Popular Nigerian cleric and founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board of Heirs Life Assurance.
The appointment, which took effect on August 10, 2026, was announced by Heirs Life Assurance, a specialist life insurance company under Heirs Insurance Group.
According to the company, Eze’s appointment is part of efforts to deepen public trust in insurance, promote financial inclusion and increase insurance adoption across Nigeria.
Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria’s insurance penetration remains below one per cent, highlighting the need for stronger consumer awareness and improved access to financial protection.
Heirs Life said Eze’s experience in community engagement, value-based leadership and social impact would bring a new perspective to its efforts to make insurance more accessible to Nigerians.
Eze is the founder and lead pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, which has branches across Africa, Europe and North America. He is also the convener of New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD), a widely followed digital prayer platform.
Beyond his pastoral work, Eze founded the Jerry Eze Foundation, through which he provides housing support and grants to vulnerable people and underserved communities.
In 2026, he announced a N1 billion grant initiative targeted at young entrepreneurs in agriculture, technology and manufacturing.
Before becoming a full-time pastor, Eze worked in development communications, including 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.
Reacting to the appointment, Chairman of Heirs Life Assurance, Tony Elumelu, described Eze as a person with an “exceptional combination of integrity, influence, and a deep understanding of people and communities.”
Elumelu said Eze’s experience would help the company strengthen consumer trust and deepen financial inclusion as it works to expand insurance access.
He added that the company was delighted to welcome the cleric to the board and the wider Heirs Insurance Group.
Eze, in his response, said he was honoured to join the board at a significant period for Nigeria’s insurance industry.
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He said financial security gives individuals, families and businesses greater confidence to pursue their goals while building resilience against unforeseen circumstances.
The cleric said he looked forward to working with the board and management to make insurance more accessible, relevant and impactful to Nigerians.
Heirs Life Assurance is one of the three insurance businesses under Heirs Holdings, alongside Heirs General Insurance and Heirs Insurance Brokers.
The group says its insurance businesses collectively serve more than three million people directly and indirectly, while continuing to expand its digital and physical presence across Nigeria.
