
The monument is scheduled for completion on July 4 next year, to coincide with the United States’ Independence Day celebrations, before being relocated to Salis’ birthplace in Nigeria.
You may like
News
JUST IN: DSS Writes X, Wants Sowore’s Account Deactivated Over Tweet Targeting Tinubu
Published
1 hour agoon
September 7, 2025By
Editor
The Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has petitioned the Chairman and CEO X Corp., Elon Musk’s controlling company managing the popular social media app, X (formerly Twitter), over a tweet by activist Omoyele Sowore.
The Nigeria’s intelligence security agency, in a petition addressed to the Chairman and CEO of X Corp. Bastrop County in Texas, United States of America (USA) and dated September 6,2025, accused Sowore of targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a disparaging and ridiculous tweet capable of creating political tension and threatening the country’s national security.
The DSS, in its petition, also accused Sowore of spreading misleading information and willful intention to furthering an ideology capable of serious harm, incitement to violence, cyber crime, hate speech to discredit Tinubu, therefore calling on the social media company to ban or deactivate the verified X handle of the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC).
The agency, while referencing the tweet, said those words are personally targeted at Tinubu with the president’s X handle mentioned by Omoyele Sowore, stating that the tweet is against the transparency on X and Government has frowned at it and found it extremely dangerous, false, and privacy violation behavior.
The petition, signed by B. Bamigboye, on behalf of DSS; Director General State Services, reads:
“We detected and monitored with dismay and consternation a widely condemned publication/trending Tweet by Omoyele Sowore on his X official handle page @YeleSowore on 25th August, 2025 about 11:38 PM local time (2338 hours) WAT disparaging and ridiculing the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Her Fight Is Ours, Sowore Vows Justice For Corps Member Denied Certificate
The Tweet read: “This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”
“Those words were personally directed at Mr. President through his official communication channel @officialABAT which is the known X handle of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The said tweet is herewith attached and will be referenced on herein for emphasis and necessary action.
“The said tweet is still in circulation and has attracted widespread condemnation by majority of Nigerians, some of whom may resort to unwholesome activities to vent their grievance over it, especially supporters of the President who have started taking to the streets in protest, thereby creating political tension and threatening the country’s national security. This is in addition to the disparaging effect the tweet has on the reputation of Mr. President and the country before the comity of nations.
READ ALSO:Her Fight Is Ours, Sowore Vows Justice For Corps Member Denied Certificate
“The tweet under reference is against the transparency on X and Government has frowned at it and found it extremely dangerous, false, privacy violation behavior that manipulate and negatively impacts on the person of the President and the Country.
“It is pertinent to bring to your knowledge that under the Nigerian Law, these quoted tweets/words constitute offence punishable in Section 51 of the Criminal Code Act Cap.77 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, which prohibits publication of false information; Sections 19,22 and 24 of the Cyber Crimes Act 2025 which prohibits and makes it an offence to spread fake news or publishing content that is deliberately misleading or deceptive, posting content that is rude, vulgar, offensive, or indecent, especially with the intent to embarrass or humiliate others, provoke ethnic, religious, or tribal hatred through online or offline statements; amounting to domestic terrorism. The Law also makes the offender and the medium through which the offence is perpetrated/propagated culpable and criminally liable too. The author and purveyor of the inflammatory online publication against Mr. President is very much aware that the publication is also prohibited by Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and other relevant Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
READ ALSO: DSS Plans Schools, Religious Centres To Tame Terrorism
“It is not in doubt that the words employed by Mr. Omoyele Sowore is misleading information, online harassment and abuse, willful intention of furthering an ideology capable of serious harm, hate speech, cause disunity, discredit/disparage the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria within the Comity of Nations to damage the image of Nigeria and cause serious threat to national security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is against the above highlighted backdrop that we make an immediate and urgent demand on your Corporation to as a matter of its own policy, immediately TAKE DOWN the tweet and its attendant re-tweets.
This demand is unequivocal with its attendant consequence. Should you fail, neglect and refuse to comply with the command in this notice, the Federal Government will be compelled to take far-reaching, sweeping and across-the-board measures through our Organization, whose mandate covers such criminal acts.
In the light of the above having been made official to you, 24 hours is sufficient enough to take necessary action.”
News
W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Rwanda 1-0 To Revive Qualification Hopes
Published
14 hours agoon
September 6, 2025By
Editor
In a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria secured a vital 1–0 victory over Rwanda, breathing new life into their qualification hopes.
The only goal of the match came in the 51st minute when Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area, slotting it past Rwanda’s goalkeeper to give Nigeria a crucial lead.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams cautious in their approach. Nigeria’s defense, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, held firm despite Rwanda’s tactical shifts in the second half.
READ ALSO:
Nigeria suffered a blow as star striker Victor Osimhen limped off in the first half, replaced by Cyril Dessers. Despite the setback, the Super Eagles maintained pressure to secure the vital win.
The victory moves Nigeria to 10 points from 7 matches in Group C, while Rwanda remains on 8 points, making the race for World Cup qualification even tighter.
Fans reacted passionately on social media platforms, with many praising the team’s resilience and expressing concern over Osimhen’s injury.
Looking ahead, Nigeria will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
News
NCDC Alerts Nigeria As DR Congo Declares Ebola Outbreak
Published
14 hours agoon
September 6, 2025By
Editor
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following the confirmation of a new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As of September 4, 2025, the DRC has reported 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, in the Kasai Province.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the agency will continue to monitor the regional and global situations as there are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria, as of now.
However, the NCDC is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease, and it is working closely with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Partners to strengthen preparedness and response measures in Nigeria.
READ ALSO:Ebola In Uganda: NCDC Ups Preparedness, Cautions Nigerians On Travel
Idris urged Nigerians to practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap under running water or using hand sanitisers. He also advised Nigerians to avoid physical contact with anyone showing symptoms of infection or an unknown diagnosis.
Additionally, individuals should handle animals with gloves and protective clothing, and cook animal products thoroughly to reduce the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission.
Furthermore, people should avoid direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine, and other bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed EVD cases.
The NCDC advises Nigerian citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Those with recent travel history to affected areas who experience symptoms should promptly call the NCDC hotline (6232) or their State Ministry of Health hotline for assessment and testing.
READ ALSO:NCDC Confirms 80 Deaths From 413 Lassa Fever Cases In 11 States
They should also shelter-in-place to avoid further spread through shared transport systems and await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a treatment centre.
The NCDC is strengthening surveillance across the country, including borders and airports, and enhancing laboratory capacities for quick testing of suspected cases.
Idris assured that the agency will continue to provide periodic updates on the situation as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC is caused by the Zaire strain, with a mortality rate estimated at 57%.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has deployed experts to support response efforts, and the DRC has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
- JUST IN: DSS Writes X, Wants Sowore’s Account Deactivated Over Tweet Targeting Tinubu
- Rhodes-Vivour Dumps Labour Party, Joins ADC
- Police Foil Robbery Attacks On Anambra Roads, Recover Vehicles
- Gunmen Kill NSCDC Personnel In Edo, Abduct Expatriate
- New Edo Line Passengers Abducted
- W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Rwanda 1-0 To Revive Qualification Hopes
- NCDC Alerts Nigeria As DR Congo Declares Ebola Outbreak
- NNPP Expels Reps Member, Drags Him To Court
- Why We Are Yet To Recognise ADC Leadership – INEC
- 5% Fuel Surcharge: What Nigerians Should Know
Trending
- Politics5 days ago
Court Ruling Clears Jonathan For 2027 Presidential Bid Amid Pressure From Parties
- News4 days ago
New Curriculum: Full List Of JSS, SS Subjects
- Metro3 days ago
JUST IN: Ex-soldiers Resume Protest Over Unpaid Benefits
- News4 days ago
20-year-old TikToker Peller Buys N350m Lekki Mansion, Promises To Reveal Secret Benefactors
- Entertainment4 days ago
Veteran Actress, Peju Ogunmola, Loses Only Child
- Metro4 days ago
Lagos Enforces Ban, Seizes Single-use Plastics From Supermarkets
- Sports5 days ago
13 Super Eagles Players Arrive Camp For World Cup Qualifiers
- Sports4 days ago
[FULL LIST] World Cup: Nigeria, Others Face Elimination
- News4 days ago
JUST IN: Ex-Ondo SDP Governorship Candidate Dies
- News5 days ago
Popular Skit Maker Dies In Car Crash