LAGOS-As the global contest for Kruger Cowne Rising Star space trip
competition deepens, Nigeria's Freeman Osonuga has been selected
among the three finalists for the influential Rising Star programme. His
selection among the three finalists is one step closer for a Nigerian to
travel to space for the first time in history.
Launched last year at the One Young World Summit in Dublin, Ireland,
the programme consisted of a year-long search to find one inspiring
individual, who will become the voice of the next generation, culminating
in the chosen champion being catapulted onto the world stage and into
space.
Flying beyond the 100km mark by XCOR Aerospace's Lynx® Spacecraft, the
champion will be presented with the opportunity to view the world from
an entirely new perspective.Also through the unique experience, if chosen
Rising Star will provide new insight into global discussions on some of the
world's most pressing issues.
Osonuga who hail from Ogun State was selected based on the tremendous
social media engagement, candidate profiles on the Rising Star website,
video content among others.Speaking during a courtesy visit to Vanguard
Corporate Head Office in Lagos, Osonuga explained that he was selected
following his efforts to garner support from the entire country including
the government.
"I was also selected for my efforts to use both national and international
press to inform an international audience of his journey, from Ebola suit
to spacesuit and how his mission to change the world continues."
Elated Osonuga is up against Keren Jackson of Ireland and Hussain
Manawer of the United Kingdom. These three finalists will be flown to
Bangkok next month where they will attend the One Young World Summit
and also deliver a keynote speech on their topic of choice to the thousands
of delegates present as well as a panel of global business leaders after
which the winner of a space trip will be announced.
"If selected, I will be making Nigeria proud as the first Nigerian to go to
space thereby making history in the process."Going to space is not the
overall objective of the project. It is to be able to raise global
conversations on issues that affect us all as inhabitants of planet earth
such as climate change, global peace and poverty.
Osonuga who was among the 250 Nigerian Ebola doctors sent to some of
the West African countries to contain the disease expressed gratitude to
Nigerians urging them to support him once more.
"What I want Nigerians to do for me is to continue to support me as we
have only three weeks left. We need to sustain the main stream media
support and social media support. To support please use the hastag:
#sendfreemantospace on twitter and for facebook users
"I am using this opportunity to reach out to Federal government to support us more at this final stage. I am also
appealing to my fellow young Nigerians; please let's support the dream by using #sendfreemantospace on twitter,
facebook, google+, instagram, @krugercowne, @freeman_osonuga and other social media platforms."
Reacting to the finalist selection, Chief Executive Officer, Kruger Cowne, Mr. Mark Cowne explained, "We were
overwhelmed with the phenomenal talent the shortlisted 30 exuded. It was a tough decision selecting the final three;
however Freeman, Keren and Hussain embodied what it means to be a rising star, exemplifying leadership quality and a
true passion to change the world. Going above and beyond their application, these 3 future leaders inspired us with what
they stand for, what they were trying to achieve and what they have already achieved in the world."
With astronauts, global leaders and entrepreneurs from the Kruger Cowne roster offering mentorship, the chosen young
leader will be managed and positioned to develop powerful connections and given a platform to engage with a global
audience and develop solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues.

A

Space exploration is my passion.