The governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont, has declared August 23, 2025, as Dr Nicolas Felix Day in recognition of the former All Progressives Congress(APC) presidential aspirant’s outstanding humanitarian service.
Governor Lamont, who also conferred the HBIU Global Peace Award on Dr Felix at a ceremony in Hartford, praised him for his life-long commitment to improving the human condition.
“Dr Nicolas Felix has demonstrated selfless dedication to providing humanitarian services, saving lives, alleviating suffering, and promoting basic human dignity,” the governor said.
“His efforts have had a profound impact on countless individuals, and his example embodies the highest ideals of compassion, neutrality, and moral decency. He truly stands as a shining example of humanity’s potential for kindness and generosity,”Lamont said.
In his response, Felix expressed gratitude to the Connecticut governor, as well as to HBI University Chancellor, Professor Donneth Macintosh, and the institution’s board and faculty for making the recognition possible.
“I am deeply humbled by this honor. The governor’s proclamation of August 23rd as Dr Nicolas Felix Day amplifies the message that serving others is the highest calling of leadership. It inspires me to do more, both for Nigeria and for the global community,” he said.
He further urged others to embrace service as a way of life, saying “this award is a reminder that service still matters. Every act of kindness leaves a trace on the world, and I encourage well-meaning individuals everywhere to leave their mark on humanity.”
Felix who hails from Ewohimi in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, first rose to prominence in national politics as the youngest presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections. He had earlier made history in 2019 as the youngest democratic presidential candidate in Nigeria, finishing third in the polls.
With this recognition, Felix joined a growing list of eminent Nigerians celebrated on the global stage, including WTO Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, Afreximbank’s Prof. Benedict Oramah and Professor Kevin Ibeh.
