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 10 August 2026.
The company said the appointment forms part of its efforts to expand financial inclusion, increase insurance adoption and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s insurance industry.
Nigeria’s insurance penetration remains below one per cent, despite the country’s position as one of Africa’s largest economies. Heirs Life Assurance believes Pastor Jerry Eze’s experience in community engagement, values-driven leadership and humanitarian service will support its mission to make insurance accessible and relevant to more Nigerians.
Pastor Jerry Eze is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, a multinational Christian ministry with 34 branches across West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe and North America.
Pastor Jerry Eze is also the convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration, widely known as NSPPD, a digital prayer platform that reaches millions of people around the world.
Through his ministry and humanitarian activities, Pastor Jerry Eze has emerged as an influential African religious leader, promoting hope, compassion and community transformation.
Pastor Jerry Eze is also the Founder of the Jerry Eze Foundation, a faith-based philanthropic organisation that provides housing assistance, grants and other forms of support to vulnerable and underserved communities. In 2026, Pastor Jerry Eze announced N1 billion in grants to support young entrepreneurs operating in agriculture, technology and manufacturing.
Before entering full-time ministry, Pastor Jerry Eze worked in development communications. Pastor Jerry Eze served as a Communications Specialist on a World Bank-supported HIV/AIDS programme and also worked with the United Nations Population Fund.
Pastor Jerry Eze 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.
Welcoming the appointment, Chairman of Heirs Life Assurance, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, described Pastor Jerry Eze as a respected leader whose integrity, influence and understanding of communities would strengthen the company’s operations.
“Pastor Jerry brings an exceptional combination of integrity, influence and a deep understanding of people and communities,” Tony O. Elumelu said.
Tony O. Elumelu added that Pastor Jerry Eze’s insights would help the company strengthen consumer trust, deepen financial inclusion and protect the financial futures 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,” Tony O. Elumelu stated.
Responding to the appointment, Pastor Jerry Eze said he was honoured to join the Board at an important moment for Nigeria’s insurance industry.
“Financial security empowers individuals, families and businesses to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence and resilience,” Pastor Jerry Eze said.
Pastor Jerry Eze pledged to work with the Board and Management of Heirs Life Assurance to make insurance more accessible, relevant and beneficial to Nigerians.
Heirs Life Assurance has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading specialist life insurance companies and was ranked seventh on the Financial Times list of Africa’s fastest-growing companies.
The company is one of three insurance businesses under Heirs Holdings, a pan-African investment company with operations and investments across 24 countries and four continents.
Through its digital platforms and network of physical branches, Heirs Life Assurance provides customer-focused insurance products designed to improve access to long-term financial protection.
Heirs Insurance Group comprises Heirs Life Assurance, Heirs General Insurance and Heirs Insurance Brokers. Collectively, the businesses serve more than three million people directly and indirectly while promoting financial inclusion and digital insurance services across Nigeria.
