Heirs Life Assurance, the specialist life insurance arm of Heirs Insurance Group, has officially appointed Pastor Jerry Eze as an Independent Non-Executive Director on its Board, with effect from August 10, 2026. The announcement marks a strategic move to deepen financial inclusion and accelerate insurance adoption across Nigeria by leveraging Eze's extensive influence in community engagement and value-based leadership.
A Strategic Appointment to Boost Trust and Inclusion
The appointment underscores Heirs Life Assurance's commitment to strengthening public trust, enhancing consumer education, and promoting long-term financial resilience. Despite Nigeria's status as Africa's largest economy, insurance penetration remains below one per cent—among the lowest globally—highlighting the critical need to expand financial protection and build greater public confidence in insurance products. Heirs Life aims to make insurance accessible to every Nigerian, and Eze's appointment brings a unique perspective on community engagement and broad societal impact.
Pastor Jerry Eze: A Profile of Influence and Philanthropy
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, reaching millions of people daily. Through his ministry and humanitarian initiatives, he has become one of Africa's most influential voices, championing hope, compassion, and community transformation.
Beyond ministry, Eze is the Founder of the Jerry Eze Foundation, a faith-led philanthropy that provides housing support and grants to vulnerable and underserved communities. In 2026, he announced ₦1 billion in grants to support young entrepreneurs across agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, further advancing enterprise development and economic opportunity. Before entering full-time ministry, he 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.
Leadership Reactions: Elumelu and Eze Speak
Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman of Heirs Life Assurance, commented: "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."
In response, Pastor Jerry Eze stated: "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."
Heirs Life Assurance: A Leader in Digital Insurance
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, the leading pan-African investment company with investments across 24 countries and four continents. Combining an omni-channel digital presence with physical branches spread across the country, Heirs Life continues to redefine life insurance through innovation, customer-centric solutions, and a commitment to making financial protection accessible to every Nigerian.
Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs Life Assurance, Heirs General Insurance, and Heirs Insurance Brokers, collectively serves over 3 million people directly and indirectly. The Group is championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance.
