Anambra unveils AI assistant to connect residents to 35 digital government platforms
ICT
By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Government has unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered digital assistant, NORA, to help residents access government services, alongside a handbook consolidating 35 digital platforms operated by the state.
NORA, described as a state-owned AI assistant, is designed to provide verified government information, guide residents through available online services and simplify access to public institutions and government programmes.
The two initiatives were unveiled on Thursday, November 12, at the Anambra State ICT Agency (ICTA) Conference Room, Light House, Awka, under the theme, “Anambra, Unlocked”.
The Digital Anambra Handbook brings together 35 digital platforms, including 19 online service portals, providing residents with a central resource to discover and navigate the state’s digital services.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ICTA, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, said the development of NORA followed a year-long effort to build an artificial intelligence system capable of understanding Anambra’s government, institutions, people and peculiar needs.
He said the assistant could help residents locate schools and healthcare facilities, access government programmes and obtain guidance on how to pay taxes, levies and other government-related charges.
Agbata explained that NORA was available round the clock and could communicate in English, Igbo and Pidgin English, making it accessible to a wider segment of the population.
He, however, acknowledged that the system was still evolving and would undergo continuous updates to improve its accuracy, reliability and usefulness.
A live demonstration at the event showed NORA welcoming participants, responding to questions, navigating the Digital Anambra Handbook and directing users to appropriate human assistance on sensitive issues, including cases of child abuse.
With the introduction of NORA and the Digital Anambra Handbook, the state government is seeking to make its growing digital infrastructure more accessible to residents while expanding the use of technology in public service delivery.
Participants at the unveiling included media practitioners, representatives of civil society organisations and senior special media aides to the Anambra State Governor.
