As residents of Ondo State join the rest of the world to usher in 2021, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has urged everyone not to lose faith in themselves as well as in the country.

In his New Year message, Akeredolu expressed optimism that the best of all is embedded in every individual as long as the resolve to surmount challenges is placed above ‘self-abnegation’.

According to Akeredolu in the message issued by his Commissioner for Information, Donald Ojogo, humanity has never been insulated from challenges, particularly that Year 2020 was fraught with a web of challenges.

The governor added that everyone’s approach to the Year 2021 remains a potent force that can open the mind to the hidden and exploitable opportunities required for fresh paths of growth and development.

“In this regard, losing faith in ourselves and even the nation is not an option but a clear route to self-abnegation. We only require a new approach, fresh ideas for results of uncommon nature to face unusual times.

“Not only do Governments at any level require that fresh approach. As citizens, our approach to issues, the desirable reappraisal of the values and morals humanity has imposed on us as well as our individual and collective responsibilities must provide further and deeper insights for the journey into 2021.

“Therefore, as we march in one collective faith on this fresh path, we must not allow our divergence in religion, politics and even social stratification to create artificial and needless boundaries on our way to a greater Ondo State. It can only be better under our watch.”