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 reinforces 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 1%, highlighting the critical need to expand financial protection and build greater public trust in insurance products.
Pastor Jerry Eze is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, a growing multinational ministry with 34 branches across West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe, and North America.
He is also the convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), one of the world's largest digital prayer platforms, which reaches millions of people daily.
Beyond his ministry, Eze is the Founder of the Jerry Eze Foundation, a faith-led philanthropy providing housing support and grants to vulnerable communities. In 2026, he announced N1 billion in grants to support young entrepreneurs across agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
Before entering full-time ministry, Eze built a career 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.
Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman of Heirs Life Assurance, stated that Pastor Jerry brings an exceptional combination of integrity, influence, and a deep understanding of people and communities. He added that Eze's insight will help strengthen consumer trust and reinforce the commitment to protecting the financial future of millions of Nigerians.
Commenting on his appointment, Pastor Jerry Eze expressed that he is honoured to join the Board at a defining moment for the insurance industry. He noted that financial security empowers individuals, families, and businesses to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence and resilience.
Heirs Life Assurance has become one of Nigeria's leading specialist life insurance companies, ranking 7th on the Financial Times list of Africa's fastest-growing companies. It is one of the three insurance businesses of Heirs Holdings, which has investments across 24 countries and four continents.
Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs Life Assurance, Heirs General Insurance, and Heirs Insurance Brokers, collectively serves over 3 million people directly and indirectly.
