The Anambra State Government has unveiled an Artificial Intelligence-powered digital assistant called NORA, alongside a digital Anambra Handbook.
The Handbook is a comprehensive digital resource designed to improve citizens’ engagement with, and access to, government services.
The tools were unveiled by the Anambra State Information and Communication Technology Agency under the theme “Anambra, Unlocked.” They provide a centralised gateway connecting residents, businesses and other stakeholders to live digital platforms, ministry and agency websites, and key service areas across the state.
The event was held on Thursday at the state ICT office in Light House, Awka. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Agbata, said NORA emerged from year-long efforts to build an AI system that understands Anambra’s government, people, institutions and unique context.
Agbata said the initiative is expected to make government services more accessible, convenient and efficient. It gives Ndi Anambra a single digital reference point for navigating public institutions and accessing essential services without unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks.
He added that the digital platforms strengthen transparency and accountability, speeding up the state’s transition towards technology-driven governance.
He said, “NORA emerged from year-long efforts to build an AI system understanding Anambra’s government, people, institutions and unique context. It is a state-owned AI-powered assistant designed to provide e-governance support, deliver verified government information and guide residents through available digital services.
“NORA can help users locate schools and health facilities, access government programmes and understand how to pay taxes, levies and other government-related charges.”
He noted that the tool is available round the clock and can communicate in English, Igbo and Pidgin, which broadens access.
According to him, with the Handbook and NORA unveiled, Anambra is making its digital ecosystem easier to discover, navigate and access. This extends the state’s vision of technology-driven, citizen-centred governance.
“It remains a work in progress, with continuous updates to improve accuracy and usefulness. NORA can be accessed through its dedicated portal at
https://nora.anambrastate.gov.ng/
, while the Digital Anambra Handbook is available at
https://nora.anambrastate.gov.ng/live/handbook/Digital-Anambra-Handbook-2026.pdf
.
“Residents can also explore the services through the Anambra State Government website and SmartGov portal. What you see here is the work of many hands across Anambra, and it is only the beginning.
“We set out to make technology ordinary in this state: something every citizen, business and community can reach and use, not a privilege for a few. That is the idea behind everything we build in the State ICT Agency.
“In a few short years, we have laid over 700 kilometres of fibre, stood up our own Anambra Cloud, and put (NORA), the State AI, to work for the people. There is far more ahead, and we are building it with the young people of this state, not only for them.
“That is our promise, and our way of ensuring technology everywhere. With this, Anambra’s digital world has been unlocked,” Agbata added.
A live demonstration thrilled attendees. NORA welcomed participants, answered questions and navigated the handbook. It also directed users towards human assistance for sensitive matters, including reporting child abuse.
