Heirs Life Assurance, the specialist life insurance company of Heirs Insurance Group, has appointed Pastor Jerry Eze as an Independent Non-Executive Director on its Board, effective August 10, 2026.

The appointment underscores the company’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion and accelerating insurance adoption by strengthening public trust, consumer education and long-term financial resilience across Nigeria.

Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria’s insurance penetration remains below one per cent, among the lowest globally, highlighting the need to widen access to financial protection and deepen public confidence in insurance.

As Heirs Life continues its drive to make insurance more accessible to Nigerians, Eze’s appointment is expected to bring additional perspectives on community engagement, value-based leadership and broad societal impact.

Eze is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, a multinational ministry with 34 branches across West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe and North America. He is also the convener of New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), a major digital prayer platform with millions of daily followers worldwide.

Through his ministry and humanitarian initiatives, Eze has emerged as an influential voice on issues of hope, compassion and community development.

He is also the Founder of the Jerry Eze Foundation, a faith-based philanthropic initiative providing housing support and grants to vulnerable and underserved communities.

In 2026, he announced N1 billion in grants to support young entrepreneurs in agriculture, technology and manufacturing, with the aim of promoting enterprise development and economic opportunity.

Before entering full-time ministry, Eze worked in development communications, serving as a Communications Specialist on a World Bank HIV/AIDS programme and with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

He holds a bachelor’s degree in History and International Relations from Abia State University and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

Commenting on the appointment, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman of Heirs Life Assurance, said Eze’s experience and influence would strengthen the company’s efforts to build trust and expand insurance coverage.

“Pastor Jerry brings an exceptional combination of integrity, influence, and a deep understanding of people and communities. As we continue our mission to democratise access to insurance, his insight will help strengthen consumer trust, deepen financial inclusion, and reinforce our commitment to protecting the financial future of millions of Nigerians.

“We are delighted to welcome him to the Board of Heirs Life Assurance and the broader family of Heirs Insurance Group,” Elumelu said.

Eze said he was honoured to join the board at a critical period for Nigeria’s insurance industry.

“I am honoured to join the Board of Heirs Life Assurance at a defining moment for the insurance industry. Financial security empowers individuals, families, and businesses to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence and resilience.

“I look forward to working with the Board and Management to advance the company’s mission of making insurance more accessible, relevant, and impactful for every Nigerian,” he said.

Heirs Life Assurance is one of Nigeria’s specialist life insurance companies and ranked seventh on the Financial Times list of Africa’s fastest-growing companies.

It is one of three insurance businesses under Heirs Holdings, the pan-African investment company with investments across 24 countries and four continents.

With an omni-channel digital presence and physical branches across Nigeria, Heirs Life says it is focused on reshaping life insurance through innovation, customer-focused solutions and wider access to financial protection.

Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs Life Assurance, Heirs General Insurance and Heirs Insurance Brokers, collectively serves more than three million people directly and indirectly.

The group says it is focused on advancing financial inclusion and expanding digital insurance adoption in Nigeria as part of its broader mission to democratise access to insurance.