Heirs Life Assurance has appointed the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, Pastor Jerry Eze, as an Independent Non-Executive Director on its board.

The appointment, effective August 10, 2026, was disclosed in a statement issued by Heirs Life Assurance on Tuesday.

According to the company, Eze’s appointment is part of its efforts to expand financial inclusion and accelerate insurance adoption by strengthening public trust, consumer education and long-term financial resilience across Nigeria.

The company said his appointment would bring additional perspectives on community engagement, value-based leadership and societal impact as it seeks to make insurance more accessible to Nigerians.

The appointment comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s low insurance penetration, which remains below one per cent despite the country’s status as Africa’s largest economy.

Heirs Life said the low level of insurance penetration underscores the need to expand access to financial protection and build greater public confidence in insurance products.

Eze is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, which has 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 which the company described as one of the world’s largest, with millions of people reached daily.

Beyond his ministry activities, Eze founded the Jerry Eze Foundation, a faith-based philanthropic organisation that provides housing support and grants to vulnerable and underserved communities.

In 2026, he announced N1 billion in grants for young entrepreneurs operating in agriculture, technology and manufacturing, with the initiative aimed at supporting enterprise development and economic opportunities.

Before becoming a full-time minister, Eze worked in development communications, including 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.

Commenting on the appointment, Chairman of Heirs Life Assurance, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, said Eze brings “an exceptional combination of integrity, influence, and a deep understanding of people and communities” to the board.

Elumelu said Eze’s experience would support the company’s efforts to strengthen consumer trust and deepen financial inclusion.

“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,” he said.

He added, “We are delighted to welcome him to the Board of Heirs Life Assurance and the broader family of Heirs Insurance Group.”
Responding to the appointment, Eze said he was honoured to join the board at what he described as a defining moment for the insurance industry.

He said financial security enables 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,” he said.

Heirs Life Assurance is one of the three insurance businesses under Heirs Holdings, alongside Heirs General Insurance and Heirs Insurance Brokers.