Heirs Life Assurance has brought Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International Ministry, onto its board as an Independent Non-Executive Director, a move the insurer says is aimed squarely at building public trust in a sector where Nigerians have historically shown little confidence.
The appointment took effect Monday, August 10, according to a company statement, and comes as Heirs Life pursues a broader strategy of expanding insurance access across a market where penetration remains startlingly low. “Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria’s insurance penetration remains below one per cent – among the lowest globally – highlighting the need to expand financial protection and build greater public trust in insurance,” the company said, framing the appointment as directly tied to closing that gap. Heirs Life described the move as reinforcing its commitment to “expanding financial inclusion and accelerating insurance adoption by strengthening public trust, consumer education, and long-term financial resilience across Nigeria.”
The rationale behind bringing a religious leader onto an insurance board centers on reach and credibility rather than industry expertise. Eze convenes the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration, which the company describes as one of the world’s largest digital prayer platforms, drawing millions of daily participants, a following the insurer clearly hopes can translate into greater public engagement with insurance as a concept. The statement also pointed to his humanitarian work through the Jerry Eze Foundation, including housing support for vulnerable communities and a 2026 pledge of N1 billion in grants for young entrepreneurs across agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
Notably, Eze’s background isn’t limited to ministry. Before moving into full-time religious leadership, he built a career in development communications, working as a Communications Specialist on a World Bank HIV/AIDS programme and with the United Nations Population Fund. 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, credentials the company suggests give him a working understanding of both public communication and institutional operations.
Heirs Life Assurance Chairman Tony Elumelu framed the appointment as a deliberate bet on Eze’s personal influence translating into greater consumer confidence. “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,” he said.
For his part, Eze framed the role as an extension of his broader interest in community wellbeing rather than a departure from it. “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,” he said.
