By Adeola Shittu
Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International and convener of New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD), has been appointed an Independent Non-Executive Director of Heirs Life Assurance.
The appointment takes effect from Monday, August 10, 2026, according to a statement by Heirs Insurance Group.
Eze’s appointment marks a new move into the corporate sector for the cleric, whose public profile has largely been associated with ministry, leadership and community engagement.
As an Independent Non-Executive Director, he joins the board of Heirs Life Assurance at a time when Nigeria’s insurance industry is seeking to deepen insurance penetration, improve public understanding of insurance and expand access to financial protection across different segments of the population.
Heirs Insurance Group said the appointment would strengthen the company’s board with additional leadership experience and diverse perspectives as Heirs Life pursues its strategic objectives.
Eze is widely known for his work through Streams of Joy International, the church he founded, as well as NSPPD, a prayer platform that has attracted a large following in Nigeria and among Nigerians and other audiences abroad.
Beyond his ministry activities, his work has also included community engagement and initiatives aimed at supporting people and families.
His entry into the boardroom therefore brings a different dimension to the leadership structure of Heirs Life Assurance, particularly in an industry where public trust, financial awareness and customer engagement remain important to the growth of insurance.
Heirs Life Assurance is a member of Heirs Insurance Group, the financial services group founded by businessman and philanthropist Tony Elumelu.
The group has interests in insurance and other financial services and has positioned itself around expanding access to financial products and services in Nigeria.
The appointment also comes against the backdrop of renewed efforts within Nigeria’s insurance sector to build a stronger and more inclusive market.
Despite the size of Nigeria’s population and economy, insurance penetration has remained relatively low, with industry players and regulators continuing to explore ways of bringing more individuals, families and businesses into the formal insurance system.
Improving awareness remains a major part of that effort, particularly among people who may have limited understanding of how insurance products can help protect their lives, businesses, property and finances.
For insurers, the challenge goes beyond developing products. Building confidence among consumers and communicating the value of insurance in a way that resonates with different communities have become increasingly important.
Eze’s experience in community engagement and his extensive reach could therefore add another perspective to the board’s discussions as Heirs Life works towards its wider business objectives.
The appointment also reflects the growing intersection between different sectors of Nigerian society, with professionals and public figures bringing experience from outside traditional financial services into corporate governance.
As an Independent Non-Executive Director, Eze will be part of the board structure responsible for providing oversight and contributing to the strategic direction of Heirs Life Assurance.
The company is expected to continue focusing on expanding its reach, improving customer experience and increasing access to insurance solutions as competition within Nigeria’s insurance industry intensifies.
For Eze, the appointment represents a significant expansion of his professional responsibilities beyond the ministry and community platforms with which he is most closely associated.
His new role at Heirs Life Assurance takes effect on August 10, 2026.