Freeman Osonuga Shortlisted to Travel to Space

30-year-old Nigerian, Freeman Osonuga has been shortlisted as one of the 30 young elites to travel to space under the Kruger Cowne’s Rising Programme. Freeman Osonuga is a graduate of Medicine and Surgery from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and was one of the dedicated volunteers who spent six months in Sierra Leone during the Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in 2014. Thankfully, he did not contract the disease but his selfless service was recognised by the Sierra Leone government and he received a meritorious service award from Ernest Koroma, Sierra Leone’s President. TIME Magazine named him 2014 Person of the Year and in 2013, he was one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons in Nigeria. In 2015, he was named WIRED 2015 innovative fellow, became an associate fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society and a One Young World Ambassador. He leads Heal The World Foundation as its Founder/Executive Director and if chosen as one of the three to be announced on October 2015 for the Rising Star Programme, he plans to use his adventure to start a global climate care advocacy programme. He says, “From Ebola suit to space suit, my mission to save the world continues.” Mark Cowne, CEO and sponsor of trip sees Freeman Osonuga as an epitome of hope, leadership and talent, one who is striving to make a difference in the world and to provide a voice for those who wish to join the debate on a global scale. It is of interest to note that if Freeman Osonuga is picked as one of the finalists, he would be the first Nigerian in space! Connect Nigeria wishes him all the best!

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This article was first published on 18th August 2015

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