Nigerian Pastor Jerry Eze has joined the board of Heirs Life Assurance as an independent non-executive director. The company, controlled by billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu through Heirs Insurance Group, announced the appointment in a statement on Monday.

The decision comes as Nigerian financial institutions look for new ways to build consumer confidence. Insurance adoption across Africa’s largest economy remains below 1%, leaving tens of millions of households without a financial safety net.

Pastor Jerry Eze is the founder of Streams of Joy International Ministry. Executives at Heirs Life said Eze’s background in building large communities will help the firm address low public trust, a persistent barrier to insurance growth in the region.

Building public trust

“Pastor Jerry brings an exceptional combination of integrity, influence, and a deep understanding of people and communities,” said Tony O. Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Life Assurance. “His insight will help strengthen consumer trust and deepen financial inclusion.”

Eze leads the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration, an online daily prayer platform that attracts millions of viewers across West Africa, Europe, and North America.

Prior to founding his ministry, he worked as a communications specialist on World Bank and United Nations Population Fund projects in Nigeria. He holds degrees from Abia State University and Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

In addition to his pastoral work, Eze manages the Jerry Eze Foundation. Earlier this year, the foundation pledged 1 billion naira ($300,000) in grants to support young entrepreneurs operating in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.

“Financial security empowers individuals, families, and businesses to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence,” Eze said in a statement accepting the role. “I look forward to working with the board to make insurance more accessible and relevant to every Nigerian.”

Expanding financial services

Heirs Life Assurance forms part of Heirs Insurance Group, which includes general insurance and brokerage arms that together serve roughly 3 million customers. The parent firm, Heirs Holdings, maintains investments spanning 24 countries across four continents.

The specialist life underwriter has leaned on digital channels and expanding branch networks to reach underserved markets, earning a spot on the Financial Times ranking of Africa’s fastest-growing companies.

By bringing a prominent community leader onto its board, the insurer aims to bridge the gap between formal financial services and everyday consumers who remain wary of traditional banking and coverage products.