Heirs Life Assurance has appointed the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective August 10, 2026.
The company, in a statement issued on Monday, said the appointment underscores its commitment to deepening financial inclusion and accelerating insurance adoption by strengthening public trust, consumer education and long-term financial resilience across Nigeria.
According to the company, Nigeria’s insurance penetration remains below one per cent despite being Africa’s largest economy, highlighting the need to expand financial protection and improve public confidence in insurance.
Heirs Life Assurance said Eze’s appointment aligns with its mission of making insurance accessible to every Nigerian by bringing expertise in community engagement, value-based leadership and social impact.
Speaking on the appointment, Chairman of Heirs Life Assurance, Tony Elumelu, said Eze’s leadership and influence would help strengthen consumer confidence in insurance.
Elumelu said: “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.”
Responding, Eze described his appointment as an opportunity to contribute to the growth of insurance in Nigeria.
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He said: “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.”
Pastor is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International, a 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), a digital prayer platform with millions of followers worldwide.
Through his ministry and humanitarian initiatives, Eze has become one of Africa’s most influential faith leaders.
He also founded the Jerry Eze Foundation, through which he provides housing support and grants to vulnerable communities.
Earlier this year, the foundation announced a N1 billion grant programme to support young entrepreneurs in agriculture, technology and manufacturing.
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.
Heirs Life Assurance is one of the insurance businesses of Heirs Holdings, the pan-African investment company with investments across 24 countries and four continents.
The company was recently ranked seventh on the Financial Times list of Africa’s fastest-growing companies.
Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs Life Assurance, Heirs General Insurance and Heirs Insurance Brokers, said it serves more than three million people directly and indirectly through its digital platforms and nationwide branch network, as it continues to promote financial inclusion and expand insurance access across Nigeria.
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