By NEWSCOUNT Desk
Heirs Life Assurance has appointed Pastor Jerry Eze, Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, as an Independent Non-Executive Director on its Board, with the appointment taking effect from August 10, 2026.
The appointment brings Eze, a prominent religious leader with a strong public profile and extensive experience in community engagement and philanthropy, into the boardroom of one of Nigeria’s leading life insurance companies as the firm steps up efforts to widen access to insurance and strengthen financial inclusion.
Heirs Life Assurance, the specialist life insurance company of Heirs Insurance Group, said Eze’s appointment reflects its commitment to strong corporate governance and its drive to make insurance more accessible, relevant and useful to Nigerians.
In a statement announcing the appointment, the company described Eze as a respected leader with a distinguished record in community engagement, philanthropy and development communications. It said the experience he brings from these areas would provide valuable insight as the company works to deepen public understanding of insurance and expand access to financial protection.
“As we continue to make insurance more accessible, relevant, and impactful, we look forward to the experience and perspective he brings to our Board,” the company said.
Chairman of Heirs Life Assurance, Tony Elumelu, welcomed Eze to the Board and the wider Heirs Insurance Group, describing him as a leader whose influence and understanding of people and communities could contribute meaningfully to the company’s objectives.
“Pastor Jerry brings an exceptional combination of integrity, influence, and a deep understanding of people and communities,” Elumelu said.
He added that Eze’s insight would help the company strengthen consumer trust, deepen financial inclusion and support its commitment to protecting the financial future of millions of Nigerians.
The appointment comes as Nigeria’s insurance industry continues to face the challenge of expanding coverage and getting more Nigerians to see insurance as an important part of their financial planning. Heirs Life has identified wider access, consumer education and public trust as important areas in its efforts to increase insurance adoption.
Beyond his role as a pastor, Eze has a background in development communications. Before entering full-time ministry, he served as a Communications Specialist on a World Bank HIV/AIDS programme and also worked with the United Nations Population Fund, giving him professional experience in communication and development programmes.
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.
Eze is also known for his leadership of Streams of Joy International Ministry and the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations, popularly known as NSPPD, a digital prayer platform that has attracted a large following in Nigeria and outside the country.
His philanthropic activities include the Jerry Eze Foundation, through which he has supported vulnerable and underserved communities with initiatives including housing assistance and grants.
The company said these experiences, particularly Eze’s understanding of communities and his work in social impact and communications, would complement the professional expertise already available on the Heirs Life Board.
Commenting on his appointment, Eze expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the Board, saying financial security gives individuals, families and businesses greater confidence to pursue their goals and withstand unexpected challenges.
He said he looked forward to working with the Board and management of Heirs Life to advance efforts aimed at making insurance more accessible, relevant and impactful to Nigerians.
As an Independent Non-Executive Director, Eze will serve at board level and participate in oversight, governance and major strategic decisions without taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of the company. His role is therefore distinct from that of an executive director who is involved in the daily management of the business.
Heirs Life Assurance operates within Heirs Insurance Group, which is part of the wider Heirs Holdings group founded by Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu. The insurance group also has Heirs General Insurance and Heirs Insurance Brokers as part of its operations.
Heirs Life provides life insurance and insurance-backed savings products to individuals and businesses, with its business model focused on providing financial protection and encouraging wider participation in insurance.
The company said Eze’s appointment would support its broader efforts to build stronger public confidence in insurance and increase access to financial protection for Nigerians.
