News

Wikipedia Lists First Nigerian Astronaut

Published

9 months ago

August 12, 2025

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.

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.

“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.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.