NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B
485BPOS, 1997-06-27
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<PAGE>   1
              As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                       33 Act File No. 333-11415

================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4

                   REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
                                   ACT OF 1933

   
                       Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 [x]
    
                                       and

                       REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
                       NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT - B
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                               (Name of Depositor)

                   One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215
         (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

        Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (614) 249-7111

   Gordon E. McCutchan, Secretary, One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

       This Post-Effective Amendment amends the Registration Statement in
respect of the Prospectus, the Statement of Additional Information and the
Financial Statements.

       It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate
space):

[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 
   
[X] on July 14, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 
    
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485 
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
    previously filed post-effective amendment.

   
       The Registrant has registered an indefinite number of securities by a
prior registration statement in accordance with Rule 24f-2 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Registrant filed its Rule 24f-2 Notice for the fiscal 
year ended December 31, 1996, on February 25, 1997.
    
================================================================================


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<PAGE>   2

                       NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT - B
                     REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-4

N-4 Item                                                                    Page
Part A     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
   
    Item   1. Cover page.......................................................5
    Item   2. Definitions......................................................7
    Item   3. Synopsis or Highlights..........................................17
    
    Item   4. Condensed Financial Information................................N/A
   
    Item   5. General Description of Registrant, Depositor, and 
                Portfolio Companies...........................................18
    Item   6. Deductions and Expenses.........................................19
    Item   7. General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts...............22
    Item   8. Annuity Period..................................................30
    Item   9. Death Benefit and Distributions.................................31
    Item  10. Purchases and Contract Value....................................22
    Item  11. Redemptions.....................................................25
    Item  12. Taxes...........................................................34
    Item  13. Legal Proceedings...............................................43
    Item  14. Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information....43
    
Part B     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
   
    Item  15. Cover Page......................................................53
    Item  16. Table of Contents...............................................53
    Item  17. General Information and History.................................53
    Item  18. Services........................................................53
    Item  19. Purchase of Securities Being Offered............................54
    Item  20. Underwriters....................................................54
    Item  21. Calculation of Performance Information..........................54
    Item  22. Annuity Payments................................................58
    Item  23. Financial Statements............................................59
    
Part C     OTHER INFORMATION
   
    Item  24. Financial Statements and Exhibits...............................92
    Item  25. Directors and Officers of the Depositor.........................93
    Item  26. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the 
                Depositor or Registrant.......................................95
    Item  27. Number of Contract Owners......................................104
    Item  28. Indemnification................................................104
    Item  29. Principal Underwriter..........................................104
    Item  30. Location of Accounts and Records...............................106
    Item  31. Management Services............................................106
    Item  32. Undertakings...................................................106
    



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<PAGE>   3

                        SUPPLEMENT DATED JULY 14, 1997 TO
                        PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1997 FOR

                 INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
                                    ISSUED BY
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                                   THROUGH ITS
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B

Effective July 14, 1997, this Supplement updates certain information contained
in your Prospectus. Please read it and keep it with your Prospectus for future
reference.

1.     The underlying Mutual Fund options cited on page 1 of the Prospectus
       are hereby amended to include the following Underlying Mutual Funds:
   
                       DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND:
                       - Capital Appreciation Portfolio

                 FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND III:
                        - Growth Opportunities Portfolio

                     MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS, INC.:
                       - Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

                       OPPENHEIMER VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUNDS:
                           - Oppenheimer Growth Fund
    

2.     The expense table located on at pages 9 and 10 of the Prospectus is
       hereby amended to include the following information:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Management         Other        Total Mutual
                                                                        Fees          Expenses       Fund Expenses
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>              <C>              <C>  
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Capital Appreciation                0.75%            0.09%            0.84%
Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III - Growth                 0.61%            0.16%            0.77%
Opportunities Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc. - Emerging Markets Debt           0.80%            0.50%            1.30%
Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds - Oppenheimer Growth Fund **        0.75%            0.04%            0.79%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
   

       **Absent a voluntary one-time fee reimbursement, the Total Mutual Fund
       Expenses would have been 0.81%.

3.     The "Example" tables located at pages 11 and 12 of the Prospectus are
       hereby amended to include the following information:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       If you surrender your Contract           If you do not surrender              If you annuitize your Contract
                       at the end of the applicable           your Contract at the end of             at the end of the applicable
                              time period.                     the applicable time period                     time period
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        1 Yr.    3  Yrs    5 Yrs    10 Yrs.     1 Yr.    3 Yrs.    5 Yrs.    10 Years    1 Yr. 3 Yrs. 5 Yrs. 10 Yrs.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>    <C>   <C>     <C>
Dreyfus Variable
Investment Fund -
Capital Appreciation    93        116       149      261         23        71       122       261          *     71    122     261
Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Variable
Insurance Products
Fund III - Growth       92        114       145      254         22        69       118       254          *     69    118     254
Opportunities
Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley
Universal Funds, Inc.
- - Emerging Markets      98        131       173      309         28        86       146       309          *     86    146     309
Debt Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable
Account Funds -
Oppenheimer Growth      93        115       146      256         23        70       119       256          *     70    119     256
Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


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<PAGE>   4

4.     "Appendix B" located at pages 43 through 49 of the Prospectus is hereby
       amended to include the following additional investment objective
       information:

       Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund

       -      Capital Appreciation Portfolio

              Investment Objective: The Fund's primary investment objective is
              to provide long-term capital growth consistent with the
              preservation of capital; current income is a secondary investment
              objective. This Fund invests primarily in the common stocks of
              domestic and foreign issuers.

       Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III

              The Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III is an open-end,
              diversified, management investment company organized as a
              Massachusetts business trust on July 14, 1994. The Fund's name was
              changed from Fidelity Advisor Annuity Fund to Variable Insurance
              Products Fund III on December 30, 1996. The Fund shares are
              purchased by insurance companies to fund benefits under variable
              life insurance and annuity contracts. Fidelity Management &
              Research Company ("FMR") is the Fund's manager.

       -      Growth Opportunities Portfolio

              Investment Objective: To provide capital growth by investing
              primarily in common stocks and securities convertible into common
              stocks. The Fund, under normal conditions, will invest at least
              65% of its total assets in securities of companies that FMR
              believes have long-term growth potential. Although the Fund
              invests primarily in common stock and securities convertible into
              common stock, it has the ability to purchase other securities,
              such as preferred stock and bonds, that may produce capital
              growth. The Fund may invest in foreign securities without
              limitation.

       Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc.

              Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc. (the "Fund") is a mutual fund
              designed to provide investment vehicles for variable annuity
              contracts and variable life insurance policies and for certain
              tax-qualified investors. The Fund is an open-end management
              investment company, or mutual fund. At present it offers 17
              separate investment portfolios (each, a "Portfolio"), each with a
              distinct investment objective.

       -      Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

              Investment Objective: The Fund seeks high total return by
              investing primarily in dollar- and non-dollar denominated Fixed
              Income Securities of government and private-sector issuers located
              in emerging market countries, which securities provide a high
              level of current income, while at the same time holding the
              potential for capital appreciation if the perceived
              creditworthiness of the issuer improves due to improving economic,
              financial, political, social or other conditions in the country in
              which the issuer is located.

       Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds

       -      Oppenheimer Growth Fund

              Investment Objective: The Fund seeks to achieve capital
              appreciation by investing in securities of well-known established
              companies. In seeking its objective of capital appreciation, the
              Fund will emphasize investments in securities of well-known and
              established companies. Such securities generally have a history of
              earnings and dividends and are issued by seasoned companies
              (having an operating history of at least five years including
              predecessors). Current income is a secondary consideration in the
              selection of the Fund's portfolio securities.

5.     Effective July 14, 1997, the Strong Special Fund II, Inc. will change
       its name to Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc. Accordingly, as of the
       effective date, any and all references to the Fund are hereby amended to
       reflect this name change.


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<PAGE>   5

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

                                   Home Office
                                 P.O. Box 16609
                    Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609, 1-800-848-6331
                               TDD 1-800-238-3035

                 INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
           ISSUED BY THE NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                 THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT - B

       The Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts described in this
prospectus are flexible purchase payment contracts (collectively referred to as
the "Contracts"). Reference throughout the prospectus to such Contracts shall
also mean Certificates issued under Group Flexible Fund Retirement Contracts.
For such Group Contracts, references to "Owner" shall mean the "Participant"
unless the Plan otherwise permits or requires the Owner to exercise contractual
rights under the authority of the Plan terms. The Contracts are sold to
individuals for use in retirement plans which may qualify for special federal
tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code. Annuity payments under the
Contracts are deferred until a selected later date.

       Purchase Payments are allocated to the Nationwide VA Separate Account - B
("Variable Account"), a separate account of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company (the "Company"). The Variable Account is divided into
Sub-Accounts, each of which invests in shares of one of the underlying Mutual
Funds described below:

                           AVAILABLE FOR ALL CONTRACTS

            American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc., an affiliate
                       of American Century Companies, Inc.
      American Century VP Balanced     American Century VP Capital Appreciation
    American Century VP International          American Century VP Value
         
                                     Dreyfus
        Dreyfus Stock Index Fund           Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
                                              Growth & Income Portfolio*
                  The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund

                    Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund
                   Equity-Income Portfolio   Growth Portfolio
                  High Income Portfolio*   Overseas Portfolio

                  Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II
         Asset Manager Portfolio                 Contrafund Portfolio

                        Nationwide Separate Account Trust
Capital Appreciation Fund       Government Bond Fund        Money Market Fund
           Small Company Fund                     Total Return Fund

                  Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust
 Growth Portfolio        Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio     Partners Portfolio

                       Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds
          Oppenheimer Bond Fund           Oppenheimer Global Securities Fund
                      Oppenheimer Multiple Strategies Fund

                          Strong Special Fund II, Inc.

                      Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.
     Strong Discovery Fund II, Inc.           International Stock Fund II

                        Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust
           Worldwide Bond Fund              Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund
                           Worldwide Hard Assets Fund

                Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust
                           Real Estate Securities Fund

                              Warburg Pincus Trust
     International Equity Portfolio         Post-Venture Capital Portfolio
                         Small Company Growth Portfolio

* These Portfolios may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly
  referred to as junk bonds.


                                       3

                                    5 of 113
<PAGE>   6

        This prospectus provides you with the basic information you should know
about the Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts issued by the
Nationwide VA Separate Account - B before investing. You should read it and keep
it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information dated May 1,
1997, containing further information about the Contracts and the Nationwide VA
Separate Account - B has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
You can obtain a copy without charge from Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
Company by calling the number listed above, or writing P.O. Box 16609, Columbus,
Ohio 43216-6609.

INVESTMENTS IN THESE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, AND ARE NOT
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, THE ADVISER OF ANY OF THE UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS
IDENTIFIED ABOVE, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, OR ANY BANK OR BANK AFFILIATE.
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY. ANY
INVESTMENT IN THE CONTRACT INVOLVES CERTAIN INVESTMENT RISK WHICH MAY INCLUDE
THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THE PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED MAY 1, 1997, IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 40 OF THE PROSPECTUS.

                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1997.


                                       4

                                    6 of 113
<PAGE>   7

                            GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS

Accumulation Unit- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the Variable
Account Contract Value prior to the Annuitization Date.

Annuitant- The person actually receiving annuity payments and upon whose
continuation of life any annuity payment involving life contingencies depends.
This person must be age 78 or younger at the time of Contract issuance. The
Annuitant may be changed prior to the Annuitization Date with the consent of the
Company.

Annuitization- The period during which annuity payments are actually received.

Annuitization Date- The date on which annuity payments actually commence at
Annuitization.

Annuity Commencement Date- The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to
commence. The Annuity Commencement Date is shown on the Data Page of the
Contract, and is subject to change by the Owner.

Annuity Payment Option- The chosen form of annuity payments. Several options are
available under the Contract.

Annuity Unit- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the value of
Variable Annuity payments.

Beneficiary- The Beneficiary is the person designated to receive certain
benefits under the Contract upon the death of the Designated Annuitant prior to
the Annuitization Date. The Beneficiary can be changed by the Contract Owner as
set forth in the Contract.

Code- The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Company- Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.

Contingent Designated Annuitant- The Contingent Designated Annuitant may be the
recipient of certain rights or benefits under this Contract when the Designated
Annuitant dies before the Annuitization Date. If a Contingent Designated
Annuitant is designated and the Annuitant dies before the Annuitization Date,
the Contingent Designated Annuitant becomes the Annuitant. A Contingent
Designated Annuitant may not be named for Contracts issued as Qualified
Contracts, Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP IRAs or Tax Sheltered Annuities.

Contingent Beneficiary- The Contingent Beneficiary is the person designated to
be the Beneficiary if the named Beneficiary is not living at the time of the
death of the Designated Annuitant.

Contingent Owner- A Contingent Owner succeeds to the rights of the Contract
Owner upon the Contract Owner's death before Annuitization. For Contracts issued
in the State of New York, references throughout this prospectus to "Contingent
Owner" shall mean "Owner's Beneficiary." A Contingent Owner may not be named for
Contracts issued as Qualified Contracts, Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP
IRAs or Tax Sheltered Annuities.

Contract- The Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contract described in this
prospectus.

Contract Anniversary- An anniversary of the Date of Issue of the Contract.

Contract Owner (Owner)- The Contract Owner is the person who possesses all
rights under the Contract, including the right to designate and change any
designations of the Owner, Contingent Owner, Designated Annuitant, Contingent
Designated Annuitant, Beneficiary, Contingent Beneficiary, Annuity Payment
Option, and the Annuity Commencement Date. The Contract Owner is the person
named as Owner in the application, unless changed.

Contract Value- The sum of the value of all Accumulation Units attributable to
the Contract plus any amount held under the Contract in the Fixed Account.

Contract Year- Each year the Contract remains in force commencing with the Date
of Issue.

Date of Issue- The date shown as the Date of Issue on the Data Page of the
Contract.

Death Benefit- The benefit which is payable upon the death of the Designated
Annuitant or the Contingent Designated Annuitant, if applicable. This benefit
does not apply upon the death of the Contract Owner when the Owner and
Designated Annuitant are not the same person. If the Annuitant dies after the
Annuitization Date, any benefit that may be payable shall be as specified in the
Annuity Payment Option elected.


                                       5

                                    7 of 113
<PAGE>   8

Designated Annuitant- The person designated prior to the Annuitization Date to
receive annuity payments. No change of Designated Annuitant may be made without
the prior consent of the Company.

Distribution- Any payment of part or all of the Contract Value

ERISA- The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

Fixed Account- The Fixed Account is made up of all assets of the Company other
than those in the Variable Account or any other segregated asset account of the
Company.

Fixed Annuity- An annuity providing for payments which are guaranteed by the
Company as to dollar amount during Annuitization.

Home Office- The main office of the Company located in Columbus, Ohio.

Individual Retirement Annuity - An annuity which qualifies for favorable tax
treatment under Section 408 of the Code.

Interest Rate Guarantee Period- An Interest Rate Guarantee Period is the
interval of time during which an interest rate credited to the Fixed Account
under the Contract is guaranteed to remain the same. For new Purchase Payments
allocated to the Fixed Account or transfers from the Variable Account, this
period begins upon the date of deposit or transfer and ends at the end of the
calendar quarter at least one year (but not more than 15 months) from deposit or
transfer. At the end of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period, a new interest rate
is declared with an Interest Rate Guarantee Period starting at the end of the
prior period and ending at the end of the calendar quarter one year later.

Joint Owner- The Joint Owner, if any, possesses an undivided interest in the
entire Contract in conjunction with the Owner. If a Joint Owner is named,
references to "Contract Owner" or "Owner" in this prospectus will apply to both
the Owner and Joint Owner or either of them. If permitted by state law, Joint
Owners must be spouses at the time Joint Ownership is requested. Joint Ownership
may be selected only for Non-Qualified Plans.

Mutual Fund (Fund)- A registered management investment company in which the
assets of the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account will be invested.

Non-Qualified Contract- A Contract which does not qualify for favorable tax
treatment under Sections 401 and 403(a) (Qualified Plans), 408 (IRAs) or 403(b)
(Tax Sheltered Annuities) of the Code.

Plan Participant-The Plan Participant is the person for whom contributions are
being made to a Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity either through
employer contributions or employee salary reduction contributions.

Purchase Payments- A deposit of new value into the Contract. The term "Purchase
Payment" does not include transfers between the Variable Account and Fixed
Account, or among the Sub-Accounts.

Qualified Contracts- A Contract issued to fund a Qualified Plan.

Qualified Plans- Retirement plans which receive favorable tax treatment under
the provisions of Sections 401 or 403(a) of the Code.

SEP IRA- A retirement plan which receives favorable tax treatment under the
provisions of Section 408(k) of the Code.

Sub-Accounts- Separate and distinct divisions of the Variable Account, to which
specific underlying Mutual Fund shares are allocated and for which Accumulation
Units and Annuity Units are separately maintained.

Tax Sheltered Annuity- An annuity which qualifies for favorable tax treatment
under Section 403(b) of the Code.

Valuation Date- Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Company's Home
Office are open for business or any other day during which there is a sufficient
degree of trading of the Variable Account's underlying Mutual Fund shares that
the current net asset value of its Accumulation Units might be materially
affected.

Valuation Period- The period of time commencing at the close of a Valuation Date
and ending at the close of business for the next succeeding Valuation Date.


                                       6

                                    8 of 113
<PAGE>   9

Variable Account- The Nationwide VA Separate Account - B, a separate investment
account of the Company into which Variable Account Purchase Payments are
allocated. The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts, each of which
invests in shares of a separate underlying Mutual Fund.

Variable Annuity- An annuity providing for payments which are not predetermined
or guaranteed as to dollar amount and which vary in amount with the investment
experience of the Variable Account.


                                       7

                                    9 of 113
<PAGE>   10

                                Table of Contents

GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS.....................................................3
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES..................................................8
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES........................................9
SYNOPSIS.....................................................................13
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION.............................................N/A
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY................................14
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.........................................................14
           Underlying Mutual Fund Options....................................14
           Voting Rights.....................................................14
           Substitution of Securities........................................15
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS................................15
           Expenses of the Variable Account..................................15
           Mortality Risk Charge.............................................15
           Expense Risk Charge...............................................15
           Contract Maintenance and Administration Charge....................15
           Contingent Deferred Sales Charge..................................16
           Waiver of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge....................17
           Premium Taxes.....................................................18
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT....................................................18
           Investments of the Variable Account...............................18
           Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value................18
           Value of an Accumulation Unit.....................................19
           Net Investment Factor.............................................19
           Valuation of Assets...............................................19
           Determining the Contract Value....................................19
           Right to Revoke...................................................19
           Transfers.........................................................20
           Contract Ownership Provisions.....................................21
           Joint Ownership Provisions........................................21
           Contingent Ownership Provisions...................................21
           Beneficiary Provisions............................................21
           Surrender (Redemption)............................................22
           Surrenders Under a Qualified Contract or Tax-Sheltered 
            Annuity Contract.................................................22
           Loan Privilege....................................................23
           Assignment........................................................24
           Contract Owner Services...........................................25
             Asset Rebalancing...............................................25
             Dollar Cost Averaging...........................................25
             Systematic Withdrawals..........................................25
ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD, DEATH BENEFIT, AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS...............26
           Annuity Commencement Date.........................................26
           Change in Annuity Commencement Date...............................26
           Annuity Payment Period-Variable Account...........................26
           Value of an Annuity Unit..........................................26
           Assumed Investment Rate...........................................26
           Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments..........................26
           Change in Form of Annuity.........................................26
           Annuity Payment Options...........................................26
           Death of Contract Owner Provisions-Non-Qualified Contracts........27
           Death of Annuitant Provisions- Non-Qualified Contracts............27
           Death of the Contract Owner/Annuitant Provisions..................27
           Death Benefit Payment Provisions..................................28
           Required Distribution Provisions for Non-Qualified Contracts......28


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                                   10 of 113
<PAGE>   11

           Required Distributions For Qualified Plans and Tax Sheltered 
            Annuities........................................................28
           Required Distributions for Individual Retirement Annuities and 
            SEP IRAs.........................................................29
           Generation-Skipping Transfers.....................................30
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS...................................................30
           Federal Income Taxes..............................................30
           Non-Qualified Contracts-Natural Persons as Owners.................31
           Non-Qualified Contracts-Non-Natural Persons as Owners.............32
           Qualified Plans, Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP IRAs, and 
            Tax Sheltered Annuities..........................................32
           Withholding.......................................................33
           Non-Resident Aliens...............................................33
           Federal Estate, Gift, and Generation Skipping Transfer Taxes......33
           Charge for Tax Provisions.........................................33
           Diversification...................................................34
           Tax Changes.......................................................34
GENERAL INFORMATION..........................................................34
           Contract Owner Inquiries..........................................34
           Statements and Reports............................................34
           Advertising.......................................................35
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS............................................................40
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.....................40
APPENDIX A...................................................................41
APPENDIX B...................................................................43


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<PAGE>   12

                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES

CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

       Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge(1)........................    7%

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Range of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Over Time

Number of Completed Years from                  Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
   Date of Purchase Payment                                Percentage

              0                                                7%
              1                                                6%
              2                                                5%
              3                                                4%
              4                                                3%
              5                                                2%
              6                                                1%
              7                                                0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MAXIMUM ANNUAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE(2)........................... $30

VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES

       Mortality and Expense Risk Charges............................... 1.25%
       Administration Charge............................................ 0.05%
         Total Variable Account Annual Expenses......................... 1.30%

(1)    During the first Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw without a
       Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) any amount in order for this
       Contract to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Code or up
       to 10% of each Purchase Payment under Individual Retirement Annuity
       Contracts issued on or after March 1, 1993. Starting with the second
       Contract Year after a Purchase Payment has been made, the Contract Owner
       may withdraw without a CDSC, the greater of (a) an amount equal to 10% of
       that Purchase Payment made to the Contract or (b) any amount withdrawn in
       order for this Contract to meet minimum distribution requirements under
       the Code. Withdrawals may be restricted for Contracts issued pursuant to
       the terms of a Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan or other Qualified Plan. This
       CDSC-free withdrawal privilege is non-cumulative; that is, free amounts
       not taken during any given Contract Year cannot be taken as free amounts
       in a subsequent Contract Year (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" for
       additional waiver provisions).

(2)    The annual Contract Maintenance Charge is deducted on each Contract
       Anniversary and on the date of surrender in any year in which the entire
       Contract Value is surrendered (see "Contract Maintenance Charge and
       Administration Charge").


                                       10

                                   12 of 113
<PAGE>   13

                    UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES(3)
             (as a percentage of underlying Mutual Fund net assets)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Management                               Total Mutual
                                                      Fees            Other Expenses       Fund Expenses
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>                  <C>  
American Century Variable Portfolios,                 1.00%                0.00%                1.00%
Inc.-American Century VP Balanced
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios,                 1.00%                0.00%                1.00%
Inc.-American Century VP Capital Appreciation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios,                 1.50%                0.00%                1.50%
Inc.-American Century VP International
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios,                 1.00%                0.00%                1.00%
Inc.-American Century VP Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                              0.25%                0.05%                0.30%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund-Growth &             0.75%                0.08%                0.83%
Income Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund*         0.72%                0.24%                0.96%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity-Income Portfolio             0.51%                0.07%                0.58%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Growth Portfolio                    0.61%                0.08%                0.69%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -High Income Portfolio              0.59%                0.12%                0.71%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -Overseas Portfolio                 0.76%                0.17%                0.93%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II-Asset Manager Portfolio*         0.64%                0.10%                0.74%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II-Contrafund Portfolio             0.61%                0.13%                0.74%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Capital Appreciation Fund                        0.50%                0.02%                0.52%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Government Bond Fund                             0.50%                0.01%                0.51%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund                                0.50%                0.03%                0.53%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT -Small Company Fund                              1.00%                0.10%                1.10%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund                                0.50%                0.02%                0.52%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management                0.83%                0.09%                0.92%
Trust-Growth Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management                0.65%                0.13%                0.78%
Trust-Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management                0.84%                0.11%                0.95%
Trust-Partners Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds-Bond Fund          0.74%                0.04%                0.78%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds-Global             0.73%                0.08%                0.81%
Securities Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds-Multiple           0.73%                0.04%                0.77%
Strategies Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Special Fund II, Inc.                          1.00%                0.17%                1.17%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable Insurance Funds,                      1.00%                0.21%                1.21%
Inc.-Discovery Fund II, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable Insurance Funds,                      1.00%                0.90%                1.90%
Inc.-International Stock Fund II
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       11
  
                                    13 of 113
<PAGE>   14

                    UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES(3)
             (as a percentage of underlying Mutual Fund net assets)
                                    Continued

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Management                               Total Mutual
                                                      Fees            Other Expenses       Fund Expenses
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>                  <C>  
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust-Worldwide           1.00%                0.08%                1.08%
Hard Assets Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust-Worldwide           1.00%                0.08%                1.08%
Bond Fund*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust-Worldwide           1.00%                0.00%                1.00%
Emerging Markets Fund*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment           0.83%                0.27%                1.10%
Trust-Real Estate Securities Fund*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust-International Equity             0.96%                0.40%                1.36%
Portfolio*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust-Post-Venture Capital             0.62%                0.78%                1.40%
Portfolio*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust-Small Company Growth             0.90%                0.26%                1.16%
Portfolio*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(3)    The Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the underlying
       Mutual Fund level and are not direct charges against Variable Account
       assets or reductions from Contract Values. These underlying Mutual Fund
       expenses are taken into consideration in computing each underlying Mutual
       Fund's net asset value, which is the share price used to calculate the
       unit values of the Variable Account. The management fees and other
       expenses are more fully described in the prospectus for each individual
       underlying Mutual Fund. The information relating to the underlying Mutual
       Fund expenses was provided by the underlying Mutual Fund and was not
       independently verified by the Company.

*      The investment advisers for the indicated underlying Mutual Funds have
       voluntarily agreed to reimburse a portion of the management fees and/or
       operating expenses resulting in a reduction of the total expenses. Absent
       any such partial reimbursement, "Management Fees" and "Other Expenses"
       would have been 0.75% and 0.24% for the Dreyfus Socially Responsible
       Growth Fund, Inc.; 0.71% and 0.10% for the Fidelity VIP Fund II-Asset
       Manager Portfolio; 1.00% and 0.10% for the Van Eck Worldwide Insurance
       Trust-Worldwide Bond Fund; 1.00% and 1.06% for the Van Eck Worldwide
       Insurance Trust-Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund; 1.00% and 0.27% for the
       Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust-Real Estate Securities
       Fund. Absent any such partial reimbursement, "Total Mutual Fund Expenses"
       would have been 1.40% for the Warburg Pincus Trust-International Equity
       Portfolio; 5.56% for the Warburg Pincus Trust Post-Venture Capital
       Portfolio; and 1.17% for the Warburg Pincus Trust-Small Company Growth
       Portfolio.


                                       12

                                   14 of 113
<PAGE>   15

                                     EXAMPLE

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be incurred
under this Contract assuming a $1000 investment and 5% annual return. These
dollar figures are illustrative only and should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or
lesser than those shown below. The expense amounts presented are derived from a
formula which allows the $30 Contract Maintenance Charge to be expressed as a
percentage of the average Contract account size for existing Contracts. Since
the average Contract account size for Contracts issued under this prospectus is
greater than $1000, the expense effect of the Contract Maintenance Charge is
reduced accordingly.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               If you surrender your           If you do not surrender      If you annuitize your Contract
                             Contract at the end of the      your Contract at the end of     at the end of the applicable
                              applicable time period         the applicable time period             time period
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            1 Yr.  3 Yrs.  5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.  1 Yr.  3 Yrs  5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.   1 Yr.  3 Yrs.  5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>       <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>    
American Century Variable    95    121      157     278      25     76    130     278        *      76     130       278
Portfolios, Inc.-American                                                                  
Century VP Balanced                                                                        
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable    95    121      157     278      25     76    130     278        *      76     130       278
Portfolios, Inc.-American                                                                  
Century VP Capital                                                                         
Appreciation                                                                               
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable    100   137      183     329      30     92    156     329        *      92     156       329
Portfolios, Inc.-American                                                                  
Century VP International                                                                   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable    95    121      157     278      25     76    130     278        *      76     130       278
Portfolios, Inc.-American                                                                  
Century VP Value                                                                           
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund     87     99      120     202      17     54     93     202        *      54      93       202
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus VIF-Growth &         93    116      148     260      23     71    121     260        *      71     121       260
Income Portfolio                                                                           
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dreyfus Socially         94    120      155     274      24     75    128     274        *      75     128       274
Responsible Growth Fund                                                                    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP                 90    108      135     233      20     63    108     233        *      63     108       233
Fund-Equity-Income                                                                         
Portfolio                                                                                  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Growth     92    111      141     245      22     66    114     245        *      66     114       245
Portfolio                                                                                  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas   94    119      154     271      24     74    127     271        *      74     127       271
Portfolio                                                                                  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-High       92    112      142     247      22     67    115     247        *     67*     115       247
Income Portfolio                                                                           
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II-Asset   92    113      144     250      22     68    117     250        *      68     117       250
Manager Portfolio                                                                          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund            92    113      144     250      22     68    117     250        *      68     117       250
II-Contrafund Portfolio                                                                    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Capital Appreciation    90    106      132     227      20     61    105     227        *      61     105       227
Fund                                                                                       
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Government Bond Fund    90    106      131     225      20     61    104     225        *      61     104       225
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund       90    106      132     228      20     61    105     228        *      61     105       228
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Small Company Fund    96    124      163     288      26     79    136     288        *      79     136       288
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund       90    106      132     227      20     61    105     227        *      61     105       227
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       13

                                   15 of 113
<PAGE>   16

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               If you surrender your           If you do not surrender      If you annuitize your Contract
                             Contract at the end of the      your Contract at the end of     at the end of the applicable
                              applicable time period         the applicable time period             time period
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            1 Yr.  3 Yrs.  5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.  1 Yr.  3 Yrs  5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.   1 Yr.  3 Yrs.  5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>       <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>    
Neuberger & Berman           94    119      153     270     24     74     126     270        *     74      126     270
Advisers Management                                                                         
Trust-Growth Portfolio                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman           92    114      146     255     22     69     119     255        *     69      119     255
Advisers Management                                                                         
Trust-Limited Maturity                                                                      
Bond Portfolio                                                                              
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman           94    120      155     273     24     75     128     273        *     75      128     273
Advisers Management Trust-                                                                  
Partners Portfolio                                                                          
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable         92    114      146     255     22     69     119     255        *     69      119     255
Account Funds-Bond Fund                                                                     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable         93    115      147     258     23     70     120     258        *     70      120     258
Account Funds-Global                                                                        
Securities Fund                                                                             
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable         92    114      145     254     22     69     118     254        *     69      118     254
Account Funds-Multiple                                                                      
Strategies Fund                                                                             
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Special Fund II,      97    127      166     295     27     82     139     295        *     82      139     295
Inc.                                                                                        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable Insurance    97    128      168     300     27     83     141     300        *     83      141     300
Funds, Inc.- Discovery                                                                      
Fund II, Inc.                                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable Insurance   101    140      188     338     31     95     161     338        *     95      161     338
Funds, Inc. -International                                                                  
Stock Fund II                                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide            96    124      162     286     26     79     135     286        *     79      135     286
Insurance Trust-Worldwide                                                                   
Bond Fund                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide            95    121      157     278     25     76     130     278        *     76      130     278
Insurance Trust-Worldwide                                                                   
Emerging Markets Fund                                                                       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide            96    124      162     286     26     79     135     286        *     79      135     286
Insurance Trust-Worldwide                                                                   
Hard Assets Fund                                                                            
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American          96    124      163     288     26     79     136     288        *     79      136     288
Capital Life Investment                                                                     
Trust - Real Estate                                                                         
Securities Fund                                                                             
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus               99    133      176     315     29     88     149     315        *     88      149     315
Trust-International Equity                                                                  
Portfolio                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus               99    134      178     319     29     89     151     319        *     89      151     319
Trust-Post-Venture Capital                                                                  
Portfolio                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust-Small   96    126      166     294     26     81     139     294        *     81      139     294
Company Growth Portfolio                                                                    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

*The Contracts sold under this prospectus do not permit annuitizations during   
the first two Contract Years. 

The purpose of the Summary of Contract Expenses and Example is to assist the
Contract Owner in understanding the various costs and expenses that will be
borne directly or indirectly when investing in the Contract. The expenses of the
Nationwide VA Separate Account - B as well as those of the underlying Mutual
Fund options are reflected in the Example. For more complete descriptions of the
expenses of the Variable Account, see "Variable Account Charges and Other
Deductions." For more complete information regarding expenses paid out of the
assets of the underlying Mutual Fund options, see the underlying Mutual Fund
prospectuses. Deductions for premium taxes may also apply but are not reflected
in the Example shown above (see "Premium Taxes").


                                       14

                                   16 of 113
<PAGE>   17

                                    SYNOPSIS

       The Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts described in this
prospectus are designed for use in connection with the following types of
Contracts (1) Non-Qualified, (2) Individual Retirement Annuities, (3) Tax
Sheltered Annuities, (4) SEP IRAs and (5) Qualified.

       The initial first year Purchase Payment must be at least $1,500 for
Non-Qualified Contracts. However, if periodic payments are expected by the
Company, this initial first year minimum may be satisfied by Purchase Payments
made on an annualized basis. The cumulative total of all Purchase Payments under
Contracts issued on the life of any one Designated Annuitant may not exceed
$1,000,000 without the prior consent of the Company (see "Allocation of Purchase
Payments and Contract Value").

       The Company does not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments made
for these Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value of such
Contracts is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct from
the Contract Owner's Contract Value a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge not to
exceed 7% of the lesser of the total of all Purchase Payments made within 84
months prior to the date of the request to surrender, or the amount surrendered.
This charge, when applicable, is imposed to permit the Company to recover sales
expenses which have been advanced by the Company (see "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge").

       In addition, on each Contract Anniversary the Company will deduct an
annual Contract Maintenance Charge from the Contract Value of the Contracts. The
Company will also assess an Administration Charge equal to an annual rate of
0.05% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account. These charges are to
reimburse the Company for administrative expenses related to the issue and
maintenance of the Contracts. The Company does not expect to recover from these
charges an amount in excess of accumulated administrative expenses (see
"Contract Maintenance Charge and Administration Charge"). The Company deducts a
Mortality Risk Charge equal to an annual rate of 0.80% of the daily net asset
value of the Variable Account for mortality risk assumed by the Company (see
"Mortality Risk Charge"). The Company deducts an Expense Risk Charge equal to an
annual rate of 0.45% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account as
compensation for the Company's risk by undertaking not to increase
administrative charges on the Contracts regardless of the actual administrative
costs (see "Expense Risk Charge").

       Upon Annuitization, the selected Annuity Payment Option will begin (see
"Annuity Payment Option"). However, if the net amount to be applied to any
Annuity Payment Option at the Annuitization Date is less than $500, the Contract
Value may be distributed in one lump sum in lieu of annuity payments. If any
annuity payment would be less than $20, the Company shall have the right to
change the frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in payments of
at least $20. In no event, however, will annuity payments be made less
frequently than annually (see "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments").

       The Company will charge against the Purchase Payments or the Contract
Value the amount of any premium taxes levied by a state or any other
governmental entity (see "Premium Taxes").

       To be sure that the Contract Owner is satisfied with the Contract, the
Contract Owner has a ten day free look. Within ten days of the date the Contract
is received, it may be returned to the Home Office of the Company, at the
address shown on page 1 of this prospectus. If a Contract is returned to the
Company in a timely manner, the Company will void the Contract and refund the
Contract Value in full unless otherwise required by state and/or federal law.
State and/or federal law may provide additional free look privileges. All
Individual Retirement Annuity refunds will be return of Purchase Payments (see
"Right to Revoke").


                                       15

                                   17 of 113
<PAGE>   18

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

       Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, formerly Financial
Horizons Life Insurance Company, is a stock life insurance company organized
under the laws of the State of Ohio and was established in February, 1981. The
Company is a member of the "Nationwide Insurance Enterprise" with its Home
Office at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio, 43215. The Company offers
certain life insurance products and annuities.

                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

       The Variable Account was established as Financial Horizons VA Separate
Account - 2 by the Company on March 6, 1991, pursuant to the provisions of Ohio
law. The name of the Variable Account was subsequently changed to Nationwide VA
Separate Account - B pursuant to a resolution by the Company's Board of
Directors. The Company has caused the Variable Account to be registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as a unit investment trust pursuant to the
provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Such registration does not
involve supervision of the management of the Variable Account or the Company by
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

       The Variable Account is a separate investment account of the Company and
as such, is not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business
the Company may conduct. The Company does not guarantee the investment
performance of the Variable Account. Obligations under the Contracts, however,
are obligations of the Company. Income, gains and losses, whether or not
realized, from the assets of the Variable Account are, in accordance with the
Contracts, credited to or charged against the Variable Account without regard to
other income, gains, or losses of the Company.

       Purchase Payments are allocated within the Variable Account among one or
more Sub-Accounts made up of shares in the underlying Mutual Fund option(s)
designated by the Contract Owner. There are two Sub-Accounts within the Variable
Account for each of the underlying Mutual Fund options which may be designated
by the Contract Owner. One such Sub-Account contains the underlying Mutual Funds
shares attributable to Accumulation Units under Qualified Contracts, Individual
Retirement Annuities, and Tax Sheltered Annuities and one such Sub-Account
contains the underlying Mutual Funds shares attributable to Accumulation Units
under Non-Qualified Contracts.

Underlying Mutual Fund Options

       Contract Owners may choose from among a number of different underlying
Mutual Fund options. (See Appendix B which contains a summary of investment
objectives for each underlying Mutual Fund option.) More detailed information
may be found in the current prospectus for each underlying Mutual Fund offered.
Such a prospectus for the underlying Mutual Fund option(s) should be read in
conjunction with this prospectus. A copy of each prospectus may be obtained
without charge from Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company by calling
1-800-848-6331, TDD 1-800-238-3035, or writing P.O. Box 16609, Columbus, Ohio
43216-6609.

       The underlying Mutual Fund options may also be available to registered
separate accounts offering variable annuity and variable life products of other
participating insurance companies, as well as to the Variable Account and other
separate accounts of the Company. Although the Company does not anticipate any
disadvantages to this, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise
between the interest of the Variable Account and one or more of the other
separate accounts participating in the underlying Mutual Funds. A conflict may
occur due to a change in law affecting the operations of variable life and
variable annuity separate accounts, differences in the voting instructions of
the Contract Owners and those of other companies, or some other reason. In the
event of conflict, the Company will take any steps necessary to protect Contract
Owners and variable annuity payees, including withdrawal of the Variable Account
from participation in the underlying Mutual Fund or Mutual Funds which are
involved in the conflict. 

Voting Rights

       Voting rights under the Contracts apply ONLY with respect to Purchase
Payments or accumulated amounts allocated to the Variable Account.

       In accordance with its view of present applicable law, the Company will
vote the shares of the underlying Mutual Funds held in the Variable Account at
regular and special meetings of the shareholders of the underlying Mutual Funds.
These shares will be voted in accordance with instructions received from
Contract Owners who have an interest in the Variable Account. If the Investment
Company Act of 1940 or any Regulation thereunder should be amended or if the
present interpretation thereof should change, and as a result the Company
determines that it is permitted to vote the shares of the underlying Mutual
Funds in its own right, it may elect to do so.


                                       16

                                   18 of 113
<PAGE>   19

       The Contract Owner shall be the person who has the voting interest under
the Contract. The number of underlying Mutual Fund shares attributable to each
Contract Owner is determined by dividing the Contract Owner's interest in each
respective Sub-Account of the Variable Account by the net asset value of the
underlying Mutual Fund corresponding to the Sub-Account. The number of shares
which a person has the right to vote will be determined as of the date to be
chosen by the Company not more than 90 days prior to the meeting of the
underlying Mutual Fund. Each person having a voting interest will receive
periodic reports relating to the underlying Mutual Fund, proxy material and a
form with which to give such voting instructions.

       Voting instructions will be solicited by written communication at least
21 days prior to such meeting. Underlying Mutual Fund shares held in the
Variable Account as to which no timely instructions are received will be voted
by the Company in the same proportion as the voting instructions which are
received with respect to all Contracts participating in the Variable Account.

Substitution of Securities

       If the shares of the underlying Mutual Fund options described in this
prospectus should no longer be available for investment by the Variable Account
or if, in the judgment of the Company's management, further investment in such
underlying Mutual Fund shares should become inappropriate, the Company may
eliminate Sub-Accounts, combine two or more Sub-Accounts, or substitute shares
of another underlying Mutual Fund for underlying Mutual Fund shares already
purchased or to be purchased in the future with Purchase Payments under the
Contract. No substitution of securities in the Variable Account may take place
without prior approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission, under such
requirements as it may impose.

                  VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS

Expenses of Variable Account

       The Variable Account is responsible for the following types of expenses:
(1) administrative expenses relating to the issuance and maintenance of the
Contracts; (2) mortality risk charge associated with guaranteeing the annuity
purchase rates at issue for the life of the Contracts; and (3) expense risk
charge associated with guaranteeing that the Mortality Risk, Expense Risk,
Contract Maintenance and Administration Charges described in this prospectus
will not change regardless of actual expenses. If these charges are insufficient
to cover these expenses, the loss will be borne by the Company.

       For 1996, the Variable Account incurred total expenses equal to 1.04% of
its average net assets, relating to the administrative, sales, mortality and
expense risk charges described above for all Contracts outstanding during that
year. Deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the underlying
Mutual Funds are described in each underlying Mutual Fund prospectus.

Mortality Risk Charge

       The Company assumes a "mortality risk" by virtue of annuity rates
incorporated in the Contract which cannot be changed regardless of the death
rates of persons receiving annuity payments or of the general population.

       For assuming this mortality risk, the Company deducts a Mortality Risk
Charge from the Variable Account. This amount is computed on a daily basis, and
is equal to an annual rate of 0.80% of the daily net asset value of the Variable
Account. The Company expects to generate a profit through assessing this charge.

Expense Risk Charge

       The Company will not increase charges for administration of the Contracts
regardless of its actual expenses. For assuming this expense risk, the Company
deducts an Expense Risk Charge from the Variable Account. This amount is
computed on a daily basis, and is equal to an annual rate of 0.45% of the daily
net asset value of the Variable Account. The Company expects to generate a
profit through assessing this charge.

Contract Maintenance Charge and Administration Charge

       Each year on the Contract Anniversary, (and on the date of surrender in
any year in which the entire Contract Value is surrendered) the Company deducts
a Contract Maintenance Charge from the Contract Value to reimburse it for
administrative expenses relating to the issuance and maintenance of the
Contract. The Contract Maintenance Charges are as follows:


                                       17

                                   19 of 113
<PAGE>   20

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Amount                                Type of Contract Issued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    - Non-Qualified Contracts
     $30.00                         - Individual Retirement Annuities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    - Qualified Contracts and SEP IRAs.
$12.00 to $0.00(4)                  - Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(4)    The charge is determined based on Company underwriting guidelines.

       All Contract Maintenance Charge reductions shall be based on objective
underwriting guidelines which shall be applied in a non-discriminatory manner.

       The deduction of the Contract Maintenance Charge is made from each
Sub-Account and the Fixed Account in the same proportion that the value of the
Sub-Account or Fixed Account bears to the total Contract Value. In any Contract
Year when a Contract is surrendered for its full value on any date other than
the Contract Anniversary, the Contract Maintenance Charge will be deducted at
the time of such surrender. The amount of the Contract Maintenance Charge may
not be increased by the Company. In no event will reduction or elimination of
the Contract Maintenance Charge be permitted where such reduction or elimination
will be unfairly discriminatory to any person, or where it is prohibited by
state law.

       The Company also assesses an Administration Charge equal on an annual
basis to 0.05% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account. The
deduction of the Administration Charge is made from each Sub-Account in the same
proportion that the value in that Sub-Account bears to the total Variable
Account Value. The Contract Maintenance Charge and Administrative Charge are
designed only to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses and the
Company will monitor these charges to ensure that they do not exceed annual
administration expenses.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge

       No deduction for a sales charge is made from the Purchase Payments for
these Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value of such Contracts is
surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions (see "Waiver of
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" section), deduct a Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge not to exceed 7% of the lesser of the total of all Purchase Payments made
within 84 months prior to the date of the request to surrender, or the amount
surrendered. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, when it is applicable, will
be used to cover expenses relating to the sale of the Contracts, including
commissions paid to sales personnel, the costs of preparation of sales
literature and other promotional activity. The Company attempts to recover its
distribution costs relating to the sale of the Contracts from the Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge. Any shortfall will be made up from the General Account of
the Company, which may indirectly include portions of the Mortality and Expense
Risk Charges, since the Company expects to generate a profit from these charges.
The maximum amount that may be paid to a selling agent on the sale of these
Contracts is 5.25% of Purchase Payments.

       The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is calculated by multiplying the
applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge percentages noted below by the
Purchase Payments that are surrendered. For purposes of calculating the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, surrenders are considered to come first from
the oldest Purchase Payment made to the Contract, then the next oldest Purchase
Payment. For tax purposes, a surrender is usually treated as a withdrawal of
earnings first.

       The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge applies to Purchase Payments as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Completed  Contingent Deferred   Number of Completed  Contingent Deferred
 Years From Date of     Sales Charge       Years From Date of      Sales Charge
  Purchase Payment       Percentage         Purchase Payment        Percentage
<S>                         <C>                    <C>                 <C>
         0                   7%                     4                   3%
         1                   6%                     5                   2%
         2                   5%                     6                   1%
         3                   4%                     7                   0%
</TABLE>


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<PAGE>   21

Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge

       During the first Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw without a
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) any amount in order for this Contract to
meet minimum distribution requirements under the Code or up to 10% of each
purchase payment under Individual Retirement Annuity Contracts issued on or
after March 1, 1993. Starting with the second year after a Purchase Payment has
been made, the Contract Owner may withdraw, without a CDSC, the greater of: (a)
an amount equal to 10% of that Purchase Payment or (b) any amount withdrawn from
this Contract to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Code. This
CDSC-free withdrawal privilege is non-cumulative; that is, free amounts not
taken during any given Contract Year cannot be taken as free amounts in a
subsequent Contract Year.

       In addition, no CDSC will be deducted: (1) upon the Annuitization of
Contracts which have been in force for at least two years, (2) upon payment of a
death benefit pursuant to the death of the Annuitant, or (3) from any values
which have been held under a Contract for at least 84 months. No CDSC applies
upon the transfer of values among the Sub-Accounts or between the Fixed Account
and the Variable Account. When a Contract described in this prospectus is
exchanged for another Contract issued by the Company or any of its affiliated
insurance companies, of the type and class which the Company determined is
eligible for such exchange, the Company may waive the CDSC on the first
Contract. A CDSC may apply to the contract received in the exchange.

       When a Contract is held by a Charitable Remainder Trust, the amount which
may be withdrawn from this Contract without application of a CDSC, shall be the
larger of (a) or (b), where (a) is the amount which would otherwise be available
for withdrawal without application of a CDSC; and where (b) is the difference
between the total Purchase Payments made to the Contract as of the date of the
withdrawal (reduced by previous withdrawals of such Purchase Payments), and the
Contract Value at the close of the day prior to the date of the withdrawal.

       For Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts, Qualified Contracts sold in
conjunction with 401 cases, and SEP-IRA Contracts, the Company will waive the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge when:

       A.     the Plan Participant experiences a case of hardship (as provided
              in Code Section 403(b) and as defined for purposes of Code Section
              401(k));

       B.     the Plan Participant becomes disabled (within the meaning of Code
              Section 72(m)(7));

       C.     the Plan Participant attains age 59 1/2 and has participated in
              the Contract for at least 5 years, as determined from the Contract
              Anniversary date immediately preceding the Distribution;

       D.     the Plan Participant has participated in the Contract for at least
              15 years as determined from the Contract Anniversary date
              immediately preceding the Distribution;

       E.     the Plan Participant dies; or

       F.     the Contract is annuitized after 2 years from the inception of the
              Contract.

       The Contract Owner may be subject to income tax on all or a portion of
any such withdrawals and to a tax penalty if the Contract Owner takes
withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 (See "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS- Non-Qualified
Contracts-Natural Persons as Owners").

       In no event will elimination of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges be
permitted where such elimination will be unfairly discriminatory to any person,
or where it is prohibited by state law.

Premium Taxes

       The Company will charge against the Contract Value the amount of any
premium taxes levied by a state or any other governmental entity upon Purchase
Payments received by the Company. Premium taxes currently imposed by certain
jurisdictions range from 0% to 3.5%. This range is subject to change. The method
used to recoup premium tax expense will be determined by the Company at its sole
discretion and in compliance with applicable state law. The Company currently
deducts such charges from a Contract Owner's Contract Value either: (1) at the
time the Contract is surrendered, (2) at Annuitization, or (3) at such earlier
date as the Company may become subject to such taxes.


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<PAGE>   22

                            OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT

Investments of the Variable Account

       The Contract Owner elects to have Purchase Payments attributable to his
or her participation in the Variable Account allocated among one or more of the
Sub-Accounts which consist of shares in the underlying Mutual Fund options.
Shares of the respective underlying Mutual Fund options specified by the
Contract Owner are purchased at net asset value for the respective
Sub-Account(s) and converted into Accumulation Units. The Contract Owner may
change the election as to allocation of Purchase Payments or may elect to
exchange amounts among the Sub-Account options pursuant to such terms and
conditions applicable to such transactions as may be imposed by each of the
underlying Mutual Funds, in addition to those set forth in the Contracts.

Allocation Of Purchase Payments and Contract Value

       Purchase Payments are allocated to the Fixed Account or to one or more
Sub-Accounts within the Variable Account in accordance with the designation of
the underlying Mutual Funds by the Contract Owner, and converted into
Accumulation Units.

       The initial first year Purchase Payment must be at least $1,500 for
Non-Qualified Contracts. Subsequent Purchase Payments, if any, after the first
Contract Year must be at least $10 each. However, if periodic payments are
expected by the Company, this initial first year minimum may be satisfied by
Purchase Payments made on an annualized basis. The Company reserves the right to
lower the subsequent Purchase Payment $10 minimum for certain employer sponsored
programs. The cumulative total of all Purchase Payments under Contracts issued
on the life of any one Designated Annuitant may not exceed $1,000,000 without
prior consent of the Company.

       THE PURCHASER IS CAUTIONED THAT INVESTMENT RETURN ON SMALL INITIAL AND
SUBSEQUENT PURCHASE PAYMENTS MAY BE LESS THAN CHARGES ASSESSED BY THE COMPANY.

       The initial Purchase Payment allocated to designated Sub-Accounts of the
Variable Account will be priced no later than 2 business days after receipt of
an order to purchase if the application and all information necessary for
processing the purchase order are complete. The Company may, however, retain the
Purchase Payment for up to 5 business days while attempting to complete an
incomplete application. If the application cannot be made complete within 5
days, the prospective purchaser will be informed of the reasons for the delay
and the Purchase Payment will be returned immediately unless the prospective
purchaser specifically consents to the Company retaining the Purchase Payment
until the application is complete. Thereafter, subsequent Purchase Payments will
be priced on the basis of the Accumulation Value next computed for the
appropriate Sub-Account after the additional Purchase Payment is received.

       Purchase Payments will not be priced on the following nationally
recognized holidays: New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Value of an Accumulation Unit

       The value of an Accumulation Unit for each Sub-Account was arbitrarily
set initially at $10 when underlying Mutual Fund shares in that Sub-Account were
available for purchase. The value for any subsequent Valuation Period is
determined by multiplying the Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account for
the immediately preceding Valuation Period by the Net Investment Factor for the
Sub-Account during the subsequent Valuation Period. The value of an Accumulation
Unit may increase or decrease from Valuation Period to Valuation Period. The
number of Accumulation Units will not change as a result of investment
experience.

Net Investment Factor

       The Net Investment Factor for any Valuation Period is determined by
dividing (a) by (b) and subtracting (c) from the result where:

       (a) is the net of:

           (1)  the net asset value per share of the underlying Mutual Fund held
                in the Sub-Account determined at the end of the current
                Valuation Period, plus

            (2) the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain
                Distributions made by the underlying Mutual Fund held in the
                Sub-Account if the "ex-dividend" date occurs during the current
                Valuation Period.


                                       20

                                   22 of 113
<PAGE>   23

       (b) is the net of:

           (1)  the net asset value per share of the underlying Mutual Fund held
                in the Sub-Account determined at the end of the immediately
                preceding Valuation Period, plus or minus

            (2) the per share charge or credit, if any, for any taxes reserved
                for in the immediately preceding Valuation Period (see "Charge
                For Tax Provisions").

       (c) is a factor representing the daily Mortality Risk Charge, Expense
           Risk Charge and Administration Charge deducted from the Variable
           Account. Such factor is equal to an annual rate of 1.30% of the daily
           net asset value of the Variable Account.

       For underlying Mutual Fund options that credit dividends on a daily basis
and pay such dividends once a month (the Nationwide Separate Account Trust -
Money Market Fund), the Net Investment Factor allows for the monthly
reinvestment of these daily dividends.

       The Net Investment Factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the
value of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease. It should be noted that
changes in the Net Investment Factor may not be directly proportional to changes
in the net asset value of underlying Mutual Fund shares, because of the
deduction for Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk Charge and Administration
Charge.

Valuation of Assets

       Underlying Mutual Fund shares in the Variable Account will be valued at
their net asset value.

Determining the Contract Value

       The sum of the value of all Accumulation Units attributable to the
Contract and amounts credited to the Fixed Account is the Contract Value. The
number of Accumulation Units credited per each Sub-Account are determined by
dividing the net amount allocated to the Sub-Account by the Accumulation Unit
Value for the Sub-Account for the Valuation Period during which the Purchase
Payment is received by the Company. In the event part or all of the Contract
Value is surrendered or charges or deductions are made against the Contract
Value, an appropriate number of Accumulation Units from the Variable Account and
an appropriate amount from the Fixed Account will be deducted in the same
proportion that the Contract Owner's interest in the Variable Account and the
Fixed Account bears to the total Contract Value.

Right to Revoke

       Unless otherwise required by state and/or federal law, the Contract Owner
may revoke the Contract 10 days after receipt of the Contract and receive a
refund of the Contract Value. All Individual Retirement Annuity refunds will be
return of Purchase Payments. In order to revoke the Contract, it must be mailed
or delivered to the Home Office of the Company at the mailing address shown on
page 1 of this prospectus. Mailing or delivery must occur on or before 10 days
after receipt of the Contract for revocation to be effective. In order to revoke
the Contract, if it has not been received, written notice must be mailed or
delivered to the Home Office of the Company at the mailing address shown on page
1 of this prospectus.

       The liability of the Variable Account under this provision is limited to
the Contract Value in each Sub-Account on the date of revocation. Any additional
amounts refunded to the Contract Owner will be paid by the Company.

Transfers

       Transfers between the Fixed and Variable Account must be made prior to
the Annuitization Date. The Contract Owner may request a transfer of up to 100%
of the Variable Account value to the Fixed Account, without penalty or
adjustment. However, the Company reserves the right to restrict transfers from
the Variable Account to the Fixed Account to 25% of the Contract Value for any
12 month period. All amounts transferred to the Fixed Account must remain on
deposit in the Fixed Account until the expiration of the current Interest Rate
Guarantee Period. In addition, transfers from the Fixed Account may not be made
prior to the end of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The
Interest Rate Guarantee Period for any amount allocated to the Fixed Account
expires on the final day of a calendar quarter during which the one year
anniversary of the allocation to the Fixed Account occurs. For all transfers
involving the Variable Account, the Contract Owner's value in each Sub-Account
will be determined as of the date the transfer request is received in the Home
Office in good order.


                                       21

                                   23 of 113
<PAGE>   24

       The Contract Owner may at the maturity of an Interest Rate Guarantee
Period, transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to the Variable
Account. The amount that may be transferred from the Fixed Account to the
Variable Account will be determined by the Company, at its sole discretion, but
will not be less than 10% of the total value of the portion of the Fixed Account
that is maturing. The amount that may be transferred will be declared upon the
expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. Transfers
from the Fixed Account must be made within 45 days after the expiration date of
the guarantee period. Contract Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost
Averaging agreement with the Company (see "Dollar Cost Averaging") may transfer
from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account under the terms of that
agreement.

       Transfers may be made either in writing or, in states allowing such
transfers, by telephone. This telephone exchange privilege is made available to
Contract Owners automatically without the Contract Owner's election. The Company
will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine. Such procedures may include the following: requesting
identifying information, such as name, contract number, Social Security Number,
and/or personal identification number; tape recording all telephone
transactions; or providing written confirmation thereof to both the Contract
Owner and any agent of record, at the last address of record; or such other
procedures as the Company may deem reasonable. Although failure to follow
reasonable procedures may result in the Company's liability for any losses to
unauthorized or fraudulent telephone transfers, the Company will not be liable
for following instructions communicated by telephone which it reasonably
believes to be genuine. Any losses incurred pursuant to actions taken by the
Company in reliance on telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine
shall be borne by the Contract Owner.

       Contracts described in this prospectus may in some cases be sold to
individuals who independently utilize the services of a firm or individual
engaged in market timing. Generally, such firms or individuals obtain
authorization from multiple Contract Owners to make transfers and exchanges
among the Sub-Accounts (the underlying Mutual Funds) on the basis of perceived
market trends. Because of the unusually large transfers of funds associated with
some of these transactions, the ability of the Company or underlying Mutual
Funds to process such transactions may be compromised, and the execution of such
transactions may possibly disadvantage or work to the detriment of other
Contract Owners not utilizing market timing services.

       Accordingly, the right to exchange Contract Values among the Sub-Accounts
may be subject to modification if such rights are exercised by a market timing
firm or any other third party authorized to initiate transfer or exchange
transactions on behalf of multiple Contract Owners. THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUAL
CONTRACT OWNERS TO EXCHANGE CONTRACT VALUES, WHEN INSTRUCTIONS ARE SUBMITTED
DIRECTLY BY THE CONTRACT OWNER, OR BY THE CONTRACT OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE OF
RECORD AS AUTHORIZED BY THE EXECUTION OF A VALID NATIONWIDE LIMITED POWER OF
ATTORNEY FORM, WILL NOT BE MODIFIED IN ANY WAY. In modifying such rights, the
Company may, among other things, not accept (1) the transfer or exchange
instructions of any agent acting under a power of attorney on behalf or more
than one Contract Owner, or (2) the transfer or exchange instructions of
individual Contract Owners who have executed preauthorized transfer or exchange
forms which are submitted by market timing firms or other third parties on
behalf of more than one Contract Owner at the same time. The Company will not
impose any such restrictions or otherwise modify exchange rights unless such
action is reasonably intended to prevent the use of such rights in a manner that
will disadvantage or potentially impair the contract rights of other Contract
Owners.

Contract Ownership Provisions

       Unless otherwise provided, the Contract Owner has all rights under the
Contract. IF THE PURCHASER NAMES SOMEONE OTHER THAN HIMSELF OR HERSELF AS OWNER,
THE PURCHASER WILL HAVE NO RIGHTS UNDER THE CONTRACT. Prior to the Annuitization
Date, the Contract Owner may name a new Contract Owner in Non-Qualified
Contracts. Such change may be subject to state and federal gift taxes and may
also result in federal income taxation. Any change of Contract Owner designation
will automatically revoke any prior Contract Owner designation. Once proper
notice of the change is received and recorded by the Company, the change will
become effective as of the date the written request recorded. A change of Owner
will not apply and will not be effective with respect to any payment made or
action taken by the Company prior to the time that the change was received and
recorded by the Company.

       Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner may request a change
in the Annuitant, the Contingent Annuitant, Contingent Owner, Beneficiary, or
Contingent Beneficiary. Such a request must be made in writing on a form
acceptable to the Company and must be signed by both the Contract Owner and the
person to be named as Annuitant, Contingent Annuitant, or Contingent Owner, as
applicable. Such request must be received by the 


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                                   24 of 113
<PAGE>   25

Company at its Home Office prior to the Annuitization Date. Any such change is
subject to underwriting and approval by the Company. If the Contract Owner is
not a natural person and there is a change of the Annuitant, such change shall
be treated as the death of a Contract Owner and Distributions shall be made as
if the Contract Owner died at the time of such change.

       On the Annuitization Date, the Annuitant shall become the Contract Owner.

Joint Ownership Provisions

       Where permitted by state law, joint owners must be spouses at the time
joint ownership is requested. If a Joint Owner is named, the Joint Owner will
possess an undivided interest in the Contract. Unless otherwise provided, the
exercise of any ownership right in the Contract (including the right to
surrender or partially surrender the Contract, to change the Contract Owner, the
Contingent Owner, the Designated Annuitant, the Contingent Designated Annuitant,
the Beneficiary, the Contingent Beneficiary, the Annuity Payment Option or the
Annuitization Date) shall require a written request signed by both Joint Owners.
The Company will not be liable for any loss, liability, cost, or expense for
acting in accordance with instructions of either the Owner or Joint Owner.

Contingent Ownership Provisions

The Contingent Owner is the person who may receive certain benefits under the
Contract if the Contract Owner, who is not the Annuitant, dies prior to the
Annuitization Date and there is no surviving Joint Owner. If more than one
Contingent Owner survives the Contract Owner, each will share equally unless
otherwise specified in the Contingent Owner designation. If no Contingent Owner
survives a Contract Owner and there is no surviving Joint Owner, all rights and
interest of the Contingent Owner will vest in the Annuitant. If a Contract
Owner, who is also the Annuitant, dies before the Annuitization Date and there
is no surviving Joint Owner, then the Contingent Owner does not have any rights
in the Contract; however, if the Contingent Owner is also the Beneficiary, the
Contingent Owner will have all the rights of a beneficiary.

       Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may
change the Contingent Owner prior to the Annuitization Date by written notice to
the Company. The change will take effect, upon receipt and recording by the
Company at its Home Office, whether or not the Contract Owner is living at the
time of recording, but without further liability as to any payment or settlement
made by the Company before receipt of such change any loss, liability, cost, or
expense for acting in accordance with the instructions of either the Owner or
Joint Owner.

Beneficiary Provisions

       The Beneficiary is the person or persons who may receive certain benefits
under the Contract in the event the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization
Date. If more than one Beneficiary survives the Annuitant, each will share
equally unless otherwise specified in the Beneficiary designation. If no
Beneficiary survives the Annuitant, all rights and interest of the Beneficiary
shall vest in the Contingent Beneficiary, and if more than one Contingent
Beneficiary survives, each will share equally unless otherwise specified in the
Contingent Beneficiary designation. If no Contingent Beneficiaries survive the
Annuitant, all rights and interest of the Contingent Beneficiary will vest with
the Contract Owner or the estate of the last surviving Contract Owner.

         Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may
change the Beneficiary or Contingent Beneficiary during the lifetime of the
Annuitant, by written notice to the Company. The change will take effect, upon
receipt and recording by the Company at its Home Office, whether or not the
Annuitant is living at the time of recording, but without further liability as
to any payment or settlement made by the Company before receipt of such change.

Surrender (Redemption)

       While the Contract is in force and prior to the earlier of the
Annuitization Date or the death of the Designated Annuitant, the Company will,
upon proper written application by the Contract Owner deemed by the Company to
be in good order, allow the Contract Owner to surrender a portion or all of the
Contract Value. "Proper written application" means that the Contract Owner must
request the surrender in writing and include the Contract. In some cases (for
example, requests by a corporation, partnership, agent, fiduciary, or surviving
spouse), the Company will require additional documentation of a customary
nature. The Company may require that the signature(s) be guaranteed by a member
firm of a major stock exchange or other depository institution qualified to give
such a guaranty.

       The Company will, upon receipt of any such written request, surrender a
number of Accumulation Units from the Variable Account and an amount from the
Fixed Account necessary to equal the gross dollar amount requested, less any
applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (see "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge"). In the event of a partial surrender, the Company will, unless
instructed to the contrary, surrender Accumulation Units from all Sub-Accounts
in which the Contract Owner has an interest and the Fixed Account. The number 


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<PAGE>   26

of Accumulation Units surrendered from each Sub-Account and the amount
surrendered from the Fixed Account will be in the same proportion that the
Contract Owner's interest in the Sub-Accounts and Fixed Account bears to the
total Contract Value.

       The Company will pay any funds applied for from the Variable Account
within 7 days of receipt of such application in the Company's Home Office.
However, the Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone the date of any
payment of any benefit or values for any Valuation Period (1) when the New York
Stock Exchange ("Exchange") is closed, (2) when trading on the Exchange is
restricted, (3) when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of
securities held in the Variable Account is not reasonably practicable or it is
not reasonably practicable to determine the value of the Variable Account's net
assets, or (4) during any other period when the Securities and Exchange
Commission, by order, so permits for the protection of security holders;
provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (2) and (3)
exist. The Contract Value on surrender may be more or less than the total of
Purchase Payments made by a Contract Owner, depending on the market value of the
underlying Mutual Fund shares.

       Certain redemption restrictions also apply to Contracts issued under the
Texas Optional Retirement Program or the Louisiana Optional Retirement Plan.
With respect to Contracts issued under the Texas Optional Retirement Program,
the Texas Attorney General has ruled that withdrawal benefits are available only
in the event of a participant's death, retirement, termination of employment due
to total disability, or other termination of employment in a Texas public
institution of higher education. Retirement benefits made pursuant to the
Louisiana Optional Retirement Plan are to be paid in the form of lifetime income
and, except for Death Benefits, lump sum cash payments are not permitted. A
participant under the Louisiana Optional Retirement Plan may take a Distribution
from the Contract only in the event of retirement or termination of employment.
A participant under either the Texas Optional Retirement Program or the
Louisiana Optional Retirement Plan will not, therefore, be entitled to receive
the right of withdrawal in order to receive the cash values credited to such
participant under the Contract unless one of the foregoing conditions has been
satisfied. The value of such Contracts may, however, be transferred to other
contracts or other carriers during the participation in these retirement
programs, subject to any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. The
Company issues this Contract to participants in the Texas Optional Retirement
Program in reliance upon, and in compliance with, Rule 6c-7 of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and to participants in the Louisiana Optional Retirement
Plan in reliance upon, and in compliance with, an exemptive order the Company
obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 22, 1990.

Surrenders Under a Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract

       Except as provided below, the Owner may Surrender part or all of the
Contract Value at any time this Contract is in force prior to the earlier of the
Annuitization Date or the death of the Designated Annuitant:

       A.  The surrender of Contract Value attributable to contributions made
           pursuant to a salary reduction agreement (within the meaning of Code
           Section 402(g)(3)(A) or (C)), or transfers from a Custodial Account
           described in Section 403(b)(7) of the Code, may be executed only:

           1.  when the Contract Owner attains age 59 1/2, separates from
               service, dies, or becomes disabled (within the meaning of Code
               Section 72(m)(7)); or

           2.  in the case of hardship (as defined for purposes of Code Section
               401(k)), provided that any surrender of Contract Value in the
               case of hardship may not include any income attributable to
               salary reduction contributions.

       B.  The surrender limitations described in Section A. above also apply
           to:

           1.  salary reduction contributions to Tax Sheltered Annuities made
               for plan years beginning after December 31, 1988;

           2.  earnings credited to such contracts after the last plan year
               beginning before January 1, 1989, on amounts attributable to
               salary reduction contributions; and

           3.  all amounts transferred from 403(b)(7) Custodial Accounts
               (except that earnings, and employer contributions as of December
               31, 1988 in such Custodial Accounts, may be withdrawn in the
               case of hardship).

       C.  Any Distribution other than the above, including exercise of a
           contractual ten-day free look provision (when available) may result
           in the immediate application of taxes and penalties and/or
           retroactive disqualification of a Qualified Contract or Tax
           Sheltered Annuity.


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                                   26 of 113
<PAGE>   27

       A premature Distribution may not be eligible for rollover treatment. To
assist in preventing disqualification of a Tax Sheltered Annuity in the event of
a ten-day free look, the Company will agree to transfer the proceeds to another
contract which meets the requirements of Section 403(b) of the Code, upon proper
direction by the Contract Owner. The foregoing is the Company's understanding of
the withdrawal restrictions which are currently applicable under Code Section
401(k)(2)(B), Code Section 403(b)(11) and Revenue Ruling 90-24. Such
restrictions are subject to legislative change and/or reinterpretation from time
to time. Distributions pursuant to Qualified Domestic Relations Orders will not
be considered to be a violation of the restrictions stated in this provision.

       The Contract surrender provisions may also be modified pursuant to the
plan terms and Code tax provisions when the Contract is issued to fund a
Qualified Plan.

Loan Privilege

       Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Owner of a Qualified Contract or Tax
Sheltered Annuity Contract may receive a loan from the Contract Value subject to
the terms of the Contract, the Plan, and the Code, which may impose restrictions
on loans.

       Loans from Qualified Contracts or Tax Sheltered Annuities are available
beginning 30 days after the Date of Issue. The Contract Owner may borrow a
minimum of $1,000. In non-ERISA plans, for Contract Values up to $20,000, the
maximum loan balance which may be outstanding at any time is 80% of the Contract
Value, but not more than $10,000. If the Contract Value is $20,000 or more, the
maximum loan balance which may be outstanding at any time is 50% of the Contract
Value, but not more than $50,000. For ERISA plans, the maximum loan balance
which may be outstanding at any time is 50% of the Contract Value, but not more
than $50,000. The $50,000 limit will be reduced by the highest loan balances
owed during the prior one-year period. Additional loans are subject to the
Contract minimum amount. The aggregate of all loans may not exceed the Contract
Value limitations stated in this provision.

       For salary reduction Tax Sheltered Annuities, loans may only be secured
by the Contract Value. For loans from Qualified Contracts and other Tax
Sheltered Annuities, the Company reserves the right to limit a loan to 50% of
the Contract Value subject to the acceptance by the Contract Owner of the
Company's loan agreement. Where permitted, the Company may require other named
collateral where the loan from a Contract exceeds 50% of the Contract Value.

       All loans are made from a collateral fixed account. An amount equal to
the principal amount of the loan will be transferred to the collateral fixed
account. Unless instructed to the contrary by the Contract Owner, the Company
will first transfer to the collateral fixed account the Variable Account units
from the Contract Owner's investment options in proportion to the assets in each
option until the required balance is reached or all such variable units are
exhausted. The remaining required collateral will next be transferred from the
Fixed Account. No withdrawal charges are deducted at the time of the loan, or on
the transfer from the Variable Account to the collateral fixed account.

       Until the loan has been repaid in full, that portion of the collateral
fixed account equal to the outstanding loan balance shall be credited with
interest at a rate 2.25% less than the loan interest rate fixed by the Company
for the term of the loan. However, the interest rate credited to the collateral
fixed account will never be less than 3.0%. Specific loan terms are disclosed at
the time of loan application or loan issuance.

       Loans must be repaid in substantially level payments, not less frequently
than quarterly, within five years. Loans used to purchase the principal
residence of the Contract Owner must be repaid within 15 years. During the loan
term, the outstanding balance of the loan will continue to earn interest at an
annual rate as specified in the loan agreement. Loan repayments will consist of
principal and interest in amounts set forth in the loan agreement. Loan
repayments will be allocated between the Fixed and Variable Accounts in the same
manner as a Purchase Payment. Both loan repayments and Purchase Payments will be
allocated to the Contract in accordance with the most current allocation, unless
the Contract Owner and the Company agree otherwise on a case by case basis.

       If the Contract is surrendered while the loan is outstanding, the
surrender value will be reduced by the amount of the loan outstanding plus
accrued interest. If the Contract Owner/Annuitant dies while the loan is
outstanding, the Death Benefit will be reduced by the amount of the loan
outstanding plus accrued interest. If annuity payments start while the loan is
outstanding, the Contract Value will be reduced by the amount of the outstanding
loan plus accrued interest. Until the loan is repaid, the Company reserves the
right to restrict any transfer of the Contract which would otherwise qualify as
a transfer as permitted in the Code.


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       If a loan payment is not made when due, interest will continue to accrue.
A grace period may be available under the terms of the loan agreement. If a loan
payment is not made when due, or by the end of the applicable grace period, the
entire loan will be treated as a deemed Distribution, may be taxable to the
borrower, and may be subject to the early withdrawal tax penalty. Interest which
subsequently accrues on defaulted amounts may also be treated as additional
deemed Distributions each year. Any defaulted amounts, plus accrued interest,
will be deducted from the Contract when the Participant becomes eligible for a
Distribution of at least that amount, and this amount may again be treated as a
Distribution where required by law. Additional loans may not be available while
a previous loan remains in default.

       Loans may also be subject to additional limitations or restrictions under
the terms of the employer's plan. Loans permitted under this Contract may still
be taxable in whole or part if the Participant has additional loans from other
plans or contracts. The Company will calculate the maximum nontaxable loan based
on the information provided by the Participant or the employer.

       Loan repayments must be identified as such or else they will be treated
as Purchase Payments, and will not be used to reduce the outstanding loan
principal or interest due. The Company reserves the right to modify the loan's
term or procedures if there is a change in applicable law. The Company also
reserves the right to assess a loan processing fee.

       Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP-IRA accounts and Non-Qualified
Contracts are not eligible for loans.

Assignment

       Where permitted, the Contract Owner may assign some or all rights under
the Contract at any time during the lifetime of the Annuitant prior to the
Annuitization Date. Such assignment will take effect upon receipt and recording
by the Company at its Home Office of a written notice executed by the Contract
Owner. The Company is not responsible for the validity or tax consequences of
any assignment. The Company shall not be liable as to any payment or other
settlement made by the Company before recording of the assignment. Where
necessary for the proper administration of the terms of the Contract, an
assignment will not be recorded until the Company has received sufficient
direction from the Contract Owner and assignee as to the proper allocation of
Contract rights under the assignment.

       If this Contract is a Non-Qualified Contract, any portion of the Contract
Value attributable to Purchase Payments which is pledged or assigned shall be
treated as a Distribution and shall be included in gross income to the extent
that the cash value exceeds the investment in the Contract for the taxable year
in which it was pledged or assigned. In addition, any Contract Values assigned
may, under certain conditions, be subject to a tax penalty equal to 10% of the
amount which is included in gross income. All rights in this Contract are
personal to the Contract Owner and may not be assigned without written consent
of the Company. Assignment of the entire Contract Value may cause the portion of
the Contract Value exceeding the total investment in the Contract and previously
taxed amounts to be included in gross income for federal income tax purposes
each year that the assignment is in effect. Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP
IRAs, Tax Sheltered Annuities, and Qualified Contracts, may not be assigned,
pledged or otherwise transferred except under such conditions as may be allowed
by law.

Contract Owner Services

       Asset Rebalancing- The Contract Owner may direct the automatic
reallocation of Contract Values to the underlying Mutual Fund options on a
predetermined percentage basis every three months or based on another frequency
authorized by the Company. If the last day of the three month period falls on a
Saturday, Sunday, recognized holiday or any other day when the New York Stock
Exchange is closed, the Asset Rebalancing exchange will occur on the first
business day after that day. An Asset Rebalancing request must be in writing on
a form provided by the Company. The Contract Owner may want to contact a
financial adviser in order to discuss the use of Asset Rebalancing in his or her
Contract.

       Contracts issued to a Qualified Plan or a Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan as
defined by the Code may have superseding plan restrictions with regard to the
frequency of fund exchanges and underlying Mutual Fund options.

       The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Asset Rebalancing
upon 30 days' written notice; such discontinuation will not affect Asset
Rebalancing programs which have already commenced. The Company also reserves the
right to assess a processing fee for this service.

       Dollar Cost Averaging- If the Contract Value is $15,000 or more, the
Contract Owner may direct the Company to automatically transfer a specified
amount from the Money Market Fund Sub-Account, Limited 


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Maturity Bond Portfolio Sub-Account or the Fixed Account to any other
Sub-Account within the Variable Account on a monthly basis or as frequently as
otherwise authorized by the Company. This service is intended to allow the
Contract Owner to utilize Dollar Cost Averaging, a long-term investment program
which provides for regular, level investments over time. The Company makes no
guarantees that Dollar Cost Averaging will result in a profit or protect against
loss in a declining market. The minimum monthly Dollar Cost Averaging transfer
is $100. In addition, Dollar Cost Averaging monthly transfers from the Fixed
Account must be equal to or less than 1/30th of the Fixed Account value when the
Dollar Cost Averaging program is requested. Transfers out of the Fixed Account,
other than for Dollar Cost Averaging, may be subject to certain additional
restrictions (see "Transfers"). A written election of this service, on a form
provided by the Company, must be completed by the Contract Owner in order to
begin transfers. Once elected, transfers from the Money Market Fund Sub-Account,
Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio Sub-Account or the Fixed Account will be
processed monthly or on another approved frequency until either the value in the
Money Market Fund Sub-Account, Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio Sub-Account or
the Fixed Account is completely depleted or the Contract Owner instructs the
Company in writing to cancel the transfers.

       The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Dollar Cost
Averaging upon 30 days' written notice; such discontinuation will not affect
Dollar Cost Averaging programs which have already commenced. The Company also
reserves the right to assess a processing fee for this service.

       Systematic Withdrawals- A Contract Owner may elect in writing on a form
provided by the Company to take Systematic Withdrawals of a specified dollar
amount (of at least $100) on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis.
The Company will process the withdrawals as directed by surrendering on a
pro-rata basis Accumulation Units from all Sub-Accounts in which the Contract
Owner has an interest, and the Fixed Account. A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
may also apply to Systematic Withdrawals in accordance with the considerations
set forth in the "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" section. Each Systematic
Withdrawal is subject to federal income taxes on the taxable portion. Unless
directed by the Contract Owner, the Company will withhold federal income taxes
from each Systematic Withdrawal. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service may
assess a 10% federal penalty tax on Systematic Withdrawals if the Contract Owner
is under age 59 1/2. Unless the Contract Owner has made an irrevocable election
of distributions of substantially equal payments, the Systematic Withdrawals may
be discontinued at any time by notifying the Company in writing.

       The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Systematic
Withdrawals upon 30 days' written notie; such discontinuation will not affect
any Systematic Withdrawal programs already commenced. The Company also reserves
the right to assess a processing fee for this service. Systematic withdrawals
are not available prior to the expiration of the ten day free look provision of
the Contract or of applicable state/federal law.

          ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD, DEATH BENEFIT AND OTHER DISTRIBUTION

Annuity Commencement Date

       The Contract Owner selects an Annuity Commencement Date at the time of
application. Such date must be the first day of a calendar month and must be at
least 2 years after the Date of Issue. In the event the Contract is issued
subject to the terms of a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan,
Annuitization may occur during the first 2 years subject to approval by the
Company.

Change in Annuity Commencement Date

       If the Contract Owner requests in writing and the Company approves the
request, the Annuity Commencement Date may be deferred. The new date must comply
with the Annuity Date provisions above.

Annuity Payment Period-Variable Account

       At the Annuitization Date the Variable Account Contract Value is applied
to the Annuity Payment Option elected and the amount of the first such payment
shall be determined in accordance with the Annuity Table in the Contract.

       Subsequent Variable Annuity payments vary in amount in accordance with
the investment performance of the Variable Account. The dollar amount of the
first annuity payment determined as above is divided by the value of an Annuity
Unit as of the Annuitization Date to establish the number of Annuity Units
representing each monthly annuity payment. This number of Annuity Units remains
fixed during the annuity payment period. The dollar amount of the second and
subsequent payments is not predetermined and may change from month to month. The
dollar amount of each subsequent payment is determined by multiplying the fixed
number of Annuity Units by the Annuity Unit Value for the Valuation Period in
which the payment is due. The Company 


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guarantees that the dollar amount of each payment after the first will not be
affected by variations in mortality experience from mortality assumptions used
to determine the first payment.

Value of an Annuity Unit

       The value of an Annuity Unit was arbitrarily set initially at $10 when
the first underlying Mutual Fund shares were purchased. The value of an Annuity
Unit for a Sub-Account for any subsequent Valuation Period is determined by
multiplying the Annuity Unit Value for the immediately preceding Valuation
Period by the Net Investment Factor for the Valuation Period for which the
Annuity Unit Value is being calculated, and multiplying the result by an
interest factor to neutralize the assumed investment rate of 3.5% per annum
built into the Annuity Tables contained in the Contracts (see "Net Investment
Factor").

Assumed Investment Rate

       A 3.5% assumed investment rate is built into the Annuity Tables contained
in the Contracts. A higher assumption would mean a higher initial payment but
more slowly rising or more rapidly falling subsequent payments. A lower
assumption would have the opposite effect. If the actual investment rate is at
the annual rate of 3.5%, the annuity payments will be level.

Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments

       Annuity payments will be paid as monthly installments. However, if the
net amount available to apply under any Annuity Payment Option is less than
$500, the Company shall have the right to pay such amount in one lump sum in
lieu of the payments otherwise provided for. In addition, if the payments
provided for would be or become less than $20, the Company shall have the right
to change the frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in payments
of at least $20. In no event will the Company make payments under an annuity
option less frequently than annually.

Change in Form of Annuity

       The Contract Owner may, upon prior written notice to the Company, at any
time prior to the Annuitization Date, elect one of the Annuity Payment Options.

Annuity Payment Options

       Any of the following Annuity Payment Options may be elected:

       Option 1-Life Annuity-An annuity payable periodically, but at least
       annually, during the lifetime of the Annuitant, ceasing with the last
       payment due prior to the death of the Annuitant. IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE
       UNDER THIS OPTION FOR THE ANNUITANT TO RECEIVE ONLY ONE ANNUITY PAYMENT
       IF HE OR SHE DIED BEFORE THE SECOND ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, TWO ANNUITY
       PAYMENTS IF HE OR SHE DIED BEFORE THE THIRD ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, AND SO
       ON. 

       Option 2-Joint and Last Survivor Annuity-An annuity payable periodically,
       but at least annually, during the joint lifetimes of the Annuitant and
       designated second person and continuing thereafter during the lifetime of
       the survivor. AS IS THE CASE UNDER OPTION 1 ABOVE, THERE IS NO MINIMUM
       NUMBER OF PAYMENTS GUARANTEED UNDER THIS OPTION. PAYMENTS CEASE UPON THE
       DEATH OF THE LAST SURVIVING ANNUITANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF
       PAYMENTS RECEIVED.

       Option 3-Life Annuity With 120 or 240 Monthly Payments Guaranteed-An
       annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of the Annuitant with the
       guarantee that if at the death of the Annuitant payments have been made
       for fewer than 120 or 240 months, as selected, payments will be made as
       follows:

       (1)    If the Annuitant is the payee, any guaranteed annuity payments
              will be continued during the remainder of the selected period to
              such recipient as chosen by the Annuitant at the time the Annuity
              Payment Option was selected. In the alternative, the recipient
              may, at any time, elect to have the present value of the
              guaranteed number of annuity payments remaining paid in a lump sum
              as specified in section (2) below.

       (2)    If someone other than the Annuitant is the payee, the present
              value, computed as of the date on which notice of death is
              received by the Company at its Home Office, of the guaranteed
              number of annuity payments remaining after receipt of such notice
              and to which the deceased would have been entitled had he or she
              not died, computed at the Assumed Investment Rate effective in
              determining the Annuity Tables, shall be paid in a lump sum.

       Some of the stated Annuity Options may not be available in all states.
The Contract Owner may request an alternative non-guaranteed option by giving
notice in writing prior to Annuitization. If such a request is approved by the
Company, it will be permitted under the Contract.


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       If the Contract Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract fails to elect an
Annuity Payment Option, no distribution will be made until an effective Annuity
Payment Option has been elected. Qualified Plan Contracts, Individual Retirement
Annuities, SEP IRAs, or Tax Sheltered Annuities are subject to the minimum
Distribution requirements set forth in the Plan, Contract, or Code.

Death of Contract Owner Provisions - Non-Qualified Contracts

       For Non-Qualified Contracts, if the Contract Owner and the Annuitant are
not the same person and such Contract Owner dies prior to the Annuitization
Date, then the Joint Owner, if any, becomes the new Contract Owner. If there is
no surviving Joint Owner, the Contingent Owner becomes the new Contract Owner.
If there is no surviving Contingent Owner, the Designated Annuitant becomes the
Contract Owner. The entire interest in the Contract Value, less any applicable
deductions (which may include a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge), must be
distributed in accordance with the "Required Distribution Provisions-
Non-Qualified Contracts" provisions.

Death of the Annuitant Provisions - Non-Qualified Contracts

       If the Contract Owner and Designated Annuitant are not the same person,
and the Designated Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date, a Death
Benefit will be payable to the Beneficiary, the Contingent Beneficiary, the
Contract Owner, or the last surviving Contract Owner's estate, as specified in
the "Beneficiary Provisions", unless there is a surviving Contingent Designated
Annuitant. In such case, the Contingent Designated Annuitant becomes the
Designated Annuitant and no Death Benefit is payable.

       The Beneficiary may elect to receive such Death Benefits in the form of:
(1) a lump sum distribution; (2) election of an annuity payout; or (3) any
distribution that is permitted under state and federal regulations and is
acceptable by the Company. Such election must be received by the Company within
60 days of the Annuitant's death.

       If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may
be payable shall be paid according to the Annuity Payment Option selected.

Death of the Contract Owner/Annuitant Provisions

       If any Contract Owner and Designated Annuitant are the same person, and
such person dies before the Annuitization Date, a Death Benefit will be payable
to the Beneficiary, the Contingent Beneficiary, the Contract Owner, or the last
surviving Contract Owner's estate, as specified in the Beneficiary Provisions
and in accordance with the appropriate "Required Distributions Provisions."

       If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may
be payable shall be paid according to the Annuity Payment Option selected.

Death Benefit Payment Provisions

       The value of the Death Benefit will be determined as of the Valuation
Date coincident with or next following the date the Company receives in writing
at the Home Office the following three items: (1) proper proof of the
Annuitant's death; (2) an election specifying the distribution method; and (3)
any applicable state required form(s).

       If the Designated Annuitant dies prior to his 75th birthday the dollar
amount of the death benefit will be the greater of: (1) the Contract Value; or,
(2) the sum of all purchase payments, less any amounts surrendered.

       If the Contract Owner has (1) requested an Annuity Commencement Date
later than the first day of the calendar month after the Annuitant's 75th
birthday; (2) the Company has approved the request; and (3) the Designated
Annuitant dies after his or her 75th birthday, the dollar amount of the death
benefit will be equal to the Contract Value.

       If the Designated Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any
payment that may be payable will be determined according to the selected Annuity
Payment Option.

Required Distribution Provisions For Non-Qualified Contracts

       Upon the death of any Contract Owner or Joint Owner (including an
Annuitant who becomes the Owner of the Contract on the Annuitization Date) (each
of the foregoing "a deceased Owner"), certain distributions for Non-Qualified
Contracts are required by Section 72(s) of the Code. Notwithstanding any
provision of the Contract to the contrary, the following distributions shall be
made in accordance with such requirements:

       1.  If any deceased Owner dies on or after the Annuitization Date and
           before the entire interest under the Contract has been distributed,
           then the remaining portion of such interest shall be distributed at
           least as rapidly as under the method of distribution in effect as of
           the date of such deceased Owner's death.


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       2.   If any deceased Owner dies prior to the Annuitization Date, then the
            entire interest in the Contract (consisting of either the Death
            Benefit or the Contract Value reduced by certain changes as set
            forth elsewhere in the Contract) shall be distributed within 5 years
            of the death of the deceased Owner, provided however:

           (a)    If any portion of such interest is payable to or for the
                  benefit of a natural person who is a surviving Contract Owner,
                  Contingent Owner, Joint Owner, Annuitant, Contingent
                  Designated Annuitant, Beneficiary, or Contingent Beneficiary
                  as the case may be (each a "designated beneficiary"), such
                  portion may, at the election of the designated beneficiary, be
                  distributed over the life of such designated beneficiary, or
                  over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of such
                  designated beneficiary, provided that payments begin within
                  one year of the date of the deceased Owner's death (or such
                  longer period as may be permitted by federal income tax
                  regulations), and

            (b)   If the designated beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the
                  deceased Owner, such spouse may elect to become the Owner of
                  this Contract, in lieu of a Death Benefit, and the
                  distributions required under these distribution rules will be
                  made upon the death of such spouse.

       In the event that this Contract is owned by a person that is not a
natural person (e.g., a trust or corporation), then, for purposes of these
distribution provisions, (i) the death of the Annuitant shall be treated as the
death of any Owner, (ii) any change of the Annuitant shall be treated as the
death of any Owner, and (iii) in either case the appropriate distribution
required under these distribution rules shall be made upon such death or change,
as the case may be. The Annuitant is the primary annuitant as defined in Section
72(s)(6)(B) of the Code.

       These distribution provisions shall not be applicable to any Contract
that is not required to be subject to the provisions of 72(s) of the Code by
reason of Section 72(s)(5) or any other law or rule (including Tax Sheltered
Annuities, Individual Retirement Annuities, Qualified Plans and SEP IRAs).

       Upon the death of a "deceased Owner", the designated beneficiary must
elect a method of distribution which complies with these above distribution
provisions and which is acceptable to the Company. Such election must be
received by the Company within 60 days of the deceased Owner's death.

Required Distribution for Qualified Plans or Tax Sheltered Annuities

       The entire interest of an Annuitant under a Qualified Contract or Tax
Sheltered Annuity Contract will be distributed in a manner consistent with the
Minimum Distribution and Incidental Benefit (MDIB) provisions of Section
401(a)(9) of the Code and applicable regulations and will be paid,
notwithstanding anything else contained herein, to the Annuitant under the
Annuity Payments Option selected, over a period not exceeding:

       A.     the life of the Annuitant or the lives of the Annuitant and the
              Annuitant's designated beneficiary under the selected Annuity
              Payment Option; or

       B.     a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Annuitant
              or the life expectancy of the Annuitant and the Annuitant's
              designated beneficiary under the selected annuity Payment Option.

       For Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts, no Distributions will be required
from this Contract if Distributions otherwise required from this Contract are
being withdrawn from another Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract of the Annuitant.

       If the Annuitant's entire interest in a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered
Annuity is to be distributed in equal or substantially equal payments over a
period described in (A) or (B), above, such payments will commence no later than
(i) the first day of April following the calendar year in which the Annuitant
attains age 70 1/2 or (ii) when the Annuitant retires, whichever is later (the
"required beginning date"). However, provision (ii) does not apply to any
employee who is a 5% Owner (as defined in Section 416 of the Code) with respect
to the plan year ending in the calendar year in which the employee attains the
age of 70 1/2.

       If the Annuitant dies prior to the commencement of his or her
Distribution, the interest in the Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity
must be distributed by December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth
anniversary of his or her death occurs unless:

       (a)    the Annuitant names his or her surviving spouse as the Beneficiary
              and such spouse elects to receive Distribution of the account in
              substantially equal payments over his or her life (or a period not
              exceeding his or her life expectancy) and commencing not later
              than December 31 of the year in which the Annuitant would have
              attained age 70 1/2; or

       (b)    the Annuitant names a Beneficiary other than his or her surviving
              spouse and such Beneficiary elects to receive a Distribution of
              the account in substantially equal payments over his or her life
              (or 


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              a period not exceeding his or her life expectancy) commencing not
              later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the
              Annuitant dies.

       If the Annuitant dies after Distribution has commenced, Distribution must
continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used prior to his or
her death.

       Payments commencing on the required beginning date will not be less than
the lesser of the quotient obtained by dividing the entire interest of the
Annuitant by the life expectancy of the Annuitant, or the joint and last
survivor expectancy of the Annuitant and the Annuitant's designated beneficiary
(if the Annuitant dies prior to the required beginning date) or the beneficiary
under the selected Annuity Payment Option (if the Annuitant dies after the
required beginning date) whichever is applicable under the applicable minimum
distribution or MDIB provisions. Life expectancy and joint and last survivor
expectancy are computed by the use of return multiples contained in Section
1.72-9 of the Treasury Regulations.

       If the amounts distributed to the Annuitant are less than those mentioned
above, penalty tax of 50% is levied on the excess of the amount that should have
been distributed for that year over the amount that actually was distributed for
that year.

Required Distributions for Individual Retirement Annuities and SEP IRAs

       Distribution from an Individual Retirement Annuity must begin not later
than April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Owner
attains age 70 1/2. Distribution may be accepted in a lump sum or in
substantially equal payments over: (a) the Owner's life or the lives of the
Owner and his or her spouse or designated beneficiary, or (b) a period not
extending beyond the life expectancy of the Owner or the joint life expectancy
of the Owner and the Owner's designated beneficiary.

       If the Owner dies prior to the commencement of his or her Distribution,
the interest in the Individual Retirement Annuity must be distributed by
December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of his or her
death occurs, unless:

       (a)    The Owner names his or her surviving spouse as the Beneficiary and
              such spouse elects to: 

              (i)    treat the annuity as an Individual Retirement Annuity
                     established for his or her benefit; or

              (ii)   receive Distribution of the account in nearly equal
                     payments over his or her life (or a period not exceeding
                     his or her life expectancy) and commencing not later than
                     December 31 of the year in which the Owner would have
                     attained age 70 1/2; or

       (b)    The Owner names a Beneficiary other than his or her surviving
              spouse and such Beneficiary elects to receive a Distribution of
              the account in nearly equal payments over his or her life (or a
              period not exceeding his or her life expectancy) commencing not
              later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the
              Owner dies.

       No Distribution will be required from this Contract if Distributions
otherwise required from this Contract are being withdrawn from another
Individual Retirement Annuity or Individual Annuity Account of the Contract
Owner.

       If the Owner dies after Distribution has commenced, Distribution must
continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used prior to his or
her death, except that a surviving spouse who is the beneficiary under the
Annuity Payment Option, may treat the Contract as his or her own, in the same
manner as is described in section (a)(i) of this provision.

       If the amounts distributed to the Contract Owner are less than those
mentioned above, penalty tax of 50% is levied on the excess of the amount that
should have been distributed for that year over the amount that actually was
distributed for that year.

       A pro-rata portion of all Distributions will be included in the gross
income of the person receiving the Distribution and taxed at ordinary income tax
rates. The portion of the Distribution which is taxable is based on the ratio
between the amount by which non-deductible Purchase Payments exceed prior
non-taxable Distributions and total account balances at the time of the
Distribution. The Owner of an Individual Retirement Annuity must annually report
the amount of non-deductible Purchase Payments, the amount of any Distribution,
the amount by which non-deductible Purchase Payments for all years exceed
non-taxable Distributions for all years, and the total balance of all Individual
Retirement Annuities.

       Individual Retirement Annuity Distributions will not receive the benefit
of the tax treatment of a lump sum Distribution from a Qualified Plan. If the
Owner dies prior to the time Distribution of his or her interest in the annuity
is completed, the balance will also be included in his or her gross estate.


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       Simplified Employee Pensions (SEPs) and Salary Reduction Simplified
Employee Pensions (SAR SEPs), described in Section 408(k) of the Code, are taxed
in a manner similar to IRAs, and are subject to similar distribution
requirements as IRAs. SAR SEPs cannot be established after 1996.

Generation-Skipping Transfers

       The Company may determine whether the Death Benefit or any other payment
constitutes a direct skip as defined in Section 2612 of the Code, and the amount
of the tax on the generation-skipping transfer resulting from such direct skip.
If applicable, such payment will be reduced by any tax the Company is required
to pay by Section 2603 of the Code.

       A direct skip may occur when property is transferred to or a Death
Benefit is paid to an individual two or more generations younger than the
Contract Owner.

                           FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Federal Income Taxes

       The Company does not make any guarantee regarding the tax status for any
Contract or any transaction involving the Contracts. Contract Owners should
consult a financial consultant, legal counsel or tax advisor to discuss in
detail the taxation and the use of the Contracts.

       Section 72 of the Code governs federal income taxation of annuities in
general. That section sets forth different rules for: (1) Qualified Contracts;
(2) Individual Retirement Annuities including SEP IRAs; (3) Tax Sheltered
Annuities; and (4) Non-Qualified Contracts. Each type of annuity is discussed
below.

       Distributions to participants from Qualified Contracts or Tax Sheltered
Annuities are generally taxed when received. A portion of each Distribution is
excludable from income based on the ratio between the after tax investment of
the Owner/Annuitant in the Contract and the value of the Contract at the time of
the withdrawal or Annuitization.

       Distributions from Individual Retirement Annuities and Contracts owned by
Individual Retirement Accounts are also generally taxed when received. The
portion of each such payment which is excludable is based on the ratio between
the amount by which nondeductible Purchase Payments to all such Contracts
exceeds prior non-taxable Distributions from such Contracts, and the total
account balances in such Contracts at the time of the Distribution. The Owner of
such Individual Retirement Annuities or the Annuitant under Contracts held by
Individual Retirement Accounts must annually report to the Internal Revenue
Service the amount of nondeductible Purchase Payments, the amount of any
Distribution, the amount by which nondeductible Purchase Payments for all years
exceed non-taxable Distributions for all years, and the total balance in all
Individual Retirement Annuities and Accounts.

       A change of the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant may be treated by the
Internal Revenue Service as a taxable transaction.

Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Owners

       The rules applicable to Non-Qualified Contracts provide that a portion of
each annuity payment received is excludable from taxable income based on the
ratio between the Contract Owner's investment in the Contract and the expected
return on the Contract until the investment has been recovered; thereafter the
entire amount is includable in income. The maximum amount excludable from income
is the investment in the Contract. If the Annuitant dies prior to excluding from
income the entire investment in the Contract, the Annuitant's final tax return
may reflect a deduction for the balance of the investment in the Contract.

       Distributions made from the Contract prior to the Annuitization Date are
taxable to the Contract Owner to the extent that the cash value of the Contract
exceeds the Contract Owner's investment at the time of the Distribution.
Distributions, for this purpose, include partial surrenders, dividends, loans,
or any portion of the Contract which is assigned or pledged; or for Contracts
issued after April 22, 1987, any portion of the Contract transferred by gift.
For these purposes, a transfer by gift may occur upon Annuitization if the
Contract Owner and the Annuitant are not the same individual. In determining the
taxable amount of a Distribution, all annuity contracts issued after October 21,
1988, by the same company to the same contract owner during any 12 month period,
will be treated as one annuity contract. Additional limitations on the use of
multiple contracts may be imposed by Treasury Regulations. Distributions prior
to the Annuitization Date with respect to that portion of the Contract invested
prior to August 14, 1982, are treated first as a recovery of the investment in
the Contract as of that date. A Distribution in excess of the amount of the
investment in the Contract as of August 14, 1982, will be treated as taxable
income.


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       The Tax Reform Act of 1986 has changed the tax treatment of certain
Non-Qualified Contracts held by entities other than individuals. Such entities
are taxed currently on the earnings on the Contract which are attributable to
contributions made to the Contract after February 28, 1986. There are exceptions
for immediate annuities and certain Contracts owned for the benefit of an
individual. An immediate annuity, for purposes of this discussion, is a single
premium Contract on which payments begin within one year of purchase. If this
Contract is issued as the result of an exchange described in Section 1035 of the
Code, for purposes of determining whether the Contract is an immediate annuity,
it will generally be considered to have been purchased on the purchase date of
the contract given up in the exchange.

       Code Section 72 also provides for a penalty tax, equal to 10% of the
portion of any Distribution that is includable in gross income, if such
Distribution is made prior to attaining age 59 1/2. The penalty tax does not
apply if the Distribution is attributable to the Contract Owner's death,
disability, or is one of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made
over the life or life expectancy of the Contract Owner (or the joint lives or
joint life expectancies of the Contract Owner and the beneficiary selected by
the Contract Owner to receive payment under the Annuity Payment Option selected
by the Contract Owner) or for the purchase of an immediate annuity, or is
allocable to an investment in the Contract before August 14, 1982. A Contract
Owner wishing to begin taking Distributions to which the 10% tax penalty does
not apply should forward a written request to the Company. Upon receipt of a
written request from the Contract Owner, the Company will inform the Contract
Owner of the procedures pursuant to Company policy and subject to limitations of
the Contract including but not limited to first year withdrawals. Such election
shall be irrevocable and may not be amended or changed.

       In order to qualify as an annuity contract under Section 72 of the Code,
the contract must provide for Distribution of the entire contract to be made
upon the death of a Contract Owner. If a Contract Owner dies prior to the
Annuitization Date, then the Joint Contract Owner, the Contingent Owner or other
named recipient must receive the Distribution within 5 years of the Contract
Owner's death. However, the recipient may elect for payments to be made over
his/her life or life expectancy provided that such payments begin within one
year from the death of the Contract Owner. If the Joint Contract Owner,
Contingent Owner or other named recipient is the surviving spouse, such spouse
may be treated as the Contract Owner and the Contract may be continued
throughout the life of the surviving spouse. In the event the Contract Owner
dies on or after the Annuitization Date and before the entire interest has been
distributed, the remaining portion must be distributed at least as rapidly as
under the method of Distribution being used as of the date of the Contract
Owner's death (see "Required Distribution For Qualified Plans and Tax Sheltered
Annuities"). If the Contract Owner is not an individual, the death of the
Annuitant (or a change in the Annuitant) will result in a Distribution pursuant
to these rules, regardless of whether a Contingent Annuitant is named.

       The Code requires that any election to receive an annuity rather than a
lump sum payment must be made within 60 days after the lump sum becomes payable
(generally, the election must be made within 60 days after the death of an Owner
or the Annuitant). If the election is made more than 60 days after the lump sum
first becomes payable, the election would be ignored for tax purposes, and the
entire amount of the lump sum would be subject to immediate tax. If the election
is made within the 60 day period, each Distribution would be taxable when it is
paid.

Non-Qualified Contracts - Non-Natural Persons as Owners

       The foregoing discussion of the taxation of Non-Qualified Contracts
applies to Contracts owned (or, pursuant to Section 72(u) of the Code, deemed to
be owned) by individuals; it does not apply to Contracts where one or more
non-individuals is an Owner.

       As a general rule, contracts owned by corporations, partnerships, trusts,
and similar entities ("Non-Natural Persons"), rather than by one or more
individuals, are not treated as annuity contracts for most purposes under the
Code; in particular, they are not treated as annuity contracts for purposes of
Section 72. Therefore, the taxation rules for Distributions, as described above,
do not apply to Non-Qualified Contracts owned by Non-Natural Persons. Rather,
the following rules will apply:

       The income earned under a Non-Qualified Contract that is owned by a
Non-Natural Person is taxed as ordinary income during the taxable year that it
is earned, and is not deferred, even if the income is not distributed out of the
Contract to the Owner.

       The foregoing Non-Natural Owner rule does not apply to all entity-owned
contracts. First, for this purpose, a Contract that is owned by a Non-Natural
Person as an agent for an individual is treated as owned by the individual. This
exception does not apply, however, to a Non-Natural Person who is an employer
that holds the Contract under a non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement
for one or more employees.


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       The Non-Natural Person rules also do not apply to a Contract that is (a)
acquired by the estate of a decedent by reason of the death of the decedent; (b)
issued in connection with certain qualified retirement plans and individual
retirement plans; (c) used in connection with certain structured settlements;
(d) purchased by an employer upon the termination of certain qualified
retirement plans; or (e) an immediate annuity.

Qualified Plans, Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP IRAs and Tax Sheltered
Annuities

       The Contract may be purchased as a Qualified Contract, an Individual
Retirement Annuity, SEP IRA, or a Tax Sheltered Annuity. The Contract Owner
should seek competent advice as to the tax consequences associated with the use
of a Contract as an Individual Retirement Annuity.

       For information regarding eligibility, limitations on permissible amounts
of Purchase Payments, and the tax consequences of distributions from Qualified
Plans, Tax Sheltered Annuities, Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP IRAs and
other plans that receive favorable tax treatment, the purchasers of such
contracts should seek competent advice. The terms of such plans may limit the
rights available under the Contracts.

       Pursuant to Section 403(b)(1)(E) Code, a Contract that is issued as a
Tax-Sheltered Annuity is required to limit the amount of the Purchase Payment
for any year to an amount that does not exceed the limit set forth in Section
402(g) of the Code ($7,000), as it is from time to time increased to reflect
increases in the cost of living. This limit may be reduced by any deposits,
contributions or payments made to any other Tax-Sheltered Annuity or other plan,
contract or arrangement by or on behalf of the Owner.

       The Code permits the rollover of most Distributions from Qualified Plans
to other Qualified Plans or Individual Retirement Annuities. Most Distributions
from Tax-Sheltered Annuities may be rolled into another Tax-Sheltered Annuity,
Individual Retirement Annuity, or an Individual Retirement Account.
Distributions that may not be rolled over are those which are:

       1.     one of a series of substantially equal annual (or more frequent)
              payments made: (a) over the life (or life expectancy) of the
              Contract Owner, (b) over the joint lives (or joint life
              expectancies) of the Contract Owner and the Contract Owner's
              designated Beneficiary, or (c) for a specified period of ten years
              or more, or

       2.     a required minimum distribution.

       Any Distribution eligible for rollover will be subject to federal tax
withholding at a rate of twenty percent (20%) unless the Distribution is
transferred directly to an appropriate plan as described above.

       The Contract is available for Qualified Plans electing to comply with
section 404(c) of ERISA. It is the responsibility of the plan and its
fiduciaries to determine and satisfy the requirements of section 404(c).

Withholding

       The Company is required to withhold tax from certain Distributions to the
extent that such Distribution would constitute income to the Contract Owner or
other payee. The Contract Owner or other payee is entitled to elect not to have
federal income tax withheld from any such Distribution, but may be subject to
penalties in the event insufficient federal income tax is withheld during a
calendar year. However, if the Internal Revenue Service notifies the Company
that the Contract Owner or other payee has furnished an incorrect taxpayer
identification number, or if the Contract Owner or other payee fails to provide
a taxpayer identification number, the Distributions may be subject to back-up
withholding at the statutory rate, which is presently 31%, and which cannot be
waived by the Contract Owner or other payee.

Non-Resident Aliens

       Distributions to nonresident aliens (NRAs) are generally subject to
federal income tax and tax withholding, at a statutory rate of thirty percent
(30%) of the amount of income that is distributed. The Company may be required
to withhold such amount from the Distribution and remit it to the Internal
Revenue Service. Distributions to certain NRAs may be subject to lower, or in
certain instances, zero tax and withholding rates, if the United States has
entered into an applicable treaty. However, in order to obtain the benefits of
such treaty provisions, the NRA must give to the Company sufficient proof of his
or her residency and citizenship in the form and manner prescribed by the
Internal Revenue Service. In addition, for any Distribution made after December
31, 1997, the NRA must obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from
the Internal Revenue Service, and furnish that number to the Company prior to
the Distribution. If the Company does not have the proper proof of citizenship
or residency and (for Distributions after December 31, 1997) a proper Individual
Taxpayer Identification Number prior to any Distribution, the Company will be
required to withhold 30% of the income, regardless of any treaty provision.


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       A payment may not be subject to withholding where the recipient
sufficiently establishes to the Company that such payment is effectively
connected to the recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United States
and that such payment is includable in the recipient's gross income for United
States federal income tax purposes. Any such Distributions will be subject to
the rules set forth in the section entitled "Withholding."

Federal Estate, Gift, and Generation Skipping Transfer Taxes

       A transfer of the Contract from one Contract Owner to another, or the
payment of a Distribution under the Contract to someone other than a Contract
Owner, may constitute a gift for federal gift tax purposes. Upon the death of
the Contract Owner, the value of the Contract may be included in his or her
gross estate, even if a all or a portion of the value is also subject to federal
income taxes.

       The Company may be required to determine whether the Death Benefit or any
other payment or Distribution constitutes a "direct skip" as defined in Section
2612 of the Code, and the amount of the generation skipping transfer tax, if
any, resulting from such direct skip. A direct skip may occur when property is
transferred to, or a Death Benefit or other Distribution is made to (a) an
individual who is two or more generations younger than the Owner; or (b) certain
trusts, as described in Section 2613 of the Code (generally, trusts that have no
beneficiaries who are not 2 or more generations younger than the Owner). If the
Owner is not an individual, then for this purpose only, "Owner" refers to any
person who would be required to include the Contract, Death Benefit,
Distribution, or other payment in his federal gross estate at his death, or who
is required to report the transfer of the Contract, Death Benefit, Distribution,
or other payment for federal gift tax purposes.

       If the Company determines that a generation skipping transfer tax is
required to be paid by reason of such direct skip, the Company is required to
reduce the amount of such Death Benefit, Distribution, or other payment by such
tax liability, and pay the tax liability directly to the Internal Revenue
Service.

       Federal estate, gift and generation skipping transfer tax consequences,
and state and local estate, inheritance, succession, generation skipping
transfer, and other tax consequences, of owning or transferring a Contract, and
of receiving a Distribution, Death Benefit, or other payment, depend on the
circumstances of the person owning or transferring the Contract, or receiving a
Distribution, Death Benefit, or other payment.

Charge for Tax Provisions

       The Company is no longer required to maintain a capital gain reserve
liability on Non-Qualified Contracts since capital gains attributable to assets
held in the Company's Variable Account for such Contracts are not taxable to the
Company. However, the Company reserves the right to implement and adjust the tax
charge in the future, if the tax laws change.

Diversification

       The Internal Revenue Service has promulgated regulations under Section
817(h) of the Code relating to diversification standards for the investments
underlying a variable annuity contract. The regulations provide that a variable
annuity contract which does not satisfy the diversification standards will not
be treated as an annuity contract, unless the failure to satisfy the regulations
was inadvertent, the failure is corrected, and the Owner or the Company pays an
amount to the Internal Revenue Service. The amount will be based on the tax that
would have been paid by the Owner if the income, for the period the contract was
not diversified, had been received by the Owner. If the failure to diversify is
not corrected in this manner, the Owner of an annuity contract will be deemed
the Owner of the underlying securities and will be taxed on the earnings of his
or her account. The Company believes, under its interpretation of the Code and
regulations thereunder, that the investments underlying this Contract meet these
diversification standards.

       Representatives of the Internal Revenue Service have suggested, from time
to time, that the number of underlying Mutual Funds available or the number of
transfer opportunities available under a variable product may be relevant in
determining whether the product qualifies for the desired tax treatment. No
formal guidance has been issued in this area. Should the Secretary of the
Treasury issue additional rules or regulations limiting the number of underlying
Mutual Funds, transfers between underlying Mutual Funds, exchanges of underlying
Mutual Funds or changes in investment objectives of underlying Mutual Funds such
that the Contract would no longer qualify as an annuity under Section 72 of the
Code, the Company will take whatever steps are available to remain in
compliance.

Tax Changes

       In the recent past, the Code has been subjected to numerous amendments
and changes, and it is reasonable to believe that it will continue to be
revised. The United States Congress has, in the past, 


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considered numerous legislative proposals that, if enacted, could change the tax
treatment of the Contracts. It is reasonable to believe that such proposals, and
other proposals will be considered in the future, and some of them may be
enacted into law. In addition, the Treasury Department may amend existing
regulations, issue new regulations, or adopt new interpretations of existing law
that may be in variance with its current positions on these matters. In
addition, current state law (which is not discussed herein), and future
amendments to state law, may affect the tax consequences of the Contract.

       The foregoing discussion, which is based on the Company's understanding
of federal tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the Internal Revenue
Service, is general and is not intended as tax advice. Statutes, regulations,
and rulings are subject to interpretation by the courts. The courts may
determine that a different interpretation than the currently favored
interpretation is appropriate, thereby changing the operation of the rules that
are applicable to annuity contracts.

       Any of the foregoing may change from time to time without any notice, and
the tax consequences arising out of a Contract may be changed retroactively.
There is no way of predicting whether, when, and to what extent any such change
may take place. No representation is made as to the likelihood of the
continuation of these current laws, interpretations, and policies.

THE FOREGOING IS A GENERAL EXPLANATION AS TO CERTAIN TAX MATTERS PERTAINING TO
ANNUITY CONTRACTS. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE, AND SHOULD NOT
TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR INDEPENDENT LEGAL, TAX AND/OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR.

                               GENERAL INFORMATION

Contract Owner Inquiries

       Contract Owner inquiries may be directed to Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company by writing P.O. Box 16609, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609, or
calling 1-800-848-6331, TDD 1-800-238-3035.

Statements and Reports

       The Company will mail to Contract Owners, at their last known address of
record, any statements and reports required by applicable law. Contract Owners
should therefore give the Company prompt notice of any address change. The
Company will send a confirmation statement to Contract Owners each time a
transaction is made affecting the Owners' Variable Account Contract Value, such
as making additional Purchase Payments, transfers, exchanges or withdrawals.
Quarterly statements are also mailed detailing the Contract activity during the
calendar quarter. Instead of receiving an immediate confirmation of transactions
made pursuant to some types of periodic payment plan (such as a dollar cost
averaging program) or salary reduction arrangement, the Contract Owner may
receive confirmation of such transactions in their quarterly statements. The
Contract Owner should review the information in these statements carefully. All
errors or corrections must be reported to the Company immediately to assure
proper crediting to the Owner's Contract. The Company will assume all
transactions are accurately reported on quarterly statements or confirmation
statements unless the Contract Owner notifies the Company otherwise within 30
days after receipt of the statement. The Company will also send to Contract
Owners each year an annual report and a semi-annual report containing financial
statements for the Variable Account, as of December 31 and June 30,
respectively.

Advertising

       A "yield" and "effective yield" may be advertised for the Nationwide
Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund Sub-Account. "Yield" is a measure of
the net dividend and interest income earned over a specific seven-day period
(which period will be stated in the advertisement) expressed as a percentage of
the offering price of the Sub-Account's units. Yield is an annualized figure,
which means that it is assumed that the Sub-Account generates the same level of
net income over a 52-week period. The "effective yield" is calculated similarly
but includes the effect of assumed compounding, calculated under rules
prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The effective yield will
be slightly higher than yield due to this compounding effect.

       The Company may also from time to time advertise the performance of a
Sub-Account of the Variable Account relative to the performance of other
variable annuity sub-accounts or underlying mutual fund options with similar or
different objectives, or the investment industry as a whole. Other investments
to which the Sub-Accounts may be compared include, but are not limited to:
precious metals; real estate; stocks and bonds; closed-end funds; CDs; bank
money market deposit accounts and passbook savings; and the Consumer Price
Index.

       The Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account may also be compared to certain
market indexes, which may include, but are not limited to: S&P 500;
Shearson/Lehman Intermediate Government/Corporate Bond Index; Shearson/Lehman
Long-Term Government/Corporate Bond Index; Donoghue Money Fund Average; U.S.


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Treasury Note Index; Bank Rate Monitor National Index of 2 1/2 Year CD Rates;
and Dow Jones Industrial Average.

       Normally these rankings and ratings are published by independent tracking
services and publications of general interest including, but not limited to:
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA/Wiesenberger, Morningstar, Donoghue's,
magazines such as Money, Forbes, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine,
Financial World, Consumer Reports, Business Week, Time, Newsweek, National
Underwriter, U.S. News and World Report; rating services such as LIMRA, Value,
Best's Agent Guide, Western Annuity Guide, Comparative Annuity Reports; and
other publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Investor's Daily,
and Standard & Poor's Outlook. In addition, Variable Annuity Research & Data
Service (The VARDS Report) is an independent rating service that ranks over 500
variable annuity funds based upon total return performance. These rating
services and publications rank the performance of the underlying Mutual Fund
options against all underlying mutual funds over specified periods and against
underlying mutual funds in specified categories. The rankings may or may not
include the effects of sales charges or other fees.

       The Company is also ranked and rated by independent financial rating
services, among which are Moody's, Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best Company. The
purpose of these ratings is to reflect the financial strength or claims-paying
ability of the Company. The ratings are not intended to reflect the investment
experience or financial strength of the Variable Account. The Company may
advertise these ratings from time to time. In addition, the Company may include
in certain advertisements, endorsements in the form of a list of organizations,
individuals or other parties which recommend the Company or the Contracts.
Furthermore, the Company may occasionally include in advertisements comparisons
of currently taxable and tax deferred investment programs, based on selected tax
brackets, or discussions of alternative investment vehicles and general economic
conditions.

       The Company may from time to time advertise several types of historical
performance for the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account. The Company may
advertise for the Sub-Accounts standardized "average annual total return,"
calculated in a manner prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and
nonstandardized "total return." "Average annual total return" will show the
percentage rate of return of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 for at
least the most recent one, five and ten year period, or for a period covering
the time the underlying Mutual Fund option held in the Sub-Account has been in
existence, if the underlying Mutual Fund option has not been in existence for
one of the prescribed periods. This calculation reflects the deduction of all
applicable charges made to the Contracts except for premium taxes, which may be
imposed by certain states.

       Nonstandardized "total return" will be calculated in a similar manner and
for the same time periods as the average annual total return except total return
will assume an initial investment of $10,000 and will not reflect the deduction
of any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, which, if reflected, would
decrease the level of performance shown. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is
not reflected because the Contracts are designed for long term investment. An
assumed initial investment of $10,000 will be used because that figure more
closely approximates the size of a typical Contract than does the $1,000 figure
used in calculating the standardized average annual total return quotations. The
amount of the hypothetical initial investment assumed affects performance
because the Contract Maintenance Charge is a fixed per Contract charge.

       For those underlying Mutual Fund options which have not been held as
Sub-Accounts within the Variable Account for one of the quoted periods, the
standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total return
quotations will show the investment performance such underlying Mutual Fund
options would have achieved (reduced by the applicable charges) had they been
held as Sub-Accounts within the Variable Account for the period quoted.

All performance information and comparative material advertised by the Company
is historical in nature and is not intended to represent or guarantee future
results. A Contract Owner's Contract Value at redemption may be more or less
than original cost.


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                                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

       There are no material legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine
litigation incidental to the business to which the Company and the Variable
Account are parties or to which any of their property is the subject.

       The General Distributor, Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc., is not
engaged in any litigation of any material nature.

            TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                                                           Page

General Information and History..............................................1
Services.....................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered.........................................1
Underwriters.................................................................2
Calculations of Performance..................................................2
Underlying Mutual Fund Performance Summary...................................3
Annuity Payments.............................................................6
Financial Statements.........................................................7


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                                   APPENDIX A

       Purchase Payments under the Fixed Account portion of the Contract and
transfers to the Fixed Account portion become part of the general account of the
Company, which support insurance and annuity obligations. Because of exemptive
and exclusionary provisions, interests in the general account have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act"), nor is the general
account registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of
1940 ("1940 Act"). Accordingly, neither the general account nor any interest
therein are generally subject to the provisions of the 1933 or 1940 Acts, and we
have been advised that the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has
not reviewed the disclosures in this prospectus which related to the guaranteed
interest portion. Disclosures regarding the Fixed Account portion of the
Contract and the general account, however, may be subject to certain generally
applicable provisions of the federal securities laws relating to the accuracy
and completeness of statements made in prospectuses.

                            FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS

The Fixed Account

       The Fixed Account is made up of all the general assets of the Company,
other than those in the Nationwide Variable Account II and any other segregated
asset account. Fixed Account Purchase Payments will be allocated to the Fixed
Account by election of the Contract Owner at the time of purchase.

       The Company will invest the assets of the Fixed Account in those assets
chosen by the Company and allowed by applicable law. Investment income from such
Fixed Account assets will be allocated by the Company between itself and the
Contracts participating in the Fixed Account.

       The level of annuity payments made to Annuitants under the Contracts will
not be affected by the mortality experience (death rate) of persons receiving
such payments or of the general population. The Company assumes this "mortality
risk" by virtue of annuity rates incorporated in the Contract which cannot be
changed. In addition, the Company guarantees that it will not increase charges
for maintenance of the Contracts regardless of its actual expenses.

       Investment income from the Fixed Account allocated to the Company
includes compensation for mortality and expense risks borne by the Company in
connection with Fixed Account Contracts. The amount of such investment income
allocated to the Contracts will vary from year to year in the sole discretion of
the Company at such rate or rates as the Company prospectively declares from
time to time. Any such rate or rates so determined will remain effective for a
period of not less than twelve months, and remain at such rate unless changed.
However, the Company guarantees that it will credit interest at not less than
3.0% per year (or as otherwise required under state law, or at such minimum rate
as stated in the contract when sold). ANY INTEREST CREDITED TO AMOUNTS ALLOCATED
TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN EXCESS OF 3.0% PER YEAR WILL BE DETERMINED IN THE SOLE
DISCRETION OF THE COMPANY. THE CONTRACT OWNER ASSUMES THE RISK THAT INTEREST
CREDITED TO FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS MAY NOT EXCEED THE MINIMUM GUARANTEE OF
3.0% FOR ANY GIVEN YEAR. New Purchase Payments deposited to the Contract which
are allocated to the Fixed Account may receive a different rate of interest than
money transferred from the Variable Sub-Accounts to the Fixed Account and
amounts maturing in the Fixed Account at the expiration of an Interest Rate
Guarantee Period.

       The Company guarantees that, at any time, the Fixed Account Contract
Value will not be less than the amount of the Purchase Payments allocated to the
Fixed Account, plus interest credited as described above, less the sum of all
administrative charges, any applicable premium taxes, and less any amounts
surrendered. If the Contract Owner effects a surrender, the amount available
from the Fixed Account will be reduced by any applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").

Transfers

       Contract Owners may at the maturity of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period,
transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to the Variable Account.
The maximum percentage that may be transferred will be determined by the Company
at its sole discretion, but will not be less than 10% of the total value of the
portion of the Fixed Account that is maturing and will be declared upon the
expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The Interest
Rate Guarantee Period expires on the final day of a calendar quarter. Transfers
under this provision must be made within 45 days after the expiration date of
the guarantee period. Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost Averaging
Agreement with the Company (see "Dollar Cost Averaging") may transfer from the
Fixed Account to the Variable Account under the terms of that agreement. Any
Group Annuity Contract offered in conjunction with the prospectus, the assets of
which are invested in the 


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general account of the Company, may be subject to restrictions or surrender of a
plan's or a participant's interest in the Annuity Contract, and may require that
such a surrender be completed over a period of 5 years.

                      ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-FIXED ACCOUNT

First and Subsequent Payments

       A Fixed Annuity is an annuity with payments which are guaranteed by the
Company as to dollar amount during the annuity payment period. The first Fixed
Annuity payment will be determined by applying the Fixed Account Contract Value
to the applicable Annuity Table in accordance with the Annuity Payment Option
elected. This will be done at the Annuitization Date on an age last birthday
basis. Fixed Annuity payments after the first will not be less than the first
Fixed Annuity payment.

       The Company does not credit discretionary interest to Fixed Annuity
payments during the annuity payment period for annuity options based on life
contingencies. The Annuitant must rely on the Annuity Tables applicable to the
Contracts to determine the amount of such Fixed Annuity payments.


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                                   APPENDIX B

                      PARTICIPATING UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS

                           AVAILABLE FOR ALL CONTRACTS

American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. a member of the American CenturySM
Investments.

       American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. was organized as a Maryland
corporation in 1987. It is a diversified, open-end management investment
company, designed only to provide investment vehicles for variable annuity and
variable life insurance products of insurance companies. American Century
Variable Portfolios, Inc. is managed by American Century Investment Management,
Inc.

       -American Century VP Balanced (formerly "TCI Balanced")

       Investment Objective: Capital growth and current income. The Fund will
       seek to achieve its objective by maintaining approximately 60% of the
       assets of the Fund in common stocks (including securities convertible
       into common stocks and other equity equivalents) that are considered by
       management to have better-than-average prospects for appreciation and
       approximately 40% in fixed income securities. A minimum of 25% of the
       fixed income portion of the Fund will be invested in fixed income senior
       securities. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its
       investment objective.

       -American Century VP Capital Appreciation (formerly "TCI Growth")

       Investment Objective: Capital growth. The Fund will seek to achieve its
       objective by investing in common stocks (including securities convertible
       into common stocks and other equity equivalents) that meet certain
       fundamental and technical standards of selection and have, in the opinion
       of the Fund's investment manager, better than average potential for
       appreciation. The Fund tries to stay fully invested in such securities,
       regardless of the movement of stock prices generally.

       The Fund may invest in cash and cash equivalents temporarily or when it
       is unable to find common stocks meeting its criteria of selection. It may
       purchase securities only of companies that have a record of at least
       three years continuous operation. There can be no assurance that the Fund
       will achieve its investment objective.

       -American Century VP International (formerly "TCI International")

       Investment Objective: To seek capital growth. The Fund will seek to
       achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in securities of
       foreign companies that meet certain fundamental and technical standards
       of selection and, in the opinion of the investment manager, have
       potential for appreciation. Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest
       at least 65% of its assets in common stocks or other equity securities of
       issuers from at least three countries outside the United States.
       Securities of United States issuers may be included in the portfolio from
       time to time. Although the primary investment of the Fund will be common
       stocks (defined to include depository receipts for common stocks), the
       Fund may also invest in other types of securities consistent with the
       Fund's objective. When the manager believes that the total return
       potential of other securities equals or exceeds the potential return of
       common stocks, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in such other
       securities. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its
       objectives.

       -American Century VP Value (formerly "TCI Valued")

       Investment Objective: The investment objective of the Fund is long-term
       capital growth; income is a secondary objective. Under normal market
       conditions, the Fund expects to invest at least 80% of the value of its
       total asset in equity securities, including common and preferred stock,
       convertible preferred stock and convertible debt obligations. The equity
       securities in which the Fund will invest will be primarily securities of
       well-established companies with intermediate-to-large market
       capitalizations that are believed by management to be undervalued at the
       time of purchase.

       (Although the Statement of Additional Information concerning American
       Century Variable Portfolios refers to redemptions of securities in kind
       under certain conditions, all surrendering or redeeming Contract Owners
       will receive cash from the Company.)


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Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc.

       The Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. is an open-end, non-diversified,
management investment company. It was incorporated under Maryland law on January
24, 1989, and commenced operations on September 29, 1989. The Dreyfus
Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as the Fund's manager, while Mellon Equity
Associates, an affiliate of Dreyfus, serves as the Fund's index manager.

       Investment Objective: To provide investment results that correspond to
       the price and yield performance of publicly traded common stocks in the
       aggregate, as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
       Price Index. The Fund is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with
       Standard & Poor's Corporation.

Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund

       Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund (the "Fund") is an open-end, management
investment company. It was organized as an unincorporated business trust under
the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on October 29, 1986 and commenced
operations on August 31, 1990. The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as the
Fund's manager. Dreyfus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A., which
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation.

       -Growth and Income Portfolio

       Investment Objective: To provide long-term capital growth, current income
       and growth of income, consistent with reasonable investment risk. The
       Portfolio invests in equity securities, debt securities and money market
       instruments of domestic and foreign issuers. The proportion of the
       Portfolio's assets invested in each type of security will vary from time
       to time in accordance with Dreyfus' assessment of economic conditions and
       investment opportunities. In purchasing equity securities, Dreyfus will
       invest in common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into
       common stocks, particularly those which offer opportunities for capital
       appreciation and growth of earnings, while paying current dividends. The
       Portfolio will generally invest in investment-grade debt obligations,
       except that it may invest up to 35% of the value of its net assets in
       convertible debt securities rated not lower than Caa by Moody's Investor
       Service, Inc. or CCC by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, Fitch Investors
       Service, L.P. or Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co., or if unrated, deemed
       to be of comparable quality by Dreyfus. These securities are considered
       to have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to
       capacity to pay interest and repay principal and are considered to be of
       poor standing. See "Investment Considerations and Risks-Lower Rated
       Securities" in the Portfolio's prospectuses.

The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.

       The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. is an open-end,
diversified, management investment company. It was incorporated under Maryland
law on July 20, 1992, and commenced operations on October 7, 1993. The Dreyfus
Corporation serves as the Fund's investment advisor. NCM Capital Management
Group, Inc. serves as the Fund's sub-investment adviser and provides day-to-day
management of the Fund's portfolio.

       Investment Objective: The Fund's primary goal is to provide capital
       growth through equity investment in companies that, in the opinion of the
       Fund's management, not only meet traditional investment standards but
       which also show evidence that they conduct their business in a manner
       that contributes to the enhancement of the quality of life in America.
       Current income is secondary to the primary goal.

Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund

       The Fund is an open-end, diversified, management investment company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on November 13, 1981. The Fund's
shares are purchased by insurance companies to fund benefits under variable
insurance and annuity policies. Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR")
is the Fund's manager.

       -Equity-Income Portfolio

       Investment Objective: To seek reasonable income by investing primarily in
       income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities FMR also
       will consider the potential for capital appreciation. The Portfolio's
       goal is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield on the
       securities comprising the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
       Index.


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       -Growth Portfolio

       Investment Objective: Seeks to achieve capital appreciation. This
       Portfolio will invest in the securities of both well-known and
       established companies, and smaller, less well-known companies which may
       have a narrow product line or whose securities are thinly traded. These
       latter securities will often involve greater risk than may be found in
       the ordinary investment security. FMR's analysis and expertise plays an
       integral role in the selection of securities and, therefore, the
       performance of the Portfolio. Many securities which FMR believes would
       have the greatest potential may be regarded as speculative, and
       investment in the Portfolio may involve greater risk than is inherent in
       other underlying mutual funds. It is also important to point out that the
       Portfolio makes most sense for you if you can afford to ride out changes
       in the stock market, because it invests primarily in common stocks. FMR
       also can make temporary investments in securities such as
       investment-grade bonds, high-quality preferred stocks and short-term
       notes, for defensive purposes when it believes market conditions warrant.

       -High Income Portfolio

       Investment Objective: Seeks to obtain a high level of current income by
       investing primarily in high-risk, lower-rated, high-yielding,
       fixed-income securities, while also considering growth of capital. The
       Portfolio manager will seek high current income normally by investing the
       Portfolio's assets as follows:

       o      at least 65% in income-producing debt securities and preferred
              stocks, including convertible securities

       o      up to 20% in common stocks and other equity securities when
              consistent with the Portfolio's primary objective or acquired as
              part of a unit combining fixed-income and equity securities

              Higher yields are usually available on securities that are
              lower-rated or that are unrated. Lower-rated securities are
              usually defined as Ba or lower by Moody's; BB or lower by Standard
              & Poor's and may be deemed to be of a speculative nature. The
              Portfolio may also purchase lower-quality bonds such as those
              rated Ca3 by Moody's or C- by Standard & Poor's which provide poor
              protection for payment of principal and interest (commonly
              referred to as "junk bonds"). For a further discussion of
              lower-rated securities, please see the "Risks of Lower-Rated Debt
              Securities" section of the Portfolio's prospectus.

       -Overseas Portfolio

       Investment Objective: To seek long term growth of capital primarily
       through investments in foreign securities. The Overseas Portfolio
       provides a means for investors to diversify their own portfolios by
       participating in companies and economies outside of the United States.

Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II

       The Variable Insurance Products Fund II is an open-end, diversified,
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
March 21, 1988. The Fund's shares are purchased by insurance companies to fund
benefits under variable insurance and annuity policies. Fidelity Management &
Research Company ("FMR") is the Fund's manager.

       -Asset Manager Portfolio

       Investment Objective: To seek high total return with reduced risk over
       the long-term by allocating its assets among domestic and foreign stocks,
       bonds and short-term fixed income instruments.

       -Contrafund Portfolio

       Investment Objective: To seek capital appreciation by investing primarily
       in companies that the Fund manager believes to be undervalued due to an
       overly pessimistic appraisal by the public. This strategy can lead to
       investments in domestic or foreign companies, small and large, many of
       which may not be well known. The Fund primarily invests in common stock
       and securities convertible into common stock, but it has the flexibility
       to invest in any type of security that may produce capital appreciation.

Nationwide Separate Account Trust

       Nationwide Separate Account Trust (the "Trust") is a diversified open-end
management investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. The Trust
offers shares in the five separate mutual funds listed below, each with its own
investment objectives. Currently, shares of the Trust will be sold only to life
insurance company separate accounts to fund the benefits under variable life
insurance policies or variable 


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annuity contracts issued by life insurance companies. The assets of the Trust
are managed by Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc., One Nationwide Plaza,
Columbus, Ohio 43215, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company.

       -Capital Appreciation Fund

       Investment Objective: The Fund is designed for investors who are
       interested in long-term growth. The Fund seeks to meet its objective
       primarily through a diversified portfolio of the common stock of
       companies which the investment manager determines have a
       better-than-average potential for sustained capital growth over the long
       term.

       -Government Bond Fund

       Investment Objective: To provide as high a level of income as is
       consistent with the preservation of capital. It seeks to achieve its
       objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities issued or
       backed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

       -Money Market Fund

       Investment Objective: To seek as high a level of current income as is
       considered consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity by
       investing primarily in money market instruments.

       -Small Company Fund

       Investment Objective: The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by
       investing primarily in equity securities of domestic and foreign
       companies with market capitalizations of less than $1 billion at the time
       of purchase. Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), the Fund's
       adviser, has employed a group of sub-advisers, each of which will manage
       a portion of the Fund's portfolio. These sub-advisers are the Dreyfus
       Corporation, Neuberger & Berman, L. P., Pictet International Management
       Limited, Van Eck Associates Corporation, Strong Capital Management, Inc.
       and Warburg Pincus Counsellors, Inc. The sub-advisers were chosen because
       they utilize a number of different investment styles when investing in
       small company stocks. By utilizing a number of investment styles, NAS
       hopes to increase prospects for investment return and to reduce market
       risk and volatility.

       -Total Return Fund

       Investment Objective: To obtain a reasonable long-term total return
       (i.e., earnings growth plus potential dividend yield) on invested capital
       from a flexible combination of current return and capital gains through
       investments in common stocks, convertible issues, money market
       instruments and bonds with a primary emphasis on common stocks.

Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust (formerly "Advisers Management
Trust")

       Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust is an open-end diversified
management investment company established as a Massachusetts business trust on
December 14, 1983. Shares of the Trust are offered in connection with certain
variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued through
life insurance company separate accounts and are also offered directly to
qualified pension and retirement plans outside of the separate account context.
The investment adviser is Neuberger & Berman Management Incorporated.

       -Growth Portfolio

       Investment Objective: The Portfolio seeks capital growth through
       investments in common stocks of companies that the investment adviser
       believes will have above average earnings or otherwise provide investors
       with above average potential for capital appreciation. To maximize this
       potential, the investment adviser may also utilize, from time to time,
       securities convertible into common stocks, warrants and options to
       purchase such stocks.

       -Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio (formerly "Bond Portfolio")

       Investment Objective: To provide the high level of current income,
       consistent with low risk to principal and liquidity. As a secondary
       objective, it also seeks to enhance its total return through capital
       appreciation when market factors, such as falling interest rates and
       rising bond prices, indicate that capital appreciation may be available
       without significant risk to principal. It seeks to achieve its objectives
       through investments in a diversified portfolio of limited maturity debt
       securities.


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       -Partners Portfolio

       Investment Objective: To seek capital growth. This Portfolio will seek to
       achieve its objective by investing primarily in the common stock of
       established companies. Its investment program seeks securities believed
       to be undervalued based on fundamentals such as low price-to-earnings
       ratios, consistent cash flows, and support from asset values. The
       objective of the Partners Portfolio is not fundamental and can be changed
       by the Trustees of the Trust without shareholder approval. Shareholders
       will, however, receive at least 30 days prior notice thereof. There is no
       assurance the investment objective will be met.

Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds

       The Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds is an open-end, diversified
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust in
1984. Shares of the Funds are sold only to provide benefits under variable life
insurance policies and variable annuity contracts. Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. is
the Funds' investment adviser.

       -Oppenheimer Bond Fund

       Investment Objective: Primarily to seek a high level of current income
       from investment in high yield fixed-income securities rated "Baa" or
       better by Moody's or "BBB" or better by Standard & Poor's. Secondarily,
       the Fund seeks capital growth when consistent with its primary objective.

       -Oppenheimer Global Securities Fund

       Investment Objective: To seek long-term capital appreciation by investing
       a substantial portion of assets in securities of foreign issuers,
       "growth-type" companies, cyclical industries and special situations which
       are considered to have appreciation possibilities. Current income is not
       an objective. These securities may be considered to be speculative.

       -Oppenheimer Multiple Strategies Fund

       Investment Objective: To seek a total investment return (which includes
       current income and capital appreciation in the value of its shares) from
       investments in common stocks and other equity securities, bonds and other
       debt securities, and "money market" securities.

Strong Special Fund II, Inc.

       The Strong Special Fund II, Inc. is a diversified, open-end management
company commonly called a Mutual Fund. The Special Fund II, Inc. was
incorporated in Wisconsin and may only be purchased by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and
variable life insurance policies. Strong Capital Management Inc. (the "Advisor")
is the investment advisor for the Fund.

       Investment Objective: To seek capital appreciation through investments in
       a diversified portfolio of equity securities.

Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.

       Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. ("Corporation") is an open-end
management investment company commonly referred to as a mutual fund.
Incorporated in the State of Wisconsin, the Corporation has been authorized to
issue shares of common stock and series and classes of series of common stock.
The International Stock Fund II and The Strong Discovery Fund II, Inc. ("Funds")
are offered by the Corporation to insurance company separate accounts for the
purpose of funding variable life insurance policies and variable annuity
contracts. Strong Capital Management, Inc. is the investment advisor to the
Funds.

       -Discovery Fund II, Inc.

       Investment Objective: To seek maximum capital appreciation through
       investments in a diversified portfolio of securities. The Fund normally
       emphasizes investment in equity securities and may invest up to 100% of
       its total assets in equity securities including common stocks, preferred
       stocks and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks.
       Although the Fund normally emphasizes investment in equity securities,
       the Fund has the flexibility to invest in any type of security that the
       Advisor believes has the potential for capital appreciation including up
       to 100% of its total assets in debt obligations, including intermediate
       to long-term corporate or U.S. government debt securities.


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       -International Stock Fund II

       Investment Objective: To seek capital growth by investing primarily in
       the equity securities of issuers located outside the United States.

Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust (formerly "Van Eck Investment Trust")

       Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust is an open-end management investment
company organized as a "Business Trust" under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts on January 7, 1987. Trust shares are offered only to separate
accounts of various insurance companies to fund the benefits of variable
insurance and annuity policies. The investment adviser and manager is Van Eck
Associates Corporation.

       -Worldwide Bond Fund (formerly "Global Bond Fund")

       Investment Objective: To seek high total return through a flexible policy
       of investing globally, primarily in debt securities.

       -Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund

       Investment Objective: Seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing
       primarily in equity securities in emerging markets around the world. The
       Fund specifically emphasizes investment in countries that, compared to
       the world's major economies, exhibit relatively low gross national
       product per capita, as well as the potential for rapid economic growth.
       Peregrine Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited serves as sub-investment
       adviser to this Fund.

       - Worldwide Hard Assets Fund (formerly "Gold and Natural Resources Fund")

       Investment Description: Seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing
       globally, primarily in "Hard Assets Securities." Hard assets are
       tangible, finite assets, such as real estate, energy, timber, and
       industrial and previous metals. Income is a secondary consideration.

Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust

       The Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust is an open-end
diversified management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business
trust on June 3, 1985. The Trust offers shares in separate funds which are sold
only to insurance companies to provide funding for variable life insurance
policies and variable annuity contracts. Van Kampen American Capital Asset
Management, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment adviser.

       -Real Estate Securities Fund

       Investment Objective: To seek long-term capital growth by investing in a
       portfolio of securities of companies operating in the real estate
       industry ("Real Estate Securities"). Current income is a secondary
       consideration. Real Estate Securities include equity securities,
       including common stocks and convertible securities, as well as
       non-convertible preferred stocks and debt securities of real estate
       industry companies. A "real estate industry company" is a company that
       derives at least 50% of its assets (marked to market), gross income or
       net profits from the ownership, construction, management or sale of
       residential, commercial or industrial real estate. Under normal market
       conditions, at least 65% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in
       Real Estate Securities, primarily equity securities of real estate
       investment trusts. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in
       securities issued by foreign issuers, some or all of which may also be
       Real Estate Securities. There can be no assurance that the Fund will
       achieve its investment objective.

Warburg Pincus Trust

       The Warburg Pincus Trust ("Trust") is an open-end management investment
company organized in March 1995 as a business trust under the laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Trust offers its shares to insurance
companies for allocation to separate accounts for the purpose of funding
variable annuity and variable life contracts. Trust portfolios are managed by
Warburg, Pincus Counsellors, Inc. ("Counsellors.")

       -International Equity Portfolio

       Investment Objective: To seek long-term capital appreciation by investing
       primarily in a broadly diversified portfolio of equity securities of
       companies, wherever organized, that in the judgment of "Counsellors" have
       their principal business activities and interests outside the United
       States. The 


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       Portfolio will ordinarily invest substantially all of its assets, but no
       less than 65% of its total assets, in common stocks, warrants and
       securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks. The
       Portfolio intends to invest principally in the securities of financially
       strong companies with opportunities for growth within growing
       international economies and markets through increased earning power and
       improved utilization or recognition of assets.

       -Post-Venture Capital Portfolio

       Investment Objective: The Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital by
       investing primarily in equity securities of issuers in their post-venture
       capital stage of development and pursues an aggressive investment
       strategy. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will invest at
       least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of "post-venture
       capital companies." A post-venture capital company is one that has
       received venture capital financing either (a) during the early stages of
       the company's existence or the early stages of the development of a new
       product or service or (b) as part of a restructuring or recapitalization
       of the company. The Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its assets in
       venture capital and other investment funds.

       -Small Company Growth Portfolio

       Investment Objective: To seek capital growth by investing in a portfolio
       of equity securities of small-sized domestic companies. The Portfolio
       ordinarily will invest at least 65% of its total assets in common stocks
       or warrants of small-sized companies (i.e., companies having stock market
       capitalizations of between $25 million and $1 billion at the time of
       purchase) that represent attractive opportunities for capital growth. The
       Portfolio intends to invest primarily in companies whose securities are
       traded on domestic stock exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. The
       Portfolio's investments will be made on the basis of their equity
       characteristics and securities ratings generally will not be a factor in
       the selection process.


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                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                   MAY 1, 1997

              INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS ISSUED
                    BY THE NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT - B
                OF NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

       This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It contains
information in addition to and in some respects more detailed than set forth in
the prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated May
1, 1997. The prospectus may be obtained from Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company by writing P. O. Box 16609, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609, or
calling 1-800-848-6331, TDD 1-800-238-3035.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                           Page

General Information and History..............................................1
Services.....................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered.........................................1
Underwriters.................................................................2
Calculations of Performance..................................................2
Underlying Mutual Fund Performance Summary...................................3
Annuity Payments.............................................................6
Financial Statements.........................................................7

General Information and History

       Nationwide VA Separate Account - B (formerly Financial Horizons VA
Separate Account - 2) is a separate investment account of Nationwide Life and
Annuity Insurance Company ("Company") (formerly Financial Horizons Life
Insurance Company). The Company is a member of the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise and all of the Company's common stock is owned by Nationwide Life
Insurance Company which is owned by Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS"),
a holding company. NFS has two classes of common stock outstanding with
different voting rights enabling Nationwide Corporation (the holder of all of
the outstanding Class B Common Stock) to control NFS. Nationwide Corporation is
a holding company, as well. All of its common stock is held by Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company (95.3%) and Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company (4.7%),
the ultimate controlling persons of Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. The
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise is one of America's largest insurance and
financial services family of companies, with combined assets of over $67.5
billion as of December 31, 1996.

Services

       The Company, which has responsibility for administration of the Contracts
and the Variable Account, maintains records of the name, address, taxpayer
identification number, and other pertinent information for each Contract Owner
and the number and type of Contract issued to each such Contract Owner and
records with respect to the Contract Value of each Contract.

       The Custodian of the assets of the Variable Account is the Company. The
Company will maintain a record of all purchases and redemptions of shares of the
underlying Mutual Funds. The Company, or affiliates of the Company may have
entered into agreements with either the investment adviser or distributor for
several of the underlying Mutual Funds. The agreements relate to administrative
services furnished by the Company or an affiliate of the Company and provide for
an annual fee based on the average aggregate net assets of the Variable Account
(and other separate accounts of the Company or life insurance company
subsidiaries of the Company) invested in particular underlying Mutual Funds.
These fees in no way affect the net asset value of the underlying Mutual Funds
or fees paid by the Contract Owner.

       The financial statements and schedules have been included herein in
reliance upon the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
accountants, Two Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, and upon the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


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Purchase of Securities Being Offered

       The Contracts will be sold by licensed insurance agents in the states
where the Contracts may be lawfully sold. Such agents will be registered
representatives of broker-dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 who are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD").

       The Contract Owner may transfer up to 100% of the Contract Value from the
Variable Account to the Fixed Account. However, the Company, at its sole
discretion, reserves the right to limit such transfers to 25% of the Contract
Value for any 12 month period. Contract Owners may at the maturity of an
Interest Rate Guarantee Period transfer a portion of the Contract Value of the
Fixed Account to the Variable Account. Such portion will be determined by the
Company at its sole discretion (but will not be less than 10% of the total value
of the portion of the Fixed Account that is maturing), and will be declared upon
the expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The
Interest Rate Guarantee Period expires on the final day of a calendar quarter.
Transfers under this provision must be made within 45 days after the termination
date of the guarantee period. Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost
Averaging agreement with the Company may transfer from the Fixed Account under
the terms of that agreement.

       Transfers from the Fixed and Variable Accounts may not be made prior to
the first Contract Anniversary. Transfers from the Fixed Account may not be made
within 12 months of any prior Transfer. Transfers must also be made prior to the
Annuitization Date.

Underwriters

       The Contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by
Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio
43215, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. During the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, no underwriting commissions were paid by the
Company to NAS.

Calculations of Performance

       Any current yield quotations of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust
Money Market Fund Sub-Account, subject to Rule 482 of the Securities Act of
1933, shall consist of a seven calendar day historical yield, carried at least
to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The yield shall be calculated by
determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes, in the value of
hypothetical pre-existing account having a balance of one accumulation unit at
the beginning of the base period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting
deductions from Contract Owner accounts, and dividing the net change in account
value by the value of the account at the beginning of the period to obtain a
base period return, and multiplying the base period return by (365/7) or (366/7)
in a leap year. The Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund
Sub-Account's effective yield is computed similarly but includes the effect of
assumed compounding on an annualized basis of the current unit value yield
quotations of the Fund.

       The Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund Sub-Account's
yield and effective yield will fluctuate daily. Actual yields will depend on
factors such as the type of instruments in the Fund's portfolio, portfolio
quality and average maturity, changes in interest rates, and the Fund's
expenses. Although the Sub-Account determines its yield on the basis of a seven
calendar day period, it may use a different time period on occasion. The yield
quotes may reflect the expense limitation described "Investment Manager and
Other Services" in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. There is no
assurance that the yields quoted on any given occasion will remain in effect for
any period of time and there is no guarantee that the underlying Mutual Fund's
net asset values will remain constant. It should be noted that a Contract
Owner's investment in the Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund
Sub-Account is not guaranteed or insured. Yield of other money market funds may
not be comparable if a different base period or another method of calculation is
used.

       All performance advertising shall also include quotations of standardized
average annual total return, calculated in accordance with a standard method
prescribed by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to facilitate
comparison with standardized average annual total return advertised for a
specific period is found by first taking a hypothetical $1,000 investment in
each of the Sub-Accounts' units on the first day of the period at the offering
price, which is the Accumulation Unit Value per unit ("initial investment") and
computing the ending redeemable value ("redeemable value") of that investment at
the end of the period. The redeemable value is then divided by the initial
investment and this quotient is taken to the Nth root (N represents the number
of years in the period) and 1 is subtracted from the result which is then
expressed as a 


                                       3

                                   54 of 113
<PAGE>   55

percentage, carried to at least the nearest hundredth of a percent. Standardized
average annual total return reflects the deduction of a maximum $30 Contract
Maintenance Charge and a 1.30% Mortality, Expense Risk and Administration
Charge. The redeemable value also reflects the effect of any applicable
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge that may be imposed at the end of the period
(see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" located in the prospectus). No deduction
is made for premium taxes which may be assessed by certain states.
Nonstandardized total return may also be advertised, and is calculated in a
manner similar to standardized average annual total return except the
nonstandardized total return is based on a hypothetical initial investment of
$10,000 and does not reflect the deduction of any applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge. Reflecting the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge would decrease the
level of the performance advertised. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is not
reflected because the Contract is designed for long term investment. An assumed
initial investment of $10,000 will be used because that figure more closely
approximates the size of a typical Contract than does the $1,000 figure used in
calculating the standardized average annual total return quotations. The amount
of the hypothetical initial investment used affects performance because the
Contract Maintenance Charge is fixed per Contract charge.

       The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized average
annual total return quotations will be current to the last day of the calendar
quarter preceding the date on which an advertisement is submitted for
publication. Both the standardized average annual return and the nonstandardized
average annual total return will be based on rolling calendar quarters and will
cover periods of one, five, and ten years, or a period covering the time the
underlying Mutual Fund held in the Sub-Account has been in existence, if the
underlying Mutual Fund has not been in existence for one of the prescribed
periods. For those underlying Mutual Funds which have not been held as
Sub-Accounts within the Variable Account for one of the quoted periods, the
average annual total return and nonstandardized total return quotations will
show the investment performance such underlying Mutual Funds would have achieved
(reduced by the applicable charges) had they been held as Sub-Accounts within
the Variable Account for the period quoted.

       Quotations of average annual total return and total return are based upon
historical earnings and will fluctuate. Any quotation of performance, therefore,
would not be considered a guarantee of future performance. Factors affecting a
Sub-Account's performance include general market conditions, operating expenses
and investment management. A Contract Owner's account when redeemed may be more
or less than original cost.


                                       4

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<PAGE>   56

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                                       5

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<PAGE>   57

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                                       6

                                   57 of 113
<PAGE>   58

Annuity Payments

       See "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments" located in the prospectus.


                                       7

                                   58 of 113
<PAGE>   59

<PAGE>   1


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          Independent Auditors' Report
                          ----------------------------


The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company and
   Contract Owners of Nationwide VA Separate Account-B:

      We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide VA Separate Account-B as of December 31,
1996, and the related statement of operations and changes in contract owners'
equity and schedule of changes in unit value for the period February 1, 1996
(commencement of operations) through December 31, 1996. These financial
statements and schedule of changes in unit value are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and schedule of changes in unit value based on our audit.

      We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and schedule of
changes in unit value are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Our procedures include confirmation of securities
owned as of December 31, 1996, by correspondence with the transfer agents of the
underlying mutual funds. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

      In our opinion, the financial statements and schedule of changes in unit
value referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Nationwide VA Separate Account-B as of December 31, 1996, and the
results of its operations and its changes in contract owners' equity and the
schedule of changes in unit value for the period February 1, 1996 (commencement
of operations) through December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 7, 1997


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>   2


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B

          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                December 31, 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                  <C>       
ASSETS:
Investments at market value:
   The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)
      22,475 shares (cost $461,821) ..............................   $   451,523

   Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
      145,638 shares (cost $2,912,479) ...........................     2,953,547

   Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
      522,646 shares (cost $10,282,309) ..........................    10,991,255

   Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio (FidVIPGr)
      405,339 shares (cost $12,515,252) ..........................    12,622,269

   Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI)
      471,267 shares (cost $5,771,718) ...........................     5,900,268

   Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)
      76,436 shares (cost $1,370,463) ............................     1,440,045

   Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio (FidVIPAM)
      66,425 shares (cost $1,060,690) ............................     1,124,582

   Fidelity VIP-II  - Contrafund Portfolio (FidVIPCon)
      468,227 shares (cost $7,387,625) ...........................     7,753,842

   Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp)
      117,920 shares (cost $1,922,166) ...........................     1,919,737

   Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
      118,335 shares (cost $1,290,642) ...........................     1,306,420

   Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
      10,277,985 shares (cost $10,277,985) .......................    10,277,985

   Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund (NSATSmCo)
      104,407 shares (cost $1,434,104) ...........................     1,450,211

   Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
      78,782 shares (cost $1,011,248) ............................     1,045,432

   Neuberger & Berman - Growth Portfolio (NBAMTGro)
      23,647 shares (cost $594,000) ..............................       609,609

   Neuberger & Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio (NBAMTLMat)
      289,563 shares (cost $3,959,347) ...........................     4,068,367

   Neuberger & Berman - Partners Portfolio (NBAMTPart)
      291,016 shares (cost $4,604,615) ...........................     4,795,946

   Oppenheimer - Bond Fund (OppBdFd)
      183,493 shares (cost $2,130,162) ...........................     2,134,021

</TABLE>


<PAGE>   3




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                           <C>
      Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund (OppGlSec)
         73,250 shares (cost $1,212,117) ..................................     1,291,396

      Oppenheimer - Multiple Strategies Fund (OppMult)
         28,609 shares (cost $435,353) ....................................       447,154

      Strong Special Fund II, Inc. (StSpec2)
         361,822 shares (cost $6,803,040) .................................     6,961,452

      Strong VIF - Strong Discovery Fund II (StDisc2)
         75,593 shares (cost $796,573) ....................................       816,409

      Strong VIF - Strong International Stock Fund II (StIntStk2)
         201,863 shares (cost $2,264,287) .................................     2,266,927

      TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced (TCIBal)
         69,775 shares (cost $509,056) ....................................       526,105

      TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth (TCIGro)
         118,671 shares (cost $1,277,993) .................................     1,215,196

      TCI Portfolios - TCI International (TCIInt)
         195,257 shares (cost $1,105,902) .................................     1,163,732

      Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund (VEGoldNR)
         42,877 shares (cost $698,026) ....................................       716,912

      Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund (VEWrldBd)
         69,765 shares (cost $758,062) ....................................       774,393

      Van Eck - Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund (VEWrldEMkt)
         605 shares (cost $7,500) .........................................         7,561

      Van Kampen American Capital - Real Estate Securities Fund (VKACRESec)
         119,102 shares (cost $1,579,015) .................................     1,760,335

      Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio (WPIntEq)
         356,487 shares (cost $4,077,193) .................................     4,092,473

      Warburg Pincus - Post Venture Capital Portfolio (WPPVenCap)
         756 shares (cost $7,300) .........................................         7,383

      Warburg Pincus - Small Company Growth Portfolio (WPSmCoGr)
         330,291 shares (cost $4,586,521) .................................     4,706,652
                                                                              -----------
         Total investments ................................................    97,599,139

   Accounts receivable ....................................................         2,557
                                                                              -----------
         Total assets .....................................................    97,601,696

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ..........................................................       860,715
                                                                              -----------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY (NOTE 4) ..........................................   $96,740,981
                                                                              ===========
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>   4


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B

         STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

          For the Period February 1, 1996 (commencement of operations)
                           Through December 31, 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996
                                                            ------------

<S>                                                         <C>         
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
   Reinvested capital gains and dividends ...............   $    804,126
   Mortality, expense and administration charges (note 2)       (502,691)
                                                            ------------
      Net investment activity ...........................        301,435
                                                            ------------

   Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ................     76,703,639
   Cost of mutual fund shares sold ......................    (75,779,842)
                                                            ------------
      Realized gain (loss) on investments ...............        923,797
   Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ......      2,494,576
                                                            ------------
      Net gain (loss) on investments ....................      3,418,373
                                                            ------------
         Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
            equity resulting from operations ............      3,719,808
                                                            ------------

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
   Purchase payments received from contract owners ......     95,174,558
   Redemptions ..........................................     (2,157,551)
   Adjustments to maintain reserves .....................          4,166
                                                            ------------
         Net equity transactions ........................     93,021,173
                                                            ------------


NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ...................     96,740,981
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD .............           --
                                                            ------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ...................   $ 96,740,981
                                                            ============
</TABLE>





See accompanying notes to financial statements.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>   5


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                December 31, 1996


(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

   (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

      The Nationwide VA Separate Account-B (the Account) was established
pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life and
Annuity Insurance Company (the Company) on March 6, 1991. The Account has been
registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

      The Company offers tax qualified and non-tax qualified Individual Deferred
Variable Annuity Contracts through the Account. The primary distribution for the
contracts is through the brokerage community; however, other distributors are
utilized.

   (b) The Contracts

      Only contracts without a sales charge, but with certain other fees are
offered for purchase. See note 2 for a discussion of contract expenses.

      Contract owners in either the accumulation or payout phase may invest in 
the following:

         Portfolio of Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund (Dreyfus);
            Dreyfus - Growth andIncome Portfolio (DryGroInc)

         The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)

         Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)

         Portfolios of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund (Fidelity 
         VIP);
            Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI) 
            Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio (FidVIPGr) 
            Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI) 
            Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)

         Portfolios of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II 
         (Fidelity VIP-II);
            Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio (FidVIPAM)
            Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio (FidVIPCon)

         Funds of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust (Nationwide SAT) 
         (managed for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor);

            Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp) 
            Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd) 
            Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt) 
            Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund (NSATSmCo)
            Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)

         Portfolios of the Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust
            (Neuberger & Berman); 
            Neuberger & Berman - Growth Portfolio (NBAMTGro) 
            Neuberger & Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio (NBAMTLMat) 
            Neuberger & Berman - Partners Portfolio (NBAMTPart)

         Funds of the Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds (Oppenheimer);
            Oppenheimer - Bond Fund (OppBdFd)
            Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund (OppGlSec)
            Oppenheimer - Multiple Strategies Fund (OppMult)



<PAGE>   6



         Strong Special Fund II, Inc. (StSpec2)

         Funds of the Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. (Strong VIF);
            Strong VIF - Strong Discovery Fund II (StDisc2)
            Strong VIF - Strong International Stock Fund II (StIntStk2)

         Portfolios of the TCI Portfolios, Inc. (TCI Portfolios); 
            TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced (TCIBal) 
            TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth (TCIGro)
            TCI Portfolios - TCI International (TCIInt) 
            TCI Portfolios - TCI Value (TCIValue)

         Funds of the Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust (Van Eck); 
            Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund (VEGoldNR) 
            Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund (VEWrldBd) 
            Van Eck - Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund (VEWrldEMkt)

         Fund of the Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust (Van 
         Kampen American Capital);
            Van Kampen American Capital - Real Estate Securities Fund 
            (VKACRESec)

         Portfolios of the Warburg Pincus Trust (Warburg Pincus); 
            Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio (WPIntEq) 
            Warburg Pincus - Post Venture Capital Portfolio (WPPVenCap) 
            Warburg Pincus - Small Company Growth Portfolio (WPSmCoGr)

      At December 31, 1996, contract owners have invested in all of the above
funds except the Dreyfus - Growth andIncome Portfolio and the TCI Portfolios -
TCI Value. The contract owners' equity is affected by the investment results of
each fund, equity transactions by contract owners and certain contract expenses
(see note 2).

      The accompanying financial statements include only contract owners'
purchase payments pertaining to the variable portions of their contracts and
exclude any purchase payments for fixed dollar benefits, the latter being
included in the accounts of the Company.

   (c) Security Valuation, Transactions and Related Investment Income

      The market value of the underlying mutual funds is based on the closing
net asset value per share at December 31, 1996. The cost of investments sold is
determined on the specific identification basis. Investment transactions are
accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed) and
dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.

   (d) Federal Income Taxes

      Operations of the Account form a part of, and are taxed with, operations
of the Company which is taxed as a life insurance company under the Internal
Revenue Code.

      The Company does not provide for income taxes within the Account. Taxes
are the responsibility of the contract owner upon termination or withdrawal.

   (e) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles may require management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, if any, at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


(2) EXPENSES

      The Company does not deduct a sales charge from purchase payments made for
these contracts, nor is any sales charge deducted upon the surrender of the
contract.

      The following contract charges are deducted by the Company: a mortality
risk charge, an expense risk charge and an administration charge assessed
through the daily unit value calculation equal to an annual rate of 0.80%, 0.45%
and 0.20%, respectively.



<PAGE>   7


(3) SCHEDULE I

      Schedule I presents the components of the change in the unit values, which
are the basis for contract owners' equity. This schedule is presented for each
series, as applicable, in the following format:

            -  Beginning unit value - Feb. 1

            -  Reinvested capital gains and dividends
               (This amount reflects the increase in the unit value due to
               capital gains and dividend distributions from the underlying
               mutual funds.)

            -  Unrealized gain (loss)
               (This amount reflects the increase (decrease) in the unit value
               resulting from the market appreciation (depreciation) of the
               underlying mutual funds.)

            -  Contract charges
               (This amount reflects the decrease in the unit value due to the
               mortality risk charge, an expense risk charge and an
               administration charge discussed in note 2.)

            -  Ending unit value - Dec. 31

            -  Percentage increase (decrease) in unit value.

      For contracts in the payout phase, an assumed investment return of 3.5%,
used in the calculation of the annuity benefit payment amount, results in a
corresponding reduction in the components of the unit values as shown in
Schedule I.




<PAGE>   8



(4) COMPONENTS OF CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

     The following is a summary of contract owners' equity at December 31, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contract owners' equity represented by:                          UNITS     UNIT VALUE
                                                                -------    ----------
<S>                                                            <C>        <C>           <C>        
   The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.:
      Tax qualified ...................................         10,096    $ 11.402663   $   115,121
      Non-tax qualified ...............................         29,501      11.402663       336,390

   Dreyfus Stock Index Fund:
      Tax qualified ...................................         64,418      11.644617       750,123
      Non-tax qualified ...............................        189,227      11.644617     2,203,476

   Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio:
      Tax qualified ...................................        320,026      10.958584     3,507,032
      Non-tax qualified ...............................        682,976      10.958584     7,484,450

   Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio:
      Tax qualified ...................................        230,586      11.057399     2,549,681
      Non-tax qualified ...............................        910,947      11.057399    10,072,704

   Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio:
      Tax qualified ...................................        291,879      10.970108     3,201,944
      Non-tax qualified ...............................        245,978      10.970108     2,698,405

   Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio:
      Tax qualified ...................................         36,697      10.915770       400,576
      Non-tax qualified ...............................         95,229      10.915770     1,039,498

   Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio:
      Tax qualified ...................................         38,401      11.029343       423,538
      Non-tax qualified ...............................         63,564      11.029343       701,069

   Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio:
      Tax qualified ...................................        255,409      11.815914     3,017,891
      Non-tax qualified ...............................        400,821      11.815914     4,736,066

   Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund:
      Tax qualified ...................................         89,481      11.899746     1,064,801
      Non-tax qualified ...............................         71,846      11.899746       854,949

   Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund:
      Tax qualified ...................................         30,956      10.149155       314,177
      Non-tax qualified ...............................         97,767      10.149155       992,252

   Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund:
      Tax qualified ...................................        283,411      10.326243     2,926,571
      Non-tax qualified ...............................        628,692      10.326243     6,492,026

   Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund:
      Tax qualified ...................................         49,485      12.152247       601,354
      Non-tax qualified ...............................         69,854      12.152247       848,883

   Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund:
      Tax qualified ...................................         32,415      11.639579       377,297
      Non-tax qualified ...............................         57,403      11.639579       668,147

   Neuberger & Berman - Growth Portfolio:
      Tax qualified ...................................          7,597      10.469935        79,540
      Non-tax qualified ...............................         50,629      10.469935       530,082

   Neuberger & Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio:
      Tax qualified ...................................        123,635      10.209208     1,262,215
      Non-tax qualified ...............................        274,872      10.209208     2,806,225

   Neuberger & Berman - Partners Portfolio:
      Tax qualified ...................................        177,265      12.248582     2,171,245
      Non-tax qualified ...............................        214,292      12.248582     2,624,773
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   9



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                     <C>               <C>          <C>      
Oppenheimer - Bond Fund:
   Tax qualified ...............................         55,343           10.288722        569,409
   Non-tax qualified ...........................        152,075           10.288722      1,564,657

Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund:
   Tax qualified ...............................         40,161           11.201956        449,882
   Non-tax qualified ...........................         75,124           11.201956        841,536

Oppenheimer - Multiple Strategies Fund:
   Tax qualified ...............................          6,127           11.129020         68,188
   Non-tax qualified ...........................         34,052           11.129020        378,965

Strong Special Fund II, Inc.:
   Tax qualified ...............................        312,712           11.319705      3,539,808
   Non-tax qualified ...........................        302,280           11.319705      3,421,720

Strong VIF - Strong Discovery Fund II:
   Tax qualified ...............................         27,130            9.903046        268,670
   Non-tax qualified ...........................         55,312            9.903046        547,757

Strong VIF - Strong International Stock Fund II:
   Tax qualified ...............................         61,841           10.462103        646,987
   Non-tax qualified ...........................        154,841           10.462103      1,619,962

TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced:
   Tax qualified ...............................         13,228           10.871600        143,810
   Non-tax qualified ...........................         35,163           10.871600        382,278

TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth:
   Tax qualified ...............................         46,612            9.371161        436,809
   Non-tax qualified ...........................         83,063            9.371161        778,397

TCI Portfolios - TCI International:
   Tax qualified ...............................         27,097           11.142834        301,937
   Non-tax qualified ...........................         77,343           11.142834        861,820

Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund:
   Tax qualified ...............................         22,227           10.132333        225,211
   Non-tax qualified ...........................         48,531           10.132333        491,732

Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund:
   Tax qualified ...............................         39,599           10.189870        403,509
   Non-tax qualified ...........................         36,398           10.189870        370,891

Van Eck - Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund:
   Non-tax qualified ...........................            750           10.077496          7,558

Van Kampen American Capital-Real Estate
Securities Fund:
   Tax qualified ...............................         63,345           13.626341        863,161
   Non-tax qualified ...........................         65,843           13.626341        897,199

Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio:
   Tax qualified ...............................        113,387           10.450529      1,184,954
   Non-tax qualified ...........................        278,224           10.450529      2,907,588

Warburg Pincus - Post Venture Capital Portfolio:
   Non-tax qualified ...........................            726           10.163437          7,379

Warburg Pincus - Small Company Growth Portfolio:
   Tax qualified ...............................        104,843           11.231071      1,177,499
   Non-tax qualified ...........................        314,236           11.231071      3,529,207
                                                        -------           ---------      ---------
                                                                                       $96,740,981
                                                                                       ===========
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>   10



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      SCHEDULE I
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B
                       TAX QUALIFIED and NON-TAX QUALIFIED
                        SCHEDULE OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
          For the Period February 1, 1996 (commencement of operations)
                           Through December 31, 1996



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    DrySRGro       DryStkix       FidVIPEI      FidVIPGr       FidVIPHI       FidVIPOv   
                                    --------       --------       --------      --------       --------       --------   
1996
<S>                                <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>        
   Beginning unit value - Feb. 1   $10.000000      10.000000      10.000000     10.000000      10.000000     10.000000  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .492388        .415384        .448815       .702576        .889968       .240688  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            1.050316       1.370272        .646554       .496044        .218835       .812340  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.140041)      (.141039)      (.136785)     (.141221)      (.138695)     (.137258) 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     $11.402663      11.644617      10.958584     11.057399      10.970108     10.915770  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        14%            16%            10%           11%            10%            9% 
======================================================================================================================

<CAPTION>

                                     FidVIPAM       FidVIPCon     NSATCapAp    NSATGvtBd  
                                     --------       ---------     ---------    ---------  
1996                                                                                      
<S>                                  <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>        
   Beginning unit value - Feb. 1     10.000000      10.000000    10.000000     10.000000  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                                                               
     and dividends                     .642372        .093123      .495879       .615172  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .524178       1.865417     1.546079      (.335408) 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                   (.137207)      (.142626)    (.142212)     (.130609) 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31       11.029343      11.815914    11.899746     10.149155  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                         
     in unit value*                         10%            18%          19%            1% 
========================================================================================

* This is not an annualized rate of return as it is the change for the period
  indicated.
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   11


                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B

                       TAX QUALIFIED and NON-TAX QUALIFIED

                        SCHEDULE OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE

          For the Period February 1, 1996 (commencement of operations)
                           Through December 31, 1996



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    NSATMyMkt    NSATSmCo   NSATTotRe    NBAMTGro    NBAMTLMat   NBAMTPart     OppBdFd   OppGLSec  
                                    ---------    --------   ---------    --------    ---------   ---------     -------   --------  
1996
<S>                                <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        
   Beginning unit value - Feb. 1   $10.000000   10.000000   10.000000   10.000000    10.000000   10.000000   10.000000  10.000000  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                     .460992     .117127     .645040     .882507      .835242     .390600     .638603    .000000  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .000000    2.186677    1.135114    (.278131)    (.493540)   2.002277    (.217537)  1.340389  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.134749)   (.151557)   (.140575)   (.134441)    (.132494)   (.144295)   (.132344)  (.138433) 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     $10.326243   12.152247   11.639579   10.469935    10.209208   12.248582   10.288722  11.201956  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
    in unit value*                          3%         22%         16%          5%           2%         22%          3%        12% 
=================================================================================================================================
<CAPTION>


                                      OppMult    St.Spec2     StDisc2  StintStk2   
                                      -------    --------     -------  ---------   
1996                                                                               
<S>                                 <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>        
   Beginning unit value - Feb. 1    10.000000   10.000000  10.000000    10.000000  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                                                        
    and dividends                     .742762     .456697    2.028193     .047861  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .524984    1.002196   (1.996989)    .552209  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.138726)   (.139188)   (.128158)   (.137967) 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      11.129020   11.319705    9.903046   10.462103  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                  
    in unit value*                         11%         13%         (1)%         5% 
=================================================================================
<FN>
  *  This is not an annualized rate of return as it is the change for the period
     indicated.
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   12



                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B
                       TAX QUALIFIED and NON-TAX QUALIFIED
                        SCHEDULE OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
          For the Period February 1, 1996 (commencement of operations)
                           Through December 31, 1996



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                TCIBal       TCIGro       TCIint     VEGoldNR     VEWrldBd   VEWrldEMkt  
                                                ------       ------       ------     --------     --------   ----------  
1996
<S>                                         <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        
   Beginning unit value - Feb. 1            $10.000000    10.000000    10.000000    10.000000    10.000000    10.000000  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                             .464101     1.113558      .234571      .184293      .274473      .000000  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                      .544727    (1.611001)    1.046291      .078725      .047392      .080691  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                           (.137228)    (.131396)    (.138028)    (.130685)    (.131995)    (.003195) 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $10.871600     9.371161    11.142834    10.132333    10.189870    10.077496  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                              9%         (6)%          11%           1%           2%        1%(b) 
=======================================================================================================================

<CAPTION>


                                          VKACRESec      WPlntEq    WPPVenCap    WPSmCoGr   
                                          ---------      -------    ---------    --------   
1996                                                                                        
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         
   Beginning unit value - Feb. 1          10.000000    10.000000    10.000000   10.000000   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                 
     and dividends                          .262264      .203841      .000000     .000000   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                  3.509141      .382585      .166644    1.376228   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                        (.145064)    (.135897)    (.003207)   (.145157)  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31            13.626341    10.450529    10.163437   11.231071   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                           
     in unit value* (a)                          36%           5%        2%(b)         12%  
==========================================================================================
<FN>
  *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
      (a)This is the change for the period indicated; and
      (b)This investment option was not being utilized for the entire period 
         indicated.
</TABLE>




See note 3.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



<PAGE>   60

<PAGE>   1

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance
Company, as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of income,
shareholder's equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

In 1994, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.

                                                  KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Columbus, Ohio
January 31, 1997




<PAGE>   2
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                                 Balance Sheets

                           December 31, 1996 and 1995
                                ($000's omitted)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Assets                                                         1996         1995
                           ------                                                      ----------    -------
<S>                                                                                    <C>           <C>
Investments (notes 4, 7 and 8):
   Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
      Fixed maturity securities (cost $640,303 in 1996; $539,214 in 1995)              $  648,076    555,751
      Equity securities (cost $10,854 in 1996; $10,256 in 1995)                            12,254     11,407
   Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                     150,997    104,736
   Real estate, net                                                                         1,090      1,117
   Policy loans                                                                               126         94
   Short-term investments (note 12)                                                           492      4,844
                                                                                       ----------    -------
                                                                                          813,035    677,949
                                                                                       ----------    -------
Cash                                                                                        4,296         --
Accrued investment income                                                                   9,189      8,464
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                          16,168     23,405
Deferred federal income tax (note 6)                                                        4,735         --
Other assets                                                                               32,747        208
Assets held in Separate Accounts (note 7)                                                 486,251    257,556
                                                                                       ----------    -------
                                                                                       $1,366,421    967,582
                                                                                       ==========    =======
            Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
            ------------------------------------
Future policy benefits and claims (notes 5 and 7)                                      $   80,720    621,280
Funds withheld under coinsurance agreement with affiliate (note 12)                       679,571         --
Accrued federal income tax (note 6):
   Current                                                                                  7,914        708
   Deferred                                                                                    --      2,830
                                                                                       ----------    -------
                                                                                            7,914      3,538
                                                                                       ----------    -------
Other liabilities                                                                          27,928      5,031
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts (note 7)                                         486,251    257,556
                                                                                       ----------    -------
                                                                                        1,282,384    887,405
                                                                                       ----------    -------
Commitments (notes 7 and 8)

Shareholder's equity (notes 3, 4 and 11):
   Capital shares, $40 par value.  Authorized, issued and outstanding 66,000 shares         2,640      2,640
   Additional paid-in capital                                                              52,960     52,960
   Retained earnings                                                                       25,209     20,123
   Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net                                   3,228      4,454
                                                                                       ----------    -------
                                                                                           84,037     80,177
                                                                                       ----------    -------
                                                                                       $1,366,421    967,582
                                                                                       ==========    =======
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>   3
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                              Statements of Income

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1996        1995        1994
                                                                             --------     -------     -------
<S>                                                                          <C>            <C>         <C>  
Revenues (note 13):
   Investment product and universal life insurance product policy charges    $  6,656       4,322       3,601
   Traditional life insurance premiums                                            246         674         311
   Net investment income (note 4)                                              51,045      49,108      45,030
   Realized losses on investments (note 4)                                         (3)       (702)       (625)
                                                                             --------     -------     -------
                                                                               57,944      53,402      48,317
                                                                             --------     -------     -------
Benefits and expenses:
   Benefits and claims                                                         35,524      34,180      29,870
   Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                            7,380       5,508       6,940
   Other operating expenses (note 12)                                           7,247       6,567       6,320
                                                                             --------     -------     -------
                                                                               50,151      46,255      43,130
                                                                             --------     -------     -------
      Income before federal income tax expense                                  7,793       7,147       5,187
                                                                             --------     -------     -------
Federal income tax expense (benefit) (note 6):
   Current                                                                      9,612       2,012       2,103
   Deferred                                                                    (6,905)        361        (244)
                                                                             --------     -------     -------
                                                                                2,707       2,373       1,859
                                                                             --------     -------     -------
      Net income                                                             $  5,086       4,774       3,328
                                                                             ========     =======     =======
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>   4
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                       Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    Unrealized
                                                                                                   gains (losses)
                                                                     Additional                    on securities        Total
                                                       Capital        paid-in         Retained     available-for-    shareholder's
                                                       shares         capital         earnings       sale, net          equity
                                                       -------       ----------       --------     --------------    -------------
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>              <C>          <C>               <C>   
1994:
   Balance, beginning of year                          $2,640          43,960          12,021              38            58,659
   Capital contribution                                    --           9,000              --              --             9,000
   Net income                                              --              --           3,328              --             3,328
   Adjustment for change in accounting for
      certain investments in debt and equity
      securities, net (note 3)                             --              --              --           4,698             4,698
   Unrealized losses on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                        --              --              --          (8,439)           (8,439)
                                                       ------          ------          ------          ------           -------
   Balance, end of year                                $2,640          52,960          15,349          (3,703)           67,246
                                                       ======          ======          ======          ======           =======
1995:
   Balance, beginning of year                           2,640          52,960          15,349          (3,703)           67,246
   Net income                                              --              --           4,774              --             4,774
   Unrealized gains on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                        --              --              --           8,157             8,157
                                                       ------          ------          ------          ------           -------
   Balance, end of year                                $2,640          52,960          20,123           4,454            80,177
                                                       ======          ======          ======          ======           =======
1996:
   Balance, beginning of year                           2,640          52,960          20,123           4,454            80,177
   Net income                                              --              --           5,086              --             5,086
   Unrealized losses on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                        --              --              --          (1,226)           (1,226)
                                                       ------          ------          ------          ------           -------
   Balance, end of year                                $2,640          52,960          25,209           3,228            84,037
                                                       ======          ======          ======          ======           =======
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>   5
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                            Statements of Cash Flows

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1996         1995        1994
                                                                            ---------     -------     -------
<S>                                                                         <C>           <C>         <C>  
 Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net income                                                              $   5,086       4,774       3,328
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
       operating activities:
          Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                 (19,987)     (6,754)     (7,283)
          Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                     7,380       5,508       6,940
          Commission and expense allowances under coinsurance
              agreement with affiliate (note 12)                               26,473          --          --
          Amortization and depreciation                                         1,721         878         473
          Realized losses on invested assets, net                                   3         702         625
          Deferred federal income tax (benefit) expense                        (6,905)        361        (244)
          Increase in accrued investment income                                  (725)       (423)       (750)
          (Increase) decrease in other assets                                 (32,539)         62        (126)
          (Decrease) increase in policy liabilities and funds withheld
              on coinsurance agreement with affiliate                          (7,101)        627         926
          Increase (decrease) in accrued federal income tax payable             7,206         698        (254)
          Increase (decrease) in other liabilities                             22,897         368        (505)
                                                                            ---------     -------     -------
             Net cash provided by operating activities                          3,509       6,801       3,130
                                                                            ---------     -------     -------
 Cash flows from investing activities:
    Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                    73,966      41,729      24,850
    Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                         2,480       3,070      13,170
    Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity           --      11,251       8,483
    Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                  10,975       8,673       5,733
    Proceeds from sale of real estate                                              --         655          --
    Proceeds from repayments of policy loans                                       23          50           2
    Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                           (179,671)    (79,140)    (94,130)
    Cost of fixed maturity securities held-to maturity acquired                    --      (8,000)    (15,544)
    Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                            (57,395)    (18,000)    (11,000)
    Cost of real estate acquired                                                   --         (10)        (52)
    Policy loans issued                                                           (55)        (66)        (80)
    Short-term investments, net                                                 4,352      (4,479)      1,407
                                                                            ---------     -------     -------
             Net cash used in investing activities                           (145,325)    (44,267)    (67,161)
                                                                            ---------     -------     -------
 Cash flows from financing activities:
    Proceeds from capital contribution                                             --          --       9,000
    Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
       product account balances                                               235,286      79,523      95,254
    Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
       product account balances                                               (89,174)    (42,057)    (40,223)
                                                                            ---------     -------     -------
             Net cash provided by financing activities                        146,112      37,466      64,031
                                                                            ---------     -------     -------
 Net increase in cash                                                           4,296          --          --

 Cash, beginning of year                                                           --          --          --
                                                                            ---------     -------     -------
 Cash, end of year                                                          $   4,296          --          --
                                                                            =========     =======     =======
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>   6
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                          Notes to Financial Statements

                        December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)

(1)   Organization and Description of Business

      Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (the Company) is a wholly
      owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC).

      The Company sells primarily fixed and variable rate annuities through
      banks and other financial institutions. In addition, the Company sells
      universal life and other interest-sensitive life insurance products and is
      subject to competition from other financial services providers throughout
      the United States. The Company is subject to regulation by the Insurance
      Departments of states in which it is licensed, and undergoes periodic
      examinations by those departments.

      The following is a description of the most significant risks facing life
      insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks:

         Legal/Regulatory Risk is the risk that changes in the legal or
         regulatory environment in which an insurer operates will create
         additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its
         products. That is, regulatory initiatives, new legal theories or
         insurance company insolvencies through guaranty fund assessments may
         create costs for the insurer beyond those currently recorded in the
         financial statements. The Company mitigates this risk by operating
         throughout the United States, thus reducing its exposure to any single
         jurisdiction, and also by employing underwriting practices which
         identify and minimize the adverse impact of this risk.

         Credit Risk is the risk that issuers of securities owned by the Company
         or mortgagors on mortgage loans on real estate owned by the Company
         will default. The Company minimizes this risk by adhering to a
         conservative investment strategy, by maintaining credit and collection
         policies and by providing for any amounts deemed uncollectible.

         Interest Rate Risk is the risk that interest rates will change and
         cause a decrease in the value of an insurer's investments. This change
         in rates may cause certain interest-sensitive products to become
         uncompetitive or may cause disintermediation. The Company mitigates
         this risk by charging fees for non-conformance with certain policy
         provisions, by offering products that transfer this risk to the
         purchaser, and/or by attempting to match the maturity schedule of its
         assets with the expected payouts of its liabilities. To the extent that
         liabilities come due more quickly than assets mature, an insurer would
         have to borrow funds or sell assets prior to maturity and potentially
         recognize a gain or loss.

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

      The significant accounting policies followed by the Company that
      materially affect financial reporting are summarized below. The
      accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
      generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which differ from
      statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory
      authorities. An Annual Statement, filed with the Department of Insurance
      of the State of Ohio (the Department), is prepared on the basis of
      accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Department. Prescribed
      statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the
      National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as well as state
      laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory
      accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed.
      The Company has no material permitted statutory accounting practices.

      In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make
      estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
      liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of
      the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
      and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ
      significantly from those estimates.
<PAGE>   7
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued



      The most significant estimates include those used in determining deferred
      policy acquisition costs, valuation allowances for mortgage loans on real
      estate and real estate investments and the liability for future policy
      benefits and claims. Although some variability is inherent in these
      estimates, management believes the amounts provided are adequate.

      (a)   Valuation of Investments and Related Gains and Losses

         The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities and
         equity securities as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or
         trading. Fixed maturity securities are classified as held-to-maturity
         when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the
         securities to maturity and are stated at amortized cost. Fixed maturity
         securities not classified as held-to-maturity and all equity securities
         are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, with
         the unrealized gains and losses, net of adjustments to deferred policy
         acquisition costs and deferred federal income tax, reported as a
         separate component of shareholder's equity. The adjustment to deferred
         policy acquisition costs represents the change in amortization of
         deferred policy acquisition costs that would have been required as a
         charge or credit to operations had such unrealized amounts been
         realized. The Company has no fixed maturity securities classified as
         held-to-maturity or trading as of December 31, 1996 or 1995.

         Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at the unpaid principal
         balance less valuation allowances. The Company provides valuation
         allowances for impairments of mortgage loans on real estate based on a
         review by portfolio managers. The measurement of impaired loans is
         based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at
         the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the
         fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent.
         Loans in foreclosure and loans considered to be impaired are placed on
         non-accrual status. Interest received on non-accrual status mortgage
         loans on real estate are included in interest income in the period
         received.

         Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
         valuation allowances. Other long-term investments are carried on the
         equity basis, adjusted for valuation allowances. Impairment losses are
         recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of
         impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be
         generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amount.

         Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on
         the basis of specific security identification. Estimates for valuation
         allowances and other than temporary declines are included in realized
         gains and losses on investments.

      (b)   Revenues and Benefits

         Investment Products and Universal Life Insurance Products: Investment
         products consist primarily of individual variable and fixed annuities
         and annuities without life contingencies. Universal life insurance
         products include universal life insurance, variable universal life
         insurance and other interest-sensitive life insurance policies.
         Revenues for investment products and universal life insurance products
         consist of net investment income, asset fees, cost of insurance, policy
         administration and surrender charges that have been earned and assessed
         against policy account balances during the period. Policy benefits and
         claims that are charged to expense include interest credited to policy
         account balances and benefits and claims incurred in the period in
         excess of related policy account balances.

         Traditional Life Insurance Products: Traditional life insurance
         products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and
         benefits and consist primarily of certain annuities with life
         contingencies. Premiums for traditional life insurance products are
         recognized as revenue when due. Benefits and expenses are associated
         with earned premiums so as to result in recognition of profits over the
         life of the contract. This association is accomplished by the provision
         for future policy benefits and the deferral and amortization of policy
         acquisition costs.
<PAGE>   8
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


      (c)   Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

         The costs of acquiring new business, principally commissions, certain
         expenses of the policy issue and underwriting department and certain
         variable agency expenses have been deferred. For investment products
         and universal life insurance products, deferred policy acquisition
         costs are being amortized with interest over the lives of the policies
         in relation to the present value of estimated future gross profits from
         projected interest margins, asset fees, cost of insurance, policy
         administration and surrender charges. For years in which gross profits
         are negative, deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized based on
         the present value of gross revenues. Deferred policy acquisition costs
         are adjusted to reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on
         fixed maturity securities available-for-sale as described in note 2(a).

      (d)   Separate Accounts

         Separate Account assets and liabilities represent contractholders'
         funds which have been segregated into accounts with specific investment
         objectives. The investment income and gains or losses of these accounts
         accrue directly to the contractholders. The activity of the Separate
         Accounts is not reflected in the statements of income and cash flows
         except for the fees the Company receives.

      (e)   Future Policy Benefits

         Future policy benefits for investment products in the accumulation
         phase, universal life insurance and variable universal life insurance
         policies have been calculated based on participants' contributions plus
         interest credited less applicable contract charges.

      (f)   Federal Income Tax

         The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with
         Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC). The members of the
         consolidated tax return group have a tax sharing agreement which
         provides, in effect, for each member to bear essentially the same
         federal income tax liability as if separate tax returns were filed.

         The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for
         income tax. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are
         recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences
         between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and
         liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax
         credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
         using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
         years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered
         or settled. Under this method, the effect on deferred tax assets and
         liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the
         period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are
         established when necessary to reduce the deferred tax assets to the
         amounts expected to be realized.

      (g)   Reinsurance Ceded

         Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoveries on benefits and
         claims incurred are deducted from the respective income and expense
         accounts. Assets and liabilities related to reinsurance ceded are
         reported on a gross basis.

      (h)   Statements of Cash Flows

         The Company routinely invests its available cash balances in highly
         liquid, short-term investments with affiliated companies. See note 12.
         As such, the Company had no cash balance as of December 31, 1995 and
         1994.
<PAGE>   9
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


      (i)   Reclassification

         Certain items in the 1995 and 1994 financial statements have been
         reclassified to conform to the 1996 presentation.


(3)   Change in Accounting Principle

      Effective January 1, 1994, the Company changed its method of accounting
      for certain investments in debt and equity securities in connection with
      the issuance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115
      Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. As of
      January 1, 1994, the Company classified fixed maturity securities with
      amortized cost and fair value of $380,974 and $399,556, respectively, as
      available-for-sale and recorded the securities at fair value. Previously,
      these securities were recorded at amortized cost. The effect as of January
      1, 1994, has been recorded as a direct credit to shareholder's equity as
      follows:

<TABLE>
         <S>                                                                      <C>     
         Excess of fair value over amortized cost of fixed maturity 
            securities available-for-sale                                         $ 18,582
         Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                           (11,355)
         Deferred federal income tax                                                (2,529)
                                                                                  --------
                                                                                  $  4,698
                                                                                  ========
</TABLE>

(4)   Investments

      The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
      available-for-sale were as follows as of December 31, 1996 and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Gross         Gross
                                                                       Amortized    unrealized    unrealized     Estimated
         1996:                                                           cost         gains         losses      fair value
                                                                       ---------    ----------    ----------    ----------
         <S>                                                           <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>  
           Fixed maturity securities:
             U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. 
               government corporations and agencies                    $  3,695            7            (78)        3,624
             Obligations of states and political subdivisions               269           --             (2)          267
             Debt securities issued by foreign governments                6,129          133             (8)        6,254
             Corporate securities                                       393,371        5,916         (1,824)      397,463
             Mortgage-backed securities                                 236,839        4,621           (992)      240,468
                                                                       --------      -------       --------       -------
                 Total fixed maturity securities                        640,303       10,677         (2,904)      648,076
           Equity securities                                             10,854        1,540           (140)       12,254
                                                                       --------      -------       --------       -------
                                                                       $651,157       12,217         (3,044)      660,330
                                                                       ========      =======       ========       =======
         1995:
           Fixed maturity securities:
             U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. 
               government corporations and agencies                    $  3,492           18             --         3,510
             Obligations of states and political subdivisions               271           --             (1)          270
             Debt securities issued by foreign governments                6,177          301             --         6,478
             Corporate securities                                       332,425       10,116           (925)      341,616
             Mortgage-backed securities                                 196,849        7,649           (621)      203,877
                                                                       --------      -------       --------       -------
                 Total fixed maturity securities                        539,214       18,084         (1,547)      555,751
           Equity securities                                             10,256        1,151             --        11,407
                                                                       --------      -------       --------       -------
                                                                       $549,470       19,235         (1,547)      567,158
                                                                       ========      =======       ========       =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   10
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


      The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities
      available-for-sale as of December 31, 1996, by contractual maturity, are
      shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities
      because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or
      without call or prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Amortized        Estimated
                                                                  cost          fair value
                                                               ---------        ----------
         <S>                                                   <C>              <C>   
         Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
            Due in one year or less                             $ 43,219           43,441
            Due after one year through five years                198,045          200,453
            Due after five years through ten years               121,820          122,595
            Due after ten years                                   40,380           41,119
                                                                --------          -------
                                                                 403,464          407,608
         Mortgage-backed securities                              236,839          240,468
                                                                --------          -------
                                                                $640,303          648,076
                                                                ========          =======
</TABLE>

      The components of unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net,
      were as follows as of December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996              1995
                                                            -------           -------
         <S>                                                <C>               <C>   
         Gross unrealized gains                             $ 9,173            17,688
         Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition                                    
            costs                                            (4,207)          (10,836)
         Deferred federal income tax                         (1,738)           (2,398)
                                                            -------           -------
                                                            $ 3,228             4,454
                                                            =======           =======
</TABLE>

      An analysis of the change in gross unrealized gains (losses) on securities
      available-for-sale and fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity follows
      for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996        1995       1994
                                            --------     ------    -------
         <S>                                <C>          <C>       <C>     
         Securities available-for-sale:
            Fixed maturity securities       $ (8,764)    30,647    (32,692)
            Equity securities                    249      1,283       (190)
         Fixed maturity securities                                         
            held-to-maturity                      --      3,941     (8,407)
                                            --------     ------    -------
                                            $ (8,515)    35,871    (41,289)
                                            ========     ======    =======
</TABLE>

      Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1996, 1995
      and 1994 were $2,480, $3,070 and $13,170, respectively. During 1996, gross
      gains of $181 ($64 and $373 in 1995 and 1994, respectively) and no gross
      losses ($6 and $73 in 1995 and 1994, respectively) were realized on those
      sales.

      During 1995, the Company transferred fixed maturity securities classified
      as held-to-maturity with amortized cost of $2,000 to available-for-sale
      securities due to evidence of a significant deterioration in the issuer's
      creditworthiness. The transfer of those fixed maturity securities resulted
      in a gross unrealized loss of $600.

      As permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Special Report,
      A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain
      Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, issued in November 1995, the
      Company transferred all of its fixed maturity securities previously
      classified as held-to-maturity to available-for-sale. As of December 14,
      1995, the date of transfer, the fixed maturity securities had amortized
      cost of $77,405, resulting in a gross unrealized gain of $1,709.

      The Company has no investments which were non-income producing for the
      twelve month period preceding December 31, 1996 ($996 of fixed maturity
      securities in 1995).
<PAGE>   11
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


      Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $108 as
      of December 31, 1996 ($81 as of December 31, 1995) and valuation
      allowances of $229 as of December 31, 1996 ($229 as of December 31, 1995).

      The recorded investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to be
      impaired (under SFAS No. 114 - Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a
      Loan as amended by SFAS No. 118 - Accounting by Creditors for Impairment
      of a Loan-Income Recognition and Disclosure) as of December 31, 1996 was
      $955 ($966 as of December 31, 1995), which includes $955 (none as of
      December 31, 1995) of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which the
      related valuation allowance was $184 (none as of December 31, 1995) and
      none ($966 as of December 31, 1995) of impaired mortgage loans on real
      estate for which there was no valuation allowance. During 1996, the
      average recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans on real estate was
      approximately $964 ($242 in 1995) and interest income recognized on those
      loans was $16 (none in 1995), which is equal to interest income recognized
      using a cash-basis method of income recognition.

      Activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real
      estate is summarized for the year ended December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996    1995
                                                     ----    ----
         <S>                                         <C>     <C>
         Allowance, beginning of year                $750     860
              Additional charged to operations        184      --
              Reduction of the allowance credited                 
                to operations                          --    (110)
                                                     ----    ----
         Allowance, end of year                      $934     750
                                                     ====    ====
</TABLE>

      An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the years
      ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1996      1995      1994
                                              -------    ------    ------
         <S>                                  <C>        <C>       <C>   
         Gross investment income:
            Securities available-for-sale:
               Fixed maturity securities      $40,552    35,093    36,720
               Equity securities                  598       713        16
            Fixed maturity securities                                    
               held-to-maturity                    --     4,530       540
            Mortgage loans on real estate       9,991     9,106     8,437
            Real estate                           214       273       175
            Short-term investments                507       348       207
            Other                                  57        41        19
                                              -------    ------    ------
                   Total investment income     51,919    50,104    46,114
         Less: investment expenses                874       996     1,084
                                              -------    ------    ------
                   Net investment income      $51,045    49,108    45,030
                                              =======    ======    ======
</TABLE>

      An analysis of realized gains (losses) on investments, net of valuation
      allowances, by investment type follows for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996     1995     1994
                                                           -----     ----     ----
           <S>                                             <C>       <C>       <C>
           Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale    $ 181     (822)     260
           Mortgage loans on real estate                    (184)     110     (832)
           Real estate and other                              --       10      (53)
                                                           -----     ----     ----
                                                           $  (3)    (702)    (625)
                                                           =====     ====     ====
</TABLE>

      Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $3,403 and $2,806 as
      of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, were on deposit with various
      regulatory agencies as required by law.
<PAGE>   12
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(5)   Future Policy Benefits

      The liability for future policy benefits for investment contracts has been
      established based on policy terms, interest rates and various contract
      provisions. The average interest rate credited on investment product
      policies was approximately 5.6%, 5.6% and 5.3% for the years ended
      December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.


(6)   Federal Income Tax

      The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
      components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) as of December 31,
      1996 and 1995 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996         1995
                                                             --------     -------
         <S>                                                 <C>          <C>  
         Deferred tax assets:
            Liabilities in Separate Accounts                 $  5,311       3,445
            Future policy benefits                              1,070       5,249
            Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate         407         338
            Other assets and other liabilities                  3,836         708
                                                             --------     -------
              Total gross deferred tax assets                  10,624       9,740
                                                             --------     -------
         Deferred tax liabilities:
            Fixed maturity securities                           3,268       6,308
            Deferred policy acquisition costs                   2,131       6,262
            Equity securities                                     490          --
                                                             --------     -------
              Total gross deferred tax liabilities              5,889      12,570
                                                             --------     -------
                                                             $  4,735      (2,830)
                                                             ========     =======
</TABLE>

      In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management
      considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the
      total gross deferred tax assets will not be realized. All future
      deductible amounts can be offset by future taxable amounts or recovery of
      federal income tax paid within the statutory carryback period. The Company
      has determined that valuation allowances are not necessary as of December
      31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 based on its analysis of future deductible
      amounts.

      Total federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1996,
      1995 and 1994 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
      federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996                 1995                 1994
                                                      ----------------     ----------------     ----------------
                                                       Amount       %       Amount       %       Amount       %
                                                      -------     ----     -------     ----     -------     ----
         <S>                                          <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>         <C> 
         Computed (expected) tax expense              $ 2,728     35.0     $ 2,501     35.0     $ 1,815     35.0
         Tax exempt interest and dividends
            received deduction                           (175)    (2.3)       (150)    (2.1)        (50)    (1.0)
         Other, net                                       154      2.0          22      0.3          94      1.8
                                                      -------     ----     -------     ----     -------     ----
               Total (effective rate of each year)    $ 2,707     34.7     $ 2,373     33.2     $ 1,859     35.8
                                                      =======     ====     =======     ====     =======     ====
</TABLE>

      Total federal income tax paid was $2,335, $1,314 and $2,357 during the
      years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
<PAGE>   13
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(7)   Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

      SFAS No. 107 - Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (SFAS
      107) requires disclosure of fair value information about existing on and
      off-balance sheet financial instruments. SFAS 107 defines the fair value
      of a financial instrument as the amount at which the financial instrument
      could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. In
      cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on
      estimates using present value or other valuation techniques.

      These techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used,
      including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Although
      fair value estimates are calculated using assumptions that management
      believes are appropriate, changes in assumptions could cause these
      estimates to vary materially. In that regard, the derived fair value
      estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets
      and, in many cases, could not be realized in the immediate settlement of
      the instruments. SFAS 107 excludes certain assets and liabilities from its
      disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts
      presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

      Although insurance contracts, other than policies such as annuities that
      are classified as investment contracts, are specifically exempted from
      SFAS 107 disclosures, estimated fair value of policy reserves on life
      insurance contracts is provided to make the fair value disclosures more
      meaningful.

      The tax ramifications of the related unrealized gains and losses can have
      a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered
      in the estimates.

      The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
      estimating its fair value disclosures:

         Cash, short-term investments and policy loans: The carrying amount
         reported in the balance sheets for these instruments approximates their
         fair value.

         Fixed maturity and equity securities: Fair value for fixed maturity
         securities is based on quoted market prices, where available. For fixed
         maturity securities not actively traded, fair value is estimated using
         values obtained from independent pricing services or, in the case of
         private placements, is estimated by discounting expected future cash
         flows using a current market rate applicable to the yield, credit
         quality and maturity of the investments. The fair value for equity
         securities is based on quoted market prices.

         Separate Account assets and liabilities: The fair value of assets held
         in Separate Accounts is based on quoted market prices. The fair value
         of liabilities related to Separate Accounts is the amount payable on
         demand, which includes certain surrender charges.

         Mortgage loans on real estate: The fair value for mortgage loans on
         real estate is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using
         interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to borrowers
         with similar credit ratings. Loans with similar characteristics are
         aggregated for purposes of the calculations. Fair value for mortgages
         in default is the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.

         Investment contracts: Fair value for the Company's liabilities under
         investment type contracts is disclosed using two methods. For
         investment contracts without defined maturities, fair value is the
         amount payable on demand. For investment contracts with known or
         determined maturities, fair value is estimated using discounted cash
         flow analysis. Interest rates used are similar to currently offered
         contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining for the
         contracts being valued.

         Policy reserves on life insurance contracts: The estimated fair value
         is the amount payable on demand. Also included are disclosures for the
         Company's limited payment policies, which the Company has used
         discounted cash flow analyses similar to those used for investment
         contracts with known maturities to estimate fair value.
<PAGE>   14
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         Commitments to extend credit: Commitments to extend credit have nominal
         value because of the short-term nature of such commitments. See note 8.

      Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments subject
      to SFAS 107 and policy reserves on life insurance contracts were as
      follows as of December 31, 1996 and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1996                       1995
                                                           -----------------------    -----------------------
                                                           Carrying     Estimated     Carrying     Estimated
                                                            amount      fair value     amount      fair value
                                                           --------     ----------    --------     ----------
         <S>                                               <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>    
         Assets
         Investments:
            Securities available-for-sale:
               Fixed maturity securities                   $648,076       648,076       555,751       555,751
               Equity securities                             12,254        12,254        11,407        11,407
            Mortgage loans on real estate, net              150,997       152,496       104,736       111,501
            Policy loans                                        126           126            94            94
            Short-term investments                              492           492         4,844         4,844
            Cash                                              4,296         4,296            --            --
         Assets held in Separate Accounts                   486,251       486,251       257,556       257,556

         Liabilities
         Investment contracts                                75,417        72,262       616,984       601,582
         Policy reserves on life insurance contracts          5,303         5,390         4,296         4,520
         Liabilities related to Separate Accounts           486,251       471,125       257,556       246,996
</TABLE>

(8)   Additional Financial Instruments Disclosures

      Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk: The Company is a party
      to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course
      of business through management of its investment portfolio. These
      financial instruments include commitments to extend credit in the form of
      loans. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit
      risk in excess of amounts recognized on the balance sheets.

      Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans on real estate are
      agreements to lend to a borrower, and are subject to conditions
      established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration
      dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a deposit.
      Commitments extended by the Company are based on management's case-by-case
      credit evaluation of the borrower and the borrower's loan collateral. The
      underlying mortgage property represents the collateral if the commitment
      is funded. The Company's policy for new mortgage loans on real estate is
      to lend no more than 75% of collateral value. Should the commitment be
      funded, the Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of
      nonperformance by the borrower is represented by the contractual amounts
      of these commitments less the net realizable value of the collateral. The
      contractual amounts also represent the cash requirements for all unfunded
      commitments. Commitments on mortgage loans on real estate of $19,500
      extending into 1997 were outstanding as of December 31, 1996.

      Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk: The Company grants mainly
      commercial mortgage loans on real estate to customers throughout the
      United States. The Company has a diversified portfolio with no more than
      31% (28% in 1995) in any geographic area and no more than 5% (15% in 1995)
      with any one borrower.
<PAGE>   15
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


      The summary below depicts loans by remaining principal balance as of
      December 31, 1996 and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Apartment
                                   Office      Warehouse      Retail       & other        Total
                                  --------     ---------      ------      ---------     --------
          <S>                     <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>   
          1996:
            East North Central    $  1,968        2,324        8,203         7,867        20,362
            East South Central          --           --        1,828        11,591        13,419
            Mountain                    --        1,394           --         1,986         3,380
            Middle Atlantic          2,817           --          883         1,990         5,690
            New England              1,993          868        1,944            --         4,805
            Pacific                  3,883       15,779       10,093         9,273        39,028
            South Atlantic           9,926           --       16,209        20,520        46,655
            West North Central       2,000           --           --            --         2,000
            West South Central       3,824           --        1,995        10,847        16,666
                                  --------       ------       ------       -------      --------
                                  $ 26,411       20,365       41,155        64,074       152,005
                                  ========       ======       ======       =======
               Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                          1,008
                                                                                        --------
                    Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                            $150,997
                                                                                        ========
          1995:
            East North Central    $  1,854          878        8,263         3,940        14,935
            East South Central          --           --        1,877        11,753        13,630
            Mountain                    --           --           --         1,964         1,964
            Middle Atlantic            882        1,820          901            --         3,603
            New England                 --          895        1,963            --         2,858
            Pacific                  1,923        8,600        8,211         8,838        27,572
            South Atlantic           3,953           --        9,928        15,797        29,678
            West North Central          --        1,500           --            --         1,500
            West South Central       3,881          969           --         4,932         9,782
                                  --------       ------       ------       -------      --------
                                  $ 12,493       14,662       31,143        47,224       105,522
                                  ========       ======       ======       =======
               Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                            786
                                                                                        --------
                    Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                            $104,736
                                                                                        ========
</TABLE>

(9)   Pension Plan

      The Company is a participant, together with other affiliated companies, in
      a pension plan covering all employees who have completed at least one
      thousand hours of service within a twelve-month period and who have met
      certain age requirements. Benefits are based upon the highest average
      annual salary of a specified number of consecutive years of the last ten
      years of service. The Company funds an allocation of pension costs accrued
      for employees of affiliates whose work efforts benefit the Company.

      Effective January 1, 1995, the plan was amended to provide enhanced
      benefits for participants who met certain eligibility requirements and
      elected early retirement no later than March 15, 1995. The entire cost of
      the enhanced benefit was borne by NMIC and certain of its property and
      casualty insurance company affiliates.

      Effective December 31, 1995, the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
      Affiliates Retirement Plan was merged with the Farmland Mutual Insurance
      Company Employees' Retirement Plan and the Wausau Insurance Companies
      Pension Plan to form the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement Plan.
      Immediately prior to the merger, the plans were amended to provide
      consistent benefits for service after January 1, 1996. These amendments
      had no significant impact on the accumulated benefit obligation or
      projected benefit obligation as of December 31, 1995.
<PAGE>   16
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


      Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years ended
      December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $189, $214 and $265, respectively.

      The net periodic pension cost for the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
      Retirement Plan as a whole for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for
      the Nationwide Insurance Companies and Affiliates Retirement Plan as a
      whole for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1996            1995           1994
                                                                 ---------        --------        -------
          <S>                                                    <C>              <C>             <C>   
          Service cost (benefits earned during the period)       $  75,466          64,524         64,740
          Interest cost on projected benefit obligation            105,511          95,283         73,951
          Actual return on plan assets                            (210,583)       (249,294)       (21,495)
          Net amortization and deferral                            101,795         143,353        (62,150)
                                                                 ---------        --------        -------
                                                                 $  72,189          53,866         55,046
                                                                 =========        ========        =======
</TABLE>

      Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996        1995        1994
                                                              -------     -------     -------
          <S>                                                 <C>         <C>         <C>  
          Weighted average discount rate                         6.00%       7.50%       5.75%
          Rate of increase in future compensation levels         4.25%       6.25%       4.50%
          Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets       6.75%       8.75%       7.00%
</TABLE>

      Information regarding the funded status of the Nationwide Insurance
      Enterprise Retirement Plan as a whole as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
      follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1996           1995
                                                                           -----------     ----------
          <S>                                                              <C>             <C>      
          Accumulated benefit obligation:
             Vested                                                        $ 1,338,554      1,236,730
             Nonvested                                                          11,149         26,503
                                                                           -----------     ----------
                                                                           $ 1,349,703      1,263,233
                                                                           ===========     ==========
          Net accrued pension expense:
             Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to date    $ 1,847,828      1,780,616
             Plan assets at fair value                                       1,947,933      1,738,004
                                                                           -----------     ----------
                Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected benefit
                   obligation                                                  100,105        (42,612)
             Unrecognized prior service cost                                    37,870         42,845
             Unrecognized net gains                                           (201,952)       (63,130)
             Unrecognized net asset at transition                               37,158         41,305
                                                                           -----------     ----------
                                                                           $   (26,819)       (21,592)
                                                                           ===========     ==========
</TABLE>

      Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1996           1995
                                                                           -----------     ---------- 
          <S>                                                                 <C>            <C>  
          Weighted average discount rate                                       6.50%          6.00%
          Rate of increase in future compensation levels                       4.75%          4.25%
</TABLE>

      Assets of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement Plan are invested
      in group annuity contracts of NLIC and Employers Life Insurance Company of
      Wausau, a wholly owned subsidiary of NLIC.
<PAGE>   17
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(10)  Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

      In addition to the defined benefit pension plan, the Company, together
      with other affiliated companies, participates in life and health care
      defined benefit plans for qualifying retirees. Postretirement life and
      health care benefits are contributory and generally available to full time
      employees who have attained age 55 and have accumulated 15 years of
      service with the Company after reaching age 40. Postretirement health care
      benefit contributions are adjusted annually and contain cost-sharing
      features such as deductibles and coinsurance. In addition, there are caps
      on the Company's portion of the per-participant cost of the postretirement
      health care benefits. These caps can increase annually, but not more than
      three percent. The Company's policy is to fund the cost of health care
      benefits in amounts determined at the discretion of management. Plan
      assets are invested primarily in group annuity contracts of NLIC.

      The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
      postretirement benefit obligation, however, certain affiliated companies
      elected to amortize their initial transition obligation over periods
      ranging from 10 to 20 years.

      The Company's accrued postretirement benefit expense as of December 31,
      1996 and 1995 was $840 and $808, respectively, and the net periodic
      postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $78, $66
      and $119, respectively.

      The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended December
      31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996         1995        1994
                                                                                   --------     -------     -------
         <S>                                                                       <C>          <C>         <C>  
         Service cost (benefits attributed to employee service during the year)    $  6,541       6,235       8,586
         Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation              13,679      14,151      14,011
         Actual return on plan assets                                                (4,348)     (2,657)     (1,622)
         Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates               173       2,966         568
         Net amortization and deferral                                                1,830      (1,619)      1,622
                                                                                   --------     -------     -------
                                                                                   $ 17,875      19,076      23,165
                                                                                   ========     =======     =======
</TABLE>

      Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of
      December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1996         1995
                                                                                      ---------     --------
         <S>                                                                          <C>           <C>   
         Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
            Retirees                                                                  $  92,954       88,680
            Fully eligible, active plan participants                                     23,749       28,793
            Other active plan participants                                               83,986       90,375
                                                                                      ---------     --------
               Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO)                     200,689      207,848
            Plan assets at fair value                                                    63,044       54,325
                                                                                      ---------     --------
               Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement benefit obligation     (137,645)    (153,523)
            Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates                              1,654        1,827
            Unrecognized net gains                                                      (23,225)      (1,038)
                                                                                      ---------     --------
                                                                                      $(159,216)    (152,734)
                                                                                      =========     ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   18
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


      Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the APBO as of December
      31, 1996 and 1995 and the NPPBC for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996        1996        1995       1995         1994
                                                   APBO        NPPBC       APBO       NPPBC        NPPBC
                                                 --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
         <S>                                     <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>     
         Discount rate                               7.25%       6.65%       6.75%       8.00%       7.00%
         Long-term rate of return on plan
             assets, net of tax                        --        4.80%         --        8.00%        N/A
         Assumed health care cost trend rate:
             Initial rate                           11.00%      11.00%      11.00%      10.00%      12.00%
             Ultimate rate                           6.00%       6.00%       6.00%       6.00%       6.00%
             Uniform declining period            12 Years    12 Years    12 Years    12 Years    12 Years
</TABLE>

      The health care cost trend rate assumption has an effect on the amounts
      reported. For the plan as a whole, a one percentage point increase in the
      assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the APBO as of December
      31, 1996 by $701 and the NPPBC for the year ended December 31, 1996 by
      $83.

(11)  Regulatory Risk-Based Capital and Dividend Restriction

      Ohio, the Company's state of domicile, imposes minimum risk-based capital
      requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for determining
      the amount of risk-based capital specify various weighting factors that
      are applied to financial balances or various levels of activity based on
      the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance is determined by a
      ratio of the company's regulatory total adjusted capital, as defined by
      the NAIC, to its authorized control level risk-based capital, as defined
      by the NAIC. Companies below specific trigger points or ratios are
      classified within certain levels, each of which requires specified
      corrective action. The Company exceeds the minimum risk-based capital
      requirements.

      The statutory capital shares and surplus of the Company as reported to
      regulatory authorities as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $71,390,
      $54,978 and $48,947, respectively. The statutory net income of the Company
      as reported to regulatory authorities for the years ended December 31,
      1996, 1995 and 1994 was $670, $8,023 and $6,173, respectively.

      The Company is limited in the amount of shareholder dividends it may pay
      without prior approval by the Department. As of December 31, 1996, the
      maximum amount available for dividend payment from the Company to its
      shareholder without prior approval of the Department is $7,139.

      The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to
      impair its ability to pay operating expenses and stockholder dividends in
      the future.


(12)  Transactions With Affiliates

      The Company leases office space from NMIC and certain of its subsidiaries.
      For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company made
      lease payments to NMIC and its subsidiaries of $410, $287 and $341,
      respectively.
<PAGE>   19
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


      Pursuant to a cost sharing agreement among NMIC and certain of its direct
      and indirect subsidiaries, including the Company, NMIC provides certain
      operational and administrative services, such as sales support,
      advertising, personnel and general management services, to those
      subsidiaries. Expenses covered by this agreement are subject to allocation
      among NMIC, the Company and other affiliates. Amounts allocated to the
      Company were $2,682, $2,596 and $2,503 in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
      respectively. The allocations are based on techniques and procedures in
      accordance with insurance regulatory guidelines. Measures used to allocate
      expenses among companies include individual employee estimates of time
      spent, special cost studies, salary expense, commissions expense and other
      methods agreed to by the participating companies that are within industry
      guidelines and practices. The Company believes these allocation methods
      are reasonable. In addition, the Company does not believe that expenses
      recognized under the inter-company agreements are materially different
      than expenses that would have been recognized had the Company operated on
      a stand alone basis. Amounts payable to NMIC from the Company under the
      cost sharing agreement were $2,275 and $1,186 as of December 31, 1996 and
      1995, respectively.

      Effective December 31, 1996, the Company entered into an intercompany
      reinsurance agreement with NLIC whereby certain inforce and subsequently
      issued fixed individual deferred annuity contracts are ceded on a 100%
      coinsurance with funds withheld basis. Under 100% coinsurance with funds
      withheld agreements, invested assets are retained by the ceding company
      and liabilities for future policy benefits are transferred to the assuming
      company. In addition, net investment earnings on the invested assets
      retained by the ceding company are to be paid to the assuming company.
      Under terms of the Company's agreement, the investment risk associated
      with changes in interest rates is borne by NLIC. Risk of asset default is
      retained by the Company, although a fee is paid by NLIC to the Company for
      the Company's retention of such risk. The agreement will remain inforce
      until all contract obligations are settled. The ceding of risk does not
      discharge the original insurer from its primary obligation to the
      contractholder. The Company believes that the terms of the 100%
      coinsurance with funds withheld agreement are consistent in all material
      respects with what the Company could have obtained with unaffiliated
      parties.

      The Company has recorded a liability equal to the amount due to NLIC as of
      December 31, 1996 for $679,571, which represents the future policy
      benefits of the fixed individual deferred annuity contracts ceded. In
      consideration for the initial inforce business reinsured, NLIC agreed to
      pay the Company $26,473 in commission and expense allowances which were
      applied to the Company's deferred policy acquisition costs as of December
      31, 1996. No significant gain or loss was recognized as a result of the
      agreement.

      The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with Nationwide
      Cash Management Company (NCMC) and California Cash Management Company
      (CCMC), both affiliates, under which NCMC and CCMC act as common agents in
      handling the purchase and sale of short-term securities for the respective
      accounts of the participants. Amounts on deposit with NCMC and CCMC were
      $492 and $4,844 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and are
      included in short-term investments on the accompanying balance sheets.

      Certain annuity products are sold through an affiliated company, which is
      a subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation. Total commissions paid to the
      affiliate for the three years ended December 31, 1996 were $14,644, $5,949
      and $6,633, respectively.

(13)  Segment Information

      The Company has three primary segments: Variable Annuities, Fixed
      Annuities and Life Insurance. The Variable Annuities segment consists of
      annuity contracts that provide the customer with the opportunity to invest
      in mutual funds managed by an affiliated company and independent
      investment managers, with the investment returns accumulating on a
      tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities segment consists of annuity
      contracts that generate a return for the customer at a specified interest
      rate, fixed for a prescribed period, with returns accumulating on a
      tax-deferred basis. The Life Insurance segment consists of insurance
      products that provide a death benefit and may also allow the customer to
      build cash value on a tax-deferred basis. In addition, the Company reports
      corporate expenses and investments, and the related investment income
      supporting capital not specifically allocated to its product segments in a
      Corporate and Other segment. In addition, all realized gains and losses
      are reported in the Corporate and Other segment.
<PAGE>   20
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


      During 1996, the Company changed its reporting segments to better reflect
      the way the businesses are managed. Prior periods have been restated to
      reflect these changes.

      The following table summarizes the revenues and income (loss) before
      federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
      1994 and assets as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, by business
      segment.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996          1995         1994
                                                              -----------     --------     --------
          <S>                                                 <C>             <C>          <C>  
          Revenues:
             Variable Annuities                               $     4,591        2,927        2,435
             Fixed Annuities                                       51,643       50,056       44,812
             Life Insurance                                           165          185          179
             Corporate and Other                                    1,545          234          891
                                                              -----------     --------     --------
                                                              $    57,944       53,402       48,317
                                                              ===========     ========     ========
          Income (loss) before federal income tax expense:
             Variable Annuities                                     1,094        1,196          658
             Fixed Annuities                                        5,156        5,633        5,093
             Life Insurance                                            (1)        (381)        (990)
             Corporate and Other                                    1,544          699          426
                                                              -----------     --------     --------
                                                              $     7,793        7,147        5,187
                                                              ===========     ========     ========
          Assets:
             Variable Annuities                                   503,111      267,097      185,332
             Fixed Annuities                                      787,682      643,313      606,696
             Life Insurance                                         2,597        2,665        2,677
             Corporate and Other                                   73,031       54,507       38,335
                                                              -----------     --------     --------
                                                              $ 1,366,421      967,582      833,040
                                                              ===========     ========     ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   21
                                                                      SCHEDULE I

                NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                            Summary of Investments -
                    Other Than Investments in Related Parties

                             As of December 31, 1996
                                ($000's omitted)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------                          --------      ------------    ---------------
                 Column A                                            Column B        Column C         Column D
- -------------------------------------------                          --------      ------------    ---------------
                                                                                                   Amount at which
                                                                                                    shown in the
            Type of Investment                                         Cost        Market value     balance sheet
- -------------------------------------------                          --------      ------------    ---------------
<S>                                                                  <C>           <C>             <C>
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
   Bonds:
      U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities        $239,737        243,310           243,310
      States, municipalities and political subdivisions                   269            267               267
      Foreign governments                                               6,129          6,254             6,254
      Public utilities                                                 89,884         90,885            90,885
      All other corporate                                             304,284        307,360           307,360
                                                                     --------        -------           -------
          Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale          640,303        648,076           648,076
                                                                     --------        -------           -------

Equity securities available-for-sale:
   Common stocks:
      Industrial, miscellaneous and all other                          10,854         12,254            12,254
                                                                     --------        -------           -------
          Total equity securities available-for-sale                   10,854         12,254            12,254
                                                                     --------        -------           -------

Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                    151,931                          150,997(1)
Real estate, net:                                                                                                
   Investment properties                                                  855                              540(1)
   Acquired in satisfaction of debt                                       573                              550(1)
Policy loans                                                              126                              126   
Short-term investments                                                    492                              492   
                                                                     --------                          -------   
          Total investments                                          $805,134                          813,035   
                                                                     ========                          =======   
</TABLE>

- ----------

(1)  Difference from Column B is primarily due to valuation allowances due to
     impairments on mortgage loans on real estate and due to accumulated
     depreciation and valuation allowances due to impairments on real estate.
     See note 4 to the financial statements.



See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE>   22
                                                                    SCHEDULE III

                NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                       Supplemental Insurance Information

                     As of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                      and for each of the years then ended
                                ($000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------  ---------------     -----------------------   -----------------  ----------------  --------
       Column A                      Column B               Column C              Column D           Column E       Column F
- -------------------------------  ---------------     -----------------------   -----------------  ----------------  --------
                                 Deferred policy     Future policy benefits,                       Other policy
                                   acquisition         losses, claims and      Unearned premiums    claims and       Premium
        Segment                       costs               loss expenses              (1)          benefits payable   revenue
- -------------------------------  ---------------     -----------------------   -----------------  ----------------  --------
<S>                              <C>                 <C>                       <C>                <C>               <C>
1996: Variable Annuities             $ 17,335                    --                                        --             -- 
      Fixed Annuities                   2,691                78,947                                        --            246 
      Life Insurance                      349                 1,773                                        --             -- 
      Corporate and Other              (4,207)                   --                                        --             -- 
                                     --------               -------                                   -------        ------- 
             Total                   $ 16,168                80,720                                        --            246 
                                     ========               =======                                   =======        ======= 
1995: Variable Annuities                9,966                    --                                        --             -- 
      Fixed Annuities                  23,913               619,400                                        --            674 
      Life Insurance                      360                 1,880                                        --             -- 
      Corporate and Other             (10,834)                   --                                        --             -- 
                                     --------               -------                                   -------        ------- 
             Total                   $ 23,405               621,280                                        --            674 
                                     ========               =======                                   =======        ======= 
                                                                                                                             
1994: Variable Annuities                7,760                    --                                        --             -- 
      Fixed Annuities                  25,344               581,352                                        --            311 
      Life Insurance                      481                 1,836                                        --             -- 
      Corporate and Other               7,955                    --                                        --             -- 
                                     --------               -------                                   -------        ------- 
             Total                   $ 41,540               583,188                                        --            311 
                                     ========               =======                                   =======        ======= 
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------     -------------    ---------     ------------       ---------    --------
       Column A                      Column G       Column H       Column I          Column J    Column K
- -----------------------------     -------------    ---------     ------------       ---------    --------
                                                    Benefits,    Amortization
                                                     claims,     of deferred          Other
                                  Net investment   losses and       policy          operating
                                      income       settlement    acquisition         expenses    Premiums
        Segment                         (2)         expenses        costs              (2)        written
- -----------------------------     -------------    ---------     ------------       ---------    --------
<S>                               <C>              <C>           <C>                <C>          <C>
1996: Variable Annuities             $   (849)            238          1,473           1,786             --
      Fixed Annuities                  50,197          35,193          5,888           5,407             --
      Life Insurance                      149              93             19              54             --
      Corporate and Other               1,548              --             --              --             --
                                     --------         -------        -------         -------        -------
             Total                   $ 51,045          35,524          7,380           7,247             --
                                     ========         =======        =======         =======        =======

1995: Variable Annuities                 (450)            107            739             886             --
      Fixed Annuities                  48,454          33,974          5,211           5,238             --
      Life Insurance                      169              99             24             443             --
      Corporate and Other                 935              --           (466)             --             --
                                     --------         -------        -------         -------        -------
             Total                   $ 49,108          34,180          5,508           6,567             --
                                     ========         =======        =======         =======        =======

1994: Variable Annuities                 (229)             86            464           1,227             --
      Fixed Annuities                  43,569          29,694          6,002           4,022             --
      Life Insurance                      173              90              8           1,071             --
      Corporate and Other               1,517              --            466              --             --
                                     --------         -------        -------         -------        -------
             Total                   $ 45,030          29,870          6,940           6,320             --
                                     ========         =======        =======         =======        =======
</TABLE>

- ----------

(1)  Unearned premiums are included in Column C amounts.

(2)  Allocations of net investment income and certain general expenses are based
     on a number of assumptions and estimates, and reported operating results
     would change by segment if different methods were applied.


See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE>   23
                                                                     SCHEDULE IV

                NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                                   Reinsurance

                     As of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                      and for each of the years then ended
                                ($000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------  ------------   ---------  ----------  ----------   ----------
        Column A                  Column B      Column C    Column D   Column E      Column F
- -------------------------------  ------------   ---------  ----------  ----------   ----------
                                                                                    Percentage
                                                Ceded to    Assumed                  of amount
                                                  other    from other                 assumed
                                 Gross amount   companies  companies   Net amount     to net
                                 ------------   ---------  ----------  ----------   ----------
<S>                              <C>            <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>
1996:
Life Insurance in force            $ 7,221            463         --       6,758         0.0%
                                   =======        =======    =======     =======     =======

Premiums:
   Life insurance                      246             --         --         246         0.0%
                                   -------        -------    -------     -------     -------
          Total                    $   246             --         --         246         0.0%
                                   =======        =======    =======     =======     =======

1995:
Life Insurance in force            $ 8,186            468         --       7,718         0.0%
                                   =======        =======    =======     =======     =======

Premiums:
   Life insurance                      674             --         --         674         0.0%
                                   -------        -------    -------     -------     -------
          Total                    $   674             --         --         674         0.0%
                                   =======        =======    =======     =======     =======


1994:
Life Insurance in force            $ 8,298             14         --       8,284         0.0%
                                   =======        =======    =======     =======     =======

Premiums:
   Life Insurance                      311             --         --         311         0.0%
                                   -------        -------    -------     -------     -------
          Total                    $   311             --         --         311         0.0%
                                   =======        =======    =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>

- ----------

Note: The life insurance caption represents premiums from life-contingent
      immediate annuities and excludes deposits on investment products and
      universal life insurance products.


See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE>   24
                                                                      SCHEDULE V

                NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                        Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------     -----------      --------------------------   ----------   --------
            Column A                                       Column B                  Column C             Column D   Column E
- -----------------------------------------------------     -----------      --------------------------   ----------   --------
                                                            Balance         Charged                                  Balance
                                                              at            to costs        Charged                   at end
                                                           beginning          and           to other     Deductions     of
           Description                                     of period        expenses        accounts        (1)       period
- -----------------------------------------------------     -----------      ---------        ---------   ----------   --------
<S>                                                       <C>              <C>              <C>         <C>          <C>
1996:
Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate         $   750             184               --          --         934
Valuation allowances - real estate                               229              --               --          --         229
                                                             -------         -------          -------     -------     -------
     Total                                                   $   979             184               --          --       1,163
                                                             =======         =======          =======     =======     =======


1995:
Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities                  --             996               --         996          --
Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate             860            (110)              --          --         750
Valuation allowances - real estate                               472            (243)              --          --         229
                                                             -------         -------          -------     -------     -------
     Total                                                   $ 1,332             643               --         996         979
                                                             =======         =======          =======     =======     =======


1994:
Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate             360             831               --         331         860
Valuation allowances - real estate                               419              53               --          --         472
                                                             -------         -------          -------     -------     -------
     Total                                                   $   779             884               --         331       1,332
                                                             =======         =======          =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>

- ----------

(1)   Amounts represent direct write-downs charged against the valuation
      allowance.


See accompanying independent auditors' report.

<PAGE>   61

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits

         (a) Financial Statements:                                    Page

             (1) Financial statements and schedule included
                 in Prospectus

                 (Part A):                                            N/A

   
             (2) Financial statements and schedule included
                 in Part B as required:                                59

         Nationwide VA Separate Account-B:

                 Independent Auditors' Report.                         59

                 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Contract         60
                 Owners' Equity as of December 31, 1996
                 Statement of Operations and Changes in                62
                 Contract Owners' Equity for the period
                 February 1, 1996 (commencement of
                 operations) through Dec. 31, 1996.

                 Notes to Financial Statements.                        63

                 Schedule of Changes in Unit Value.                    68

         Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:

                 Independent Auditors' Report.                         71

                 Balance Sheets as of December                         72 
                 31, 1996 and 1995.

                 Statements of Income for the                          73
                 years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
                 1994.

                 Statements of Shareholder's                           74
                 Equity for the years ended December 31,
                 1996, 1995 and 1994.

                 Statements of Cash Flows for                          75
                 the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
                 and 1994.

                 Notes to Financial Statements.                        76
                 Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other

                 Than Investments in Related Parties                  109

                 Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information   110

                 Schedule IV - Reinsurance                            111

                 Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts       112
    


                              91 of 113
<PAGE>   62

Item 24. (b) Exhibits

              (1)    Resolution of the Depositor's Board of Directors
                     authorizing the establishment of the Registrant.
                     Filed previously in connection with Registration
                     Statement (File No.: 33-86408) on November 14,
                     1994 and hereby incorporated by reference.

              (2)    Not Applicable

              (3)    Underwriting or Distribution of contracts between
                     the Registrant and Principal Underwriter. Filed
                     previously in connection with Registration
                     Statement (File No.: 33-86408) on November 14,
                     1994 and hereby incorporated by reference.

              (4)    The form of the variable annuity contract             *

              (5)    Variable Annuity Application                          *

              (6)    Articles of Incorporation of Depositor - Filed
                     previously in connection with Registration
                     Statement (File No.: 33-86408) on November 14,
                     1994 and hereby incorporated by reference.

              (7)    Not Applicable

              (8)    Not Applicable

              (9)    Opinion of Counsel                                    *  

              (10)   Not Applicable

              (11)   Not Applicable

              (12)   Not Applicable

              (13)   Performance Advertising Calculation Schedule.
                     Filed previously in connection with Registration
                     Statement (File No.: 33-86408) on November 14,
                     1994 and hereby incorporated by reference.

              * Filed previously in connection with this registration statement
                     (SEC File No. 333-11415) on September 5, 1996, and hereby 
                     incorporated by reference.


                              92 of 113
<PAGE>   63

Item 25. Directors and Officers of the Depositor

          Name and Principal                     Positions and Offices
           Business Address                         With Depositor

         Lewis J. Alphin                                Director
         519 Bethel Church Road
         Mount Olive, NC  28365

         Keith W. Eckel                                 Director
         1647 Falls Road
         Clarks Summit, PA 18411

         Willard J. Engel                               Director
         1100 East Main Street
         Marshall, MN 56258

         Fred C. Finney                                 Director
         1558 West Moreland Road
         Wooster, OH 44691

         Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.                      Director
         600 South Washington Street
         Butler, PA  16001

         Joseph J. Gasper                 President and Chief Operating Officer
         One Nationwide Plaza                         and Director
         Columbus, OH  43215

         Henry S. Holloway                           Chairman of the
         1247 Stafford Road                        Board and Director
         Darlington, MD  21034

         Dimon Richard McFerson           Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-
         One Nationwide Plaza                Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
         Columbus, OH  43215                          and Director

         David O. Miller                                Director
         115 Sprague Drive
         Hebron, OH  43025

         C. Ray Noecker                                 Director
         2770 Winchester Southern S.
         Ashville, OH 43103

         James F. Patterson                             Director
         8765 Mulberry Road
         Chesterland, OH  44026


                              93 of 113
<PAGE>   64

          Name and Principal                     Positions and Offices
           Business Address                         With Depositor

         Arden L. Shisler                               Director
         1356 North Wenger Road
         Dalton, OH  44618

         Robert L. Stewart                              Director
         88740 Fairview Road
         Jewett, OH  43986

         Nancy C. Thomas                                Director
         10835 Georgetown Street NE
         Louisville, OH  44641

         Harold W. Weihl                                Director
         14282 King Road
         Bowling Green, OH  43402

         Gordon E. McCutchan                    Executive Vice President,
         One Nationwide Plaza                  Law and Corporate Services
         Columbus, OH  43215                          and Secretary

         Robert A. Oakley                       Executive Vice President-
         One Nationwide Plaza                    Chief Financial Officer
         Columbus, OH  43215

         Robert J. Woodward, Jr.               Executive Vice President -
         One Nationwide Plaza                   Chief Investment Officer
         Columbus, OH 43215

         James E. Brock                          Senior Vice President -
         One Nationwide Plaza                    Life Company Operations
         Columbus, OH  43215

         W. Sidney Druen                    Senior Vice President and General
         One Nationwide Plaza                Counsel and Assistant Secretary
         Columbus, OH  43215

         Harvey S. Galloway, Jr.          Senior Vice President-Chief Actuary-
         One Nationwide Plaza                  Life, Health and Annuities
         Columbus, OH  43215

         Richard A. Karas                    Senior Vice President - Sales -
         One Nationwide Plaza                      Financial Services
         Columbus, OH  43215

         Michael D. Bleiweiss                        Vice President-
         One Nationwide Plaza                 Individual Annuity Operation
         Columbus, OH  43215


                              94 of 113
<PAGE>   65

          Name and Principal                     Positions and Offices
           Business Address                         With Depositor

         Matthew S. Easley                     Vice President - Marketing,
         One Nationwide Plaza                   Innovation and Compliance

         Columbus, OH  43215

         Ronald L. Eppley                            Vice President-
         One Nationwide Plaza                     Applications Service

         Columbus, OH  43215

         Timothy E. Murphy                           Vice President-
         One Nationwide Plaza                      Strategic Marketing

         Columbus, OH  43215

         R. Dennis Noice                             Vice President-
         One Nationwide Plaza                       Retail Operations

         Columbus, OH  43215

         Joseph P. Rath                              Vice President
         One Nationwide Plaza

         Columbus, OH  43215

Item 26. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the
         Depositor or Registrant.

         *    Subsidiaries for which separate financial statements are filed

         **   Subsidiaries included in the respective consolidated financial
              statements

         ***  Subsidiaries included in the respective group financial
              statements filed for unconsolidated subsidiaries

         **** other subsidiaries


                              95 of 113
<PAGE>   66

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (see Attached
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      Chart) unless
                        COMPANY                                          otherwise                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         indicated
<S>                                               <C>                   <C>            <C>
         Affiliate Agency, Inc.                       Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency

         Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc.                 Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency

         Allnations, Inc.                               Ohio                           Promotes cooperative insurance corporations
                                                                                       worldwide

         American Marine Underwriters, Inc.           Florida                          Underwriting Manager

         Auto Direkt Insurance Company                Germany                          Insurance Company

         The Beak and Wire Corporation                  Ohio                           Radio Tower Joint Venture

         California Cash Management Company          California                        Investment Securities Agent

         Colonial County Mutual insurance              Texas                           Insurance Company
         Company

         Colonial Insurance Company of               California                        Insurance Company
         California

         Columbus Insurance Brokerage and             Germany                          Insurance Broker
         Service GMBH

         Companies Agency, Inc.                      Wisconsin                         Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency Insurance Services         California                        Insurance  Broker
         of California

         Companies Agency of Alabama, Inc.            Alabama                          Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Idaho, Inc.               Idaho                           Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Illinois, Inc.           Illinois                         Acts as Collection Agent for Policies placed
                                                                                       through Brokers

         Companies Agency of Kentucky, Inc.           Kentucky                         Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Massachusetts,        Massachusetts                       Insurance Broker
         Inc.

         Companies Agency of New York, Inc.           New York                         Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Pennsylvania, Inc.     Pennsylvania                       Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Phoenix, Inc.            Arizona                          Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Texas, Inc.               Texas                           Insurance Broker

         Companies Annuity Agency of Texas,            Texas                           Insurance Broker
         Inc.

         Countrywide Services Corporation             Delaware                         Products Liability, Investigative and Claims
                                                                                       Management Services

         Employers Insurance of Wausau A             Wisconsin                         Insurance Company
         Mutual Company

     **  Employers Life Insurance Company of         Wisconsin                         Life Insurance Company
         Wausau

         F & B, Inc.                                    Iowa                           Insurance Agency

         Farmland Mutual Insurance Company              Iowa                           Insurance Company
</TABLE>


                              96 of 113
<PAGE>   67

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (see Attached
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      Chart) unless
                        COMPANY                                          otherwise                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         indicated
<S>                                               <C>                   <C>            <C>
         Financial Horizons Distributors              Alabama                          Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Alabama, Inc.

         Financial Horizons Distributors                Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Ohio, Inc.

         Financial Horizons Distributors              Oklahoma                         Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Oklahoma, Inc.

         Financial Horizons Distributors               Texas                           Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Texas, Inc.

      *  Financial Horizons Investment Trust       Massachusetts                       Investment Company

         Financial Horizons Securities                Oklahoma                         Broker Dealer
         Corporation

         Gates, McDonald & Company                      Ohio                           Cost Control Business

         Gates, McDonald & Company of Nevada           Nevada                          Self-Insurance Administration Claims
                                                                                       Examinations and Data Processing Services

         Gates, McDonald & Company of New             New York                         Workers Compensation Claims Administration
         York, Inc.

         Gates, McDonald Health Ohio Plus, Inc.         Ohio                           Managed Care Organization

         Greater La Crosse Health Plans, Inc.        Wisconsin                         Writes Commercial Health and Medicare
                                                                                       Supplement Insurance

         Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.                 Ohio                           Insurance Broker and Insurance Agency

         Key Health Plan, Inc.                       California                        Pre-paid health plans

         Landmark Financial Services of New           New York                         Life Insurance Agency
         York, Inc.

         Leben Direkt Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company

         Lone Star General Agency, Inc.                Texas                           Insurance Agency

     **  MRM Investments, Inc.                          Ohio                           Owns and operates a Recreational Ski Facility

     **  National Casualty Company                    Michigan                         Insurance Company

         National Casualty Company of America,     Great Britain                       Insurance Company
         Ltd.

     **  National Premium and Benefit                 Delaware                         Insurance Administrative Services
         Administration Company

     **  Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.             Ohio                           Registered Broker-Dealer, Investment Manager
                                                                                       and Administrator

         Nationwide Agency, Inc.                        Ohio                           Insurance Agency

         Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance              Iowa                           Insurance Company
         Company

      *  Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company

         Nationwide Cash Management Company             Ohio                           Investment Securities Agent

         Nationwide Communications, Inc.                Ohio                           Radio Broadcasting Business

         Nationwide Community Urban                     Ohio                           Redevelopment of blighted areas within the
         Redevelopment Corporation                                                     City of Columbus, Ohio
</TABLE>


                              97 of 113
<PAGE>   68

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (see Attached
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      Chart) unless
                        COMPANY                                          otherwise                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         indicated
<S>                                               <C>                   <C>            <C>
         Nationwide Corporation                         Ohio                           Organized for the purpose of acquiring,
                                                                                       holding, encumbering, transferring, or
                                                                                       otherwise disposing of shares, bonds, and
                                                                                       other evidences of indebtedness, securities,
                                                                                       and contracts of other persons, associations,
                                                                                       corporations, domestic or foreign and to form
                                                                                       or acquire the control of other corporations

      *  Nationwide Development Company                 Ohio                           Owns, leases and manages commercial real 
                                                                                       estate

         Nationwide Financial Institution             Delaware                         Insurance Agency
         Distributors Agency, Inc.

         Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.          Delaware                         Holding Company

         Nationwide General Insurance Company           Ohio                           Insurance Company

         Nationwide HMO, Inc.                           Ohio                           Health Maintenance Organization

      *  Nationwide Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Reinsurance Company

         Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
         Foundation

         Nationwide Insurance Golf Charities,           Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
         Inc.

         Nationwide Investing Foundation              Michigan                         Investment Company

      *  Nationwide Investing                      Massachusetts                       Investment Company
         Foundation II

         Nationwide Investment Services               Oklahoma                         Registered Broker-Dealer in Deferred
         Corporation                                                                   Compensation Market

         Nationwide Investors Services, Inc.            Ohio                           Stock Transfer Agent

     **  Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance          Ohio                           Life Insurance Company
         Company

     **  Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance          Ohio                           Life Insurance Company
         Company

         Nationwide Lloyds                             Texas                           Texas Lloyds Company

         Nationwide Management Systems, Inc.            Ohio                           Develops and operates Managed Care Delivery
                                                                                       System

         Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance               Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Company

         Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company            Ohio                           Insurance Company

         Nationwide Properties, Ltd.                    Ohio                           Develops, owns, and operates real estate and
                                                                                       real estate investments

         Nationwide Property and Casualty               Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Insurance Company

         Nationwide Realty Investors, Ltd.              Ohio                           Develops, owns, and operates real estate and
                                                                                       real estate investments

      *  Nationwide Separate Account Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company
</TABLE>


                              98 of 113
<PAGE>   69

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (see Attached
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      Chart) unless
                        COMPANY                                          otherwise                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         indicated
<S>                                               <C>                   <C>            <C>
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services,          Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency
         Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Alabama                          Life Insurance Agency
         Alabama, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Arizona                          Life Insurance Agency
         Arizona, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Montana                          Life Insurance Agency
         Montana, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of         Nevada                          Life Insurance Agency
         Nevada, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of          Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency
         Ohio, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Oklahoma                         Life Insurance Agency
         Oklahoma, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of         Texas                           Life Insurance Agency
         Texas, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Wyoming                          Life Insurance Agency
         Wyoming, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Services Insurance       Massachusetts                       Life Insurance Agency
         Agency, Inc.

         Neckura General Insurance Company            Germany                          Insurance Company

         Neckura Holding Company                      Germany                          Administrative Service for Neckura Insurance
                                                                                       Group

         Neckura Insurance Company                    Germany                          Insurance Company

         Neckura Life Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company

         NWE, Inc.                                      Ohio                           Special Investments

         PEBSCO of Massachusetts Insurance         Massachusetts                       Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Agency, Inc.                                                                  Plans for Public Employees

         PEBSCO of Texas, Inc.                         Texas                           Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
                                                                                       Plans for Public Employees

         Pension Associates of Wausau, Inc.          Wisconsin                         Pension plan administration, record keeping
                                                                                       and consulting and compensation consulting

         Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation       Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance Organization

         Prevea Health Insurance Plan, Inc.          Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance Organization

         Public Employees Benefit Services            Delaware                         Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         corporation                                                                   Plans for Public Employees

         Public Employees Benefit Services            Alabama                          Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation of Alabama                                                        Plans for Public Employees

         Public Employees Benefit Services            Arkansas                         Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation of Arkansas                                                       Plans for Public Employees
</TABLE>


                              99 of 113
<PAGE>   70

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (see Attached
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      Chart) unless
                        COMPANY                                          otherwise                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         indicated
<S>                                               <C>                   <C>            <C>
         Public Employees Benefit Services            Montana                          Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation of Montana                                                        Plans for Public Employees

         Public Employees Benefit Services           New Mexico                        Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation of New Mexico                                                     Plans for Public Employees

         Scottsdale Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Insurance Company

         Scottsdale Insurance Company                   Ohio                           Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance Company

         Scottsdale Surplus Lines Insurance           Arizona                          Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance Company
         Company

         SVM Sales GmbH, Neckura Insurance            Germany                          Sales support for Neckura Insurance Group
         Group

         Wausau Business Insurance Company           Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

         Wausau General Insurance Company             Illinois                         Insurance Company

         Wausau Insurance Company (U.K.)           United Kingdom                      Insurance and Reinsurance Company
         Limited

         Wausau International Underwriters           California                        Special Risks, Excess and Surplus Lines
                                                                                       Insurance Underwriting Manager

     **  Wausau Preferred Health Insurance           Wisconsin                         Insurance and Reinsurance Company
         Company

         Wausau Service Corporation                  Wisconsin                         Holding Company

         Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company       Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

     **  West Coast Life Insurance Company           California                        Life Insurance Company
</TABLE>


                              100 of 113
<PAGE>   71

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (see Attached
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      Chart) unless
                        COMPANY                                          otherwise                 PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         indicated
<S>                                               <C>                <C>                           <C>
      *  MFS Variable Account                           Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account

      *  NACo Variable Account                          Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account

      *  Nationwide DC Variable Account                 Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account

         Nationwide DCVA II                             Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account

      *  Separate Account No. 1                         Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account

      *  Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account         Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account

      *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-A               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity   Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Separate Account

      *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-B               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity   Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Separate Account

         Nationwide VA Separate Account-C               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity   Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Separate Account

      *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity   Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Separate Account

      *  Nationwide Variable Account                    Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account

      *  Nationwide Variable Account-II                 Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account

      *  Nationwide Variable Account-3                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account

      *  Nationwide Variable Account-4                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account

      *  Nationwide Variable Account-5                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account

      *  Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable           Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
         Account                                                     Account

      *  Nationwide Variable Account-6                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account

      *  Nationwide Variable Account-8                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
        

      *  Nationwide Variable Account-9                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Annuity Contracts  
                                                                     Account
         

      *  Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity   Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
         Account-A                                                   Separate Account

      *  Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity   Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
         Account-B                                                   Separate Account

      *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account                Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                     Account

      *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                     Account

      *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate      Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                     Account
</TABLE>


                              101 of 113
<PAGE>   72
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                               (left side)
<S>                               <C>                               <C>                                  <C>
- ------------------------
| NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
| GOLF CHARITIES, INC. |
|                      |
|      MEMBERSHIP      |
|      NONPROFIT       |
|     CORPORATION      |
- ------------------------
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                  |      EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU     |
                                                  |           A MUTUAL COMPANY             |
                                                  |             (EMPLOYERS)                |
                                                  |                                        |========================================
                                                  | Contribution Note         Cost         |
                                                  | -----------------         ----         |
                                                  | Casualty                  $400,000,000 |
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                                |
           -----------------------------------------------------------------------
           |                                  |                                  |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------         ---------------------------
|    SAN DIEGO LOTUS      |       |   WAUSAU INSURANCE CO.  |       |      WAUSAU SERVICE      |         |                         |
|     CORPORATION         |       |      (U.K.) LIMITED     |       |     CORPORATION (WSC)    |         |    NATIONWIDE LLOYDS    |
|Common Stock: 748,212    |       |Common Stock: 8,506,800  |       |Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|         |                         |
|------------  Shares     |       |------------  Shares     |       |------------              |         |                         |
|                         |       |                         |       |                          |=========|                         |
|              Cost       |       |              Cost       |       |              Cost        |     ||  |      A TEXAS LLOYDS     |
|              ----       |       |              ----       |       |              ----        |     ||  |                         |
|Employers-               |       |Employers-               |       |Employers-                |     ||  |                         |
|100%          $29,000,000|       |100%          $18,683,300|       |100%          $176,763,000|     ||  |                         |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------     ||  ---------------------------
                                                                                 |                   ||
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------  ||
                              |                                 |                                 |  ||
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
|     WAUSAU BUSINESS     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   COUNTRYWIDE SERVICES   |  |  ||  |                         |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY    |   |   |    OF KENTUCKY, INC.    |   |   |        CORPORATION       |  |  ||  |                         |
|Common Stock: 10,900,000 |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 100 Shares  |  |  ||  |        COMPANIES        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------              |  |  ||  |        AGENCY OF        |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |  ||==|        TEXAS, INC.      |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |  ||  |                         |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |  ||  |                         |
|WSC-100%      $33,800,000|   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $145,852    |  |  ||  |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |  ||
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
|   WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS   |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |      WAUSAU GENERAL      |  |  ||  |                         |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY    |   |   | OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC.  |   |   |     INSURANCE COMPANY    |  |  ||  |                         |
|Common Stock: 8,750      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 200,000     |  |  ||  |     COMPANIES ANNUITY   |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |  |  ||  |         AGENCY OF       |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |  ====|         TEXAS, INC.     |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |                         |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |                         |
|WSC-100%      $69,560,006|   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $39,000,000 |  |      |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|   GREATER LA CROSSE     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   WAUSAU INTERNATIONAL   |  |      |     AMERICAN MARINE     |
|   HEALTH PLANS, INC.    |   |   |    OF NEW YORK, INC.    |   |   |       UNDERWRITERS       |  |      |    UNDERWRITERS, INC.   |
|Common Stock: 3,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000       |  |      |Common Stock: 20         |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |  |      |------------  Shares     |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |------|                         |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-33.3%     $861,761   |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $10,000     |  |      |WSC-100%      $248,222   |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |     COMPANIES AGENCY     |  |      |     COMPANIES AGENCY    |
|    OF ALABAMA, INC.     |   |   |  OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.  |   |   |    INSURANCE SERVICES    |  |      |     OF ILLINOIS, INC.   |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |       OF CALIFORNIA      |  |      |                         |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000       |  |      |Common Stock: 250        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |---|------------  Shares      |  |------|------------  Shares     |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |   |                          |  |      |                         |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000      |  |      |WSC-100%      $2,500     |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   COMPANIES AGENCY      |   |   |      PHYSICIANS PLUS     |  |      |         COMPANIES       |
|     OF IDAHO, INC.      |   |   |     OF PHOENIX, INC.    |   |   |         INSURANCE        |  |      |        AGENCY, INC.     |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |        CORPORATION       |  |      |                         |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock:    7,150    |  |      |Common Stock: 100        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------     Shares   |  |      |------------  Shares     |
|                         |-------|                         |   |---|Preferred Stock: 11,540   |  |------|                         |
|                         |       |                         |   |   |---------------  Shares   |  |      |                         |
|                         |       |                         |   |   |                          |  |      |                         |
|              Cost       |       |              Cost       |   |   |                Cost      |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |       |              ----       |   |   |                ----      |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-100%      $1,000     |       |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-33 1/3%     $6,215,459|  |      |WSC-100%      $10,000    |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                                                                |                                 |      
                                                                |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                                                                |   |      PREVEA HEALTH       |  |      |    PENSION ASSOCIATES   |
                                                                |   |  INSURANCE PLAN, INC.    |  |      |      OF WAUSAU, INC.    |
                                                                |   |Common Stock: 3,000 Shares|  |      |Common Stock: 1,000      |
                                                                |   |------------              |  |      |------------  Shares     |
                                                                ----|                          |  -------|                         |
                                                                    |                          |         |                         |
                                                                    |              Cost        |         |Companies        Cost    |
                                                                    |              ----        |         |Agency, Inc.     ----    |
                                                                    |WSC-33 1/3%   $500,000    |         |(Wisconsin)-100% $10,000 |
                                                                    ----------------------------         ---------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   73
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                                  (middle)
<S>                                               <C>                                               <C>         
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                           INSURANCE COMPANY                               |================================================
       |                              (CASUALTY)                                   |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||                              |
              |                        ||                              -------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    |                                                                      |
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
|      ALLNATIONS, INC.        |       ||    |    |      NATIONWIDE GENERAL      |                  |        NECKURA HOLDING       |
|Common Stock:    3,136 Shares |       ||    |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |                  |       COMPANY (NECKURA)      |
|------------                  |       ||    |    |                              |                  |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |Common Stock:    20,000       |                  |Common Stock:    10,000       |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |------------     Shares       |                  |------------     Shares       |
|Casualty-24.5%   $88,320      |       ||    |    |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
|Fire-24.5%       $88,463      |       ||    |    |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
|Preferred Stock: 1,466 Shares |       ||    |----|Casualty-100%    $5,944,422   |         ---------|Casualty-100%    $87,943,140  |
|---------------               |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Casualty-7.7%    $100,000     |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Fire-7.7%        $100,000     |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                       ||    |                                             |    
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|       FARMLAND MUTUAL        |       ||    |    |      NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     |         |        |           NECKURA            |
|      INSURANCE COMPANY       |       ||    |    |         AND CASUALTY         |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Guaranty Fund                 |       ||    |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |         |        |                              |
|------------                  |=========    |----|Common Stock:    60,000       |         |--------|Common Stock:    6,000        |
|Certificate                   |             |    |------------     Shares       |         |        |------------     Shares       |
|-----------      Cost         |             |    |                 Cost         |         |        |                 Cost         |
|                 ----         |             |    |                 ----         |         |        |Neckura-         ----         |
|Casualty         $500,000     |             |    |Casualty-100%    $6,000,000   |         |        |100%             DM 6,000,000 |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
              |                              |                                             |    
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|        F & B, INC.           |             |    |      COLONIAL INSURANCE      |         |        |         NECKURA LIFE         |
|                              |             |    |     COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA    |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Common Stock:    1 Share      |             |    |          (COLONIAL)          |         |        |                              |
|------------                  |             |----|Common Stock:    1,750        |         |--------|Common Stock:   4,000         |
|                 Cost         |             |    |------------     Shares       |         |        |------------    Shares        |
|                 ----         |             |    |                 Cost         |         |        |                Cost          |
|Farmland                      |             |    |                 ----         |         |        |                ----          |
|Mutual-100%      $10          |             |    |Casualty-100%    $11,750,000  |         |        |Neckura-100%    DM 15,825,681 |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                             |                                             |        
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|  NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS     |             |    |         SCOTTSDALE           |         |        |        NECKURA GENERAL       |
|     INSURANCE COMPANY        |             |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Common Stock:    1,000,000    |             |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|------------     Shares       |             |    |Common Stock:    30,136       |         |        |Common Stock:    1,500        |
|                 Cost         |------------------|------------     Shares       |         |--------|------------     Shares       |
|                 ----         |                  |                 Cost         |         |        |                 Cost         |
|Casualty-99.9%   $26,714,335  |                  |                 ----         |         |        |                 ----         |
|Other Capital:                |                  |Casualty-100%    $150,000,000 |         |        |Neckura-100%     DM 1,656,925 |
|-------------                 |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
|Casualty-Ptd.    $   713,567  |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                                 |                         |        
                                                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                  |          SCOTTSDALE          |         |        |       COLUMBUS INSURANCE     |
                                                  |        SURPLUS LINES         |         |        |      BROKERAGE AND SERVICE   |
                                                  |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |         |        |              GmbH            |
                                                  |                              |         |        |Common Stock:    1 Share      |
                                                  |                              |         |--------|------------                  |
                                                  |        "NEWLY FORMED"        |         |        |                 Cost         |
                                                  |                              |         |        |                 ----         |
                                                  |                              |         |        |Neckura-100%     DM 51,639    |
                                                  |                              |         |        |                              |
                                                  |                              |         |        |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                                 |                         |        
                                                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                  |      NATIONAL PREMIUM &      |         |        |          LEBEN DIREKT        |
                                                  |    BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION    |         |        |        INSURANCE COMPANY     |
                                                  |           COMPANY            |         |        |                              |
                                                  |Common Stock:    10,000       |         |        |Common Stock:    4,000 Shares |
                                                  |------------     Shares       |------------------|------------                  |
                                                  |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Scottsdale-100%  $10,000      |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 4,000,000 |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------

                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                                  |         SVM SALES            |                  |          AUTO DIREKT         |
                                                  |            GmbH              |                  |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  |Common Stock:    50 Shares    |                  |Common Stock:    1,500 Shares |
                                                  |------------                  |                  |------------                  |
                                                  |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Neckura-100%     DM 50,000    |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 1,643,149 |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   74
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                              (right side)
<S>     <C>                                       <C>                                              <C>         
                                                                                                            ------------------------
                                                                                                            | NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
                                                                                                            | ENTERPRISE FOUNDATION|
                                                                                                            |                      |
                                                                                                            |      MEMBERSHIP      |
                                                                                                            |      NONPROFIT       |
                                                                                                            |     CORPORATION      |
                                                                                                            ------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                         FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY                            |
       |                                (FIRE)                                     |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       |
- ---------------                                                        --------------------------------------------------
              |                                                                                                         |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       |
  |                                          |                                                                  |       |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |     |         SCOTTSDALE           |     |    |         NATIONWIDE           |                |          NATIONWIDE            |
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |      COMMUNITY URBAN         |                |          CORPORATION           |
  |     |                              |     |    |       REDEVELOPMENT          |                |                                |
  |     |                              |     |    |        CORPORATION           |                |Common Stock:    Control:       |
  |     |Common Stock:    50,000       |     |    |Common Stock:    10 Shares    |                |------------     -------        |
  |-----|------------     Shares       |     |----|------------                  |                |$13,642,432      100%           |
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                |         Shares     Cost        |
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                |         ------     ----        |
  |     |Casualty-100%    $8,800,000   |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,000       |                |Casualty 12,992,922 $751,352,485|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                |Fire        649,510   24,007,936|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                |          (See Page 2)          |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |                                          |                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |         NATIONWIDE           |     |    |          INSURANCE           |                                                  
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |     INTERMEDIARIES, INC.     |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |-----|Common Stock:    28,000       |     |----|Common Stock:    1,615        |                                                  
  |     |------------     Shares       |     |    |------------     Shares       |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
  |     |Casualty-100%    $294,529,000 |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,615,000   |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                                          |                                                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |          LONE STAR           |     |    |       NATIONWIDE CASH        |                                                  
  |     |     GENERAL AGENCY, INC.     |     |    |      MANAGEMENT COMPANY      |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |Common Stock:    100 Shares   |                                                  
  ------|Common Stock:    1,000        |     |----|------------                  |                                                  
        |------------     Shares       |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
        |                 Cost         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
        |                 ----         |     |    |Casualty-90%     $9,000       |                                                  
        |Casualty-100%    $5,000,000   |     |    |NW Adv. Serv.     1,000       |                                                  
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
                      ||                     |                                                                                      
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
        |   COLONIAL COUNTY MUTUAL     |     |    |       CALIFORNIA CASH        |                                                  
        |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |     |    |          MANAGEMENT          |                                                  
        |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
        |Surplus Debentures            |     |    |Common Stock:    90 Shares    |                                                  
        |------------------            |     |----|------------                  |                                                  
        |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
        |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
        |Colonial         $500,000     |     |    |Casualty-100%    $9,000       |                                                  
        |Lone Star         150,000     |     |    |                              |                                                  
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
                                             |                                                      
                                             |    --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                             |    |         NATIONWIDE           |                  |           THE BEAK AND       |
                                             |    |     COMMUNICATIONS, INC.     |                  |         WIRE CORPORATION     |
                                             |    |Common Stock:    14,750       |                  |                              |
                                             |    |------------     Shares       |                  |Common Stock:    750 Shares   |
                                             -----|                 Cost         |------------------|------------                  |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |Casualty-100%    $11,510,000  |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Other Capital:                |                  |NW Comm-100%     $531,000     |
                                                  |-------------                 |                  |                              |
                                                  |Casualty-Ptd.      1,000,000  |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------



Subsidiary Companies -- Solid Line
Contractual Association -- Double Lines

March 6, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   75
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        (Left Side)
                                                NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)

                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |              EMPLOYERS INSURANCE               |
                                        |                  OF WAUSAU                     |==========================================
                                        |               A MUTUAL COMPANY                 |
                                         ------------------------------------------------



























<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             |                                  |                                   |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ---------------------------
               | NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE |      |        NATIONWIDE         |      |   NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL    |
               |     COMPANY (NW LIFE)     |      |    FINANCIAL SERVICES     |      | INSTITUTION DISTRIBUTORS  |
               |                           |      |      CAPITAL TRUST        |      |   AGENCY, INC. (NFIDAI)   |
               | Common Stock: 3,814,779   |      | Preferred Stock:          |      | Common Stock:     1,000   |
               | ------------  Shares      |      | ---------------           |      | ------------      Shares  |
               |                           |      |                           |      |                           |
               | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ---------------------------
                               |                                                                    ||  
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------        ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
|    NATIONWIDE LIFE AND    |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |      |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
| ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY |  |  |     ADVISORY SERVICES     |      |    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |  ||  |                          |
|        (NW LIFE)          |  |  |      (NW ADV. SERV.)      |      |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 68,000      |  |  | Common Stock: 7,676       |      | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|--| ------------  Shares      |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF OHIO, INC.      |
|               Cost        |  |  |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $58,070,003 |  |  | NW Life--100% $5,996,261  |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $100         |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                              
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|         NWE, INC.         |  |  |        NATIONWIDE         |  ||  |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. |  ||  |        SERVICES OF        |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |       NEW YORK, INC.      |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 100         |  |  | Common Stock: 5           |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  | ------------  Shares      |==||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |
|               Cost        |  |  |                     Cost  |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                     ----  |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $35,971,375 |  |  | NW Adv. Serv.--100% $5,000|  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $10,100      |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|   NATIONWIDE INVESTMENT   |  |  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |  ||  |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
|   SERVICES CORPORATION    |  |  |     INVESTMENT TRUST      |  ||  |      SECURITIES CORP.     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 5,000       |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF TEXAS, INC.     |
|               Cost        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $529,728    |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $153,000     |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
| NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||  |   AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.  |  ||  |                          |
|    COMPANY OF NEW YORK    |  |  |         INVESTING         |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |         FOUNDATION        |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock:             |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |          AFFILIATE       |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |__||==|          AGENCY OF       |
|               Cost        |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |      |          OHIO, INC.      |
|               ----        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |      |                          |
| NW Life--100%             |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |      |                          |
| (Proposed)                |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $100         |      |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------        --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                                                
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|      INVESTORS, LTD.      |  |  |          INVESTING        |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |        FOUNDATION II      |  ||                               
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |  |  |                           |==||                               
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| NW Life--90%              |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| NW Mutual--10%            |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||                               
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
                               |                                 ||                               
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|      INVESTORS, LTD.      |  |  |      SEPARATE ACCOUNT     |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |            TRUST          |  ||                               
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |__|  |                           |__||                               
|                           |     |                           |                                   
|                           |     |                           |                                   
| NW Life--97.6%            |     |                           |                                   
| NW Mutual--2.4%           |     |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |                                   
 ---------------------------       ---------------------------                                    
</TABLE>                           
<PAGE>   76
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           (Center)

<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |
========================================|               INSURANCE COMPANY                |==========================================
                                        |                  (CASUALTY)                    |
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |
                                                                 |              ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |              |
                                               ---------------------------------------
                                              |    NATIONWIDE CORPORATION (NW CORP)   |
                                              |   Common Stock:           Control     |
                                              |   ------------            -------     |
                                              |    13,642,432               100%      |
                                              |              Shares      Cost         |
                                              |             ------      ----          |
                                              | Casualty    12,992,922   $751,352,485 |
                                              | Fire           649,510     24,007,936 |
                                               ---------------------------------------
                                                                |
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                                     |                                |                             |
 ---------------------------     --------------------------       -----------------------------      ---------------------------- 
|    NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL   |   |   MRM INVESTMENTS, INC.   |    |      WEST COAST LIFE        |    |    NATIONAL CASUALTY       |
|    SERVICES, INC. (NFS)   |   |                           |    |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |    |         COMPANY            |
|                           |   |                           |    |                             |    |           (NC)             |
| Common Stock: Control     |   | Common Stock: 1           |    | Common Stock: 1,000,000     |    | Common Stock: 100          |
| ------------  -------     |   | ------------  Share       |    | ------------  Shares        |    | ------------  Shares       |
|                           |   |                           |    |                             |    |                            |
|                           |   |               Cost        |    |               Cost          |    |                Cost        | 
| Class A     Public--100%  |   |               ----        |    |               ----          |    |                ----        |
| Class B     NW Corp--100% |   | NW Corp.--100% $1,339,218 |    | NW Corp.--100% $152,946,930 |    | NW Corp.--100% $73,442,439 |
 ---------------------------     ---------------------------      -----------------------------      ---------------------------- 
             |                                                                                                     |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                   |
                             |                                                  |                                  |
                ---------------------------                       ---------------------------        ----------------------------
               | PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT  |                     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER       |    |   NCC OF AMERICA, INC.     |
               |   SERVICES CORPORATION    |                     |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.   |    |         (INACTIVE)         |
               |         (PEBSCO)          |                     |             (NEA)           |    |                            |
               | Common Stock: 236,494     |==||                 | Common Stock: 500           |    |                            |
               | ------------  Shares      |  ||                 | ------------  Shares        |    |                            |
               |                           |  ||                 |                             |    |                            |
               | NFS--100%                 |  ||                 | NFS--100%                   |    | NFS--100%                  |
                ---------------------------   ||                  -----------------------------      ----------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||  
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  
               |          ALABAMA          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |     OF ALABAMA, INC.      |  ||
               | Common Stock: 100,000     |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%      $5,000     |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 || 
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||
               |         ARKANSAS          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |      OF ARIZONA, INC      |  ||
               | Common Stock: 50,000      |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $500        |  ||  | NEA--100%     $1,000      |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |  PEBSCO OF MASSACHUSETTS  |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||
               |  INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.   |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |      OF MONTANA, INC.     |  ||
               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                           |
               |          MONTANA          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||  |                           |
               |                           |  ||  |      OF NEVADA, INC.      |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|       OF OHIO, INC.       |
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                           |
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                           |
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                           |
               | PEBSCO--100%  $500        |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||  |                           |
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                           |
               |        NEW MEXICO         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||  |                           |
               |                           |  ||  |      OF WYOMING, INC.     |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.     |
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                           |
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                           |
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                           |
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||  |                           |
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ----------------------------
               |                           |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                            |
               |                           |  ||  |    SERVICES INSURANCE     |  ||  |                            |
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |       AGENCY, INC.        |  ||  |      NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               |        TEXAS, INC.        |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |      INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |__||==|        OF TEXAS, INC.      |
               |                           |      |                           |      |                            |
               |                           |      |               Cost        |      |                            |
               |                           |      |               ----        |      |                            |
               |                           |      | NEA--100%     $1,000      |      |                            |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ----------------------------

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   77
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                            (Right)

<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |
========================================|            FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY              |
                                        |                   (FIRE)                       |
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------|   












- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              |                                |                              |
                ---------------------------         ------------------------------       ------------------------------
               |      GATES, MCDONALD        |     |   EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE   |     |    NATIONWIDE HMO, INC.      |
               |     & COMPANY (GATES)       |     |       OF WAUSAU (ELIOW)      |     |         (NW HMO)             |
               |                             |     |                              |     |                              |
               | Common Stock:   254         |     | Common Stock:   250,000      |     | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |  |  |                 Cost         |  |  |                 Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |  |  |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | NW CORP.--100%  $25,683,532 |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $126,509,480 |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $14,603,732  |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                    |                                    |
           |    ---------------------------     |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |  |  |       WAUSAU PREFERRED       |  |  |    NATIONWIDE MANAGEMENT     |
           |   |      OF NEW YORK, INC.      |  |  |      HEALTH INSURANCE CO.    |  |  |         SYSTEMS, INC.        |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   3           |  |  | Common Stock:   250,000      |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |  |  |                 Cost         |  |  | NW HMO          Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |  |  |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | GATES--100%     $106,947    |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $57,413,193  |  |  | Inc.--100%      $25,149      |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                    |                                    |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |  |  |     KEY HEALTH PLAN, INC.    |  |  |          NATIONWIDE          |
           |   |         OF NEVADA           |  |  |                              |  |  |          AGENCY, INC.        |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   40          |  |  | Common Stock:   1,000        |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |     |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |     |                 Cost         |  |  | NW HMO          Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |     |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | Gates--100%     $93,750     |     | ELIOPW--80%  $2,700,000      |  |  | Inc.--99%       $116,077     |
           |    -----------------------------       ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |
           |    -----------------------------     
           |   |      GATES, MCDONALD        |  
           |   |     HEALTH PLUS, INC.       |  
           |   |                             |  
           |   | Common Stock:   200         |       
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  
               |                             |  
               |                 Cost        |  
               |                 ----        |  
               | NW CORP.--100%  $2,000,000  |  
                -----------------------------   









                                                                                Subsidiary Companies    -- Solid Line

                                                                                Contractual Association -- Double Line

                                                                                Partnership Interest    -- Dotted Line



                                                                                                             March 6, 1997

                                                                                                                    Page 2
</TABLE>
                                                
                                                                              
<PAGE>   78

Item 27.      Number of Contract Owners

              Not Applicable

Item 28.      Indemnification

              Provision is made in the Company's Amended and Restated Code of
              Regulations and expressly authorized by the General Corporation
              Law of the State of Ohio, for indemnification by the Company of
              any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
              party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
              proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
              investigative by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
              director, officer or employee of the Company, against expenses,
              including attorneys fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in
              settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in
              connection with such action, suit or proceeding, to the extent and
              under the circumstances permitted by the General Corporation Law
              of the State of Ohio. 

              Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
              Securities Act of 1933 ("Act") may be permitted to directors,
              officers or persons controlling the Company pursuant to the
              foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that in the
              opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
              indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
              and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
              indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
              by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
              officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
              defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
              director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
              securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
              opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
              precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
              question whether such indemnification by it is against public
              policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
              adjudication of such issue.

Item 29.      Principal Underwriter
   


        (a)    Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS") acts as principal
               underwriter and general distributor for the Nationwide
               Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide DC Variable
               Account, Nationwide DCVA II, Nationwide Variable Account-II,
               Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide Variable Account-6,
               Nationwide Variable Account-8, Nationwide Variable Account-9
               Nationwide VA Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate
               Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate Account-C, Nationwide VL
               Separate Account-A, Nationwide VL Separate Account-B, Nationwide
               VLI Separate Account-2, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3, NACo
               Variable Account and Nationwide Variable Account, all of which
               are separate investment accounts of the Company or its
               affiliates.
               
               NAS also acts as principal underwriter for Nationwide Investing
               Foundation, Nationwide Separate Account Trust, Financial
               Horizons Investment Trust, Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust and
               Nationwide Investing Foundation II, which are open-end
               management investment companies.
    

              (b)    NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
                          DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

                                               Positions and offices
         Name and Business Address                with Underwriter

Joseph J. Gasper                               President and Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Dimon Richard McFerson                 Chairman of the Board of Directors and
One Nationwide Plaza                                Chairman and
Columbus, OH  43215                     Chief Executive Officer--Nationwide
                                         Insurance Enterprise and Director

Gordon E. McCutchan
One Nationwide Plaza                      Executive Vice President-Law and
Columbus, OH  43215                       Corporate Services and Director

Robert A. Oakley                     Executive Vice President - Chief Financial
One Nationwide Plaza                            Officer and Director
Columbus, OH  43215


                                   104 of 113
<PAGE>   79

              (b)    NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
                          DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Robert J. Woodward, Jr.              Executive Vice President - Chief Investment
One Nationwide Plaza                             Officer and Director
Columbus, OH 43215

W. Sidney Druen                               Senior Vice President and
One Nationwide Plaza                             General Counsel and
Columbus, OH  43215                              Assistant Secretary

James F. Laird, Jr.                            Vice President - General
One Nationwide Plaza                          Manager & Acting Treasurer
Columbus, OH  43215

Edwin P. McCausland                          Vice President-Fixed Income
One Nationwide Plaza                                  Securities
Columbus, OH 43215

   
Charles Bath
One Nationwide Plaza                         Vice President - Investments
Columbus, OH  43215
    

Joseph P. Rath                                Vice President -Compliance
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

William G. Goslee
One Nationwide Plaza                                Vice President
Columbus, OH  43215

Peter J. Neckermann                                 Vice President
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Rae M. Pollina                                        Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

  (c) Name Of     Net Underwriting  Compensation On
     Principal     Discounts and     Redemption Or      Brokerage
    Underwriter     Commissions      Annuitization     Commissions  Compensation

     Nationwide        N/A                N/A              N/A           N/A
      Advisory
      Services,
        Inc.


                                   105 of 113
<PAGE>   80

Item 30.      Location of Accounts and Records

              Robert O. Cline
              Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
              One Nationwide Plaza
              Columbus, OH  43215

Item 31.      Management Services

              Not Applicable

Item 32.      Undertakings

              The Registrant hereby undertakes to:

              (a)   file a post-effective amendment to this registration
                    statement as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the
                    audited financial statements in the registration statement
                    are never more than 16 months old for so long as payments
                    under the variable annuity contracts may be accepted;

              (b)   include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a
                    contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an
                    applicant can check to request a Statement of Additional
                    Information, or (2) a postcard or similar written
                    communication affixed to or included in the prospectus that
                    the applicant can remove to send for a Statement of
                    Additional Information; and

              (c)   deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any
                    financial statements required to be made available under
                    this form promptly upon written or oral request.

              The Registrant represents that any of the Contracts which are
              issued pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code is issued by the
              Company through the Registrant in reliance upon, and in compliance
              with, a no-action letter issued by the Staff of the Securities and
              Exchange Commission to the American Council of Life Insurance
              (publicly available November 28, 1988) permitting withdrawal
              restrictions to the extent necessary to comply with Section
              403(b)(11) of the Code.

              The Company represents that the fees and charges deducted under
              the Contract in the aggregate are reasonable in relation to the
              services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred and risks
              assumed by the Company.


                                   106 of 113
<PAGE>   81

                                   Offered by
                  Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company



                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

                       Nationwide VA Separate Account - B

                  Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contract



                                   PROSPECTUS



                                   May 1, 1997


                                   107 of 113
<PAGE>   82

Accountants' Consent and Independent Auditors' Report on Financial Statement
Schedules

The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company and
Contract Owners of the Nationwide VA Separate Account - B:

The audits referred to in our report on Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
Company (the Company) dated January 31, 1997 included the related financial
statement schedules as of December 31, 1996, and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996, included in the registration
statement. These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such
financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth herein.

We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Services" in the Statement of Additional Information.

                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
April 28, 1997


                                   108 of 113
<PAGE>   83

                                   SIGNATURES

   
       As required by the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act
of 1940, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT - B, certifies that it
meets the requirements of Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this
Post-Effective Amendment and has caused this Post-Effective Amendment to be
signed on its behalf in the City of Columbus, and State of Ohio, on this 27th
day of June, 1997.
    

                                 NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B
                           ------------------------------------------------
                                          (Registrant)


                           NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                           ------------------------------------------------
                                           (Depositor)


                                        By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
                           ------------------------------------------------
                                         Joseph P. Rath
                                         Vice President

   
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 27th day
of June, 1997.
    

              Signature                     Title

LEWIS J. ALPHIN                            Director
- ----------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin

KEITH W. ECKEL                             Director
- ----------------------------
Keith W. Eckel

WILLARD J. ENGEL                           Director
- ----------------------------
Willard J. Engel

FRED C. FINNEY                             Director
- ----------------------------
Fred C. Finney

CHARLES L. FUELLGRAF, JR.                  Director
- ----------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.

JOSEPH J. GASPER              President/Chief Operating Officer and Director
- ----------------------------
Joseph J. Gasper

HENRY S. HOLLOWAY              Chairman of the Board and Director
- ----------------------------
Henry S. Holloway

                               Chairman and Chief Executive Officer -
D. RICHARD MCFERSON                   Nationwide Insurance
- ----------------------------         Enterprise and Director
D. Richard McFerson

DAVID O. MILLER                            Director
- ----------------------------
David O. Miller

C. RAY NOECKER                             Director
- ----------------------------
C. Ray Noecker

ROBERT A. OAKLEY             Executive Vice President- Chief Financial Officer
- ----------------------------
Robert A. Oakley

JAMES F. PATTERSON                         Director      By /s/ JOSEPH P. RATH
- ----------------------------                             ----------------------
James F. Patterson                                         Joseph P. Rath
                                                           Attorney-in-Fact
ARDEN L. SHISLER                           Director        
- ----------------------------
Arden L. Shisler

ROBERT L. STEWART                          Director
- ----------------------------
Robert L. Stewart
               
NANCY C. THOMAS                            Director
- ----------------------------
Nancy C. Thomas

HAROLD W. WEIHL                            Director
- ----------------------------
Harold W. Weihl


                                   113 of 113
<PAGE>   84
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY



         KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned as
directors and/or officers of NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, and NATIONWIDE
LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY, both Ohio corporations, which have filed or
will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the provisions
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, various Registration Statements and
amendments thereto for the registration under said Act of Individual Deferred
Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with MFS Variable Account, Nationwide
Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-II, Nationwide Variable Account-3,
Nationwide Variable Account-4, Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide
Variable Account-6, Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable Account, Nationwide
Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-8, Nationwide Variable
Account-9, Nationwide VA Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate Account-B,
Nationwide VA Separate Account-C and Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q; and the
registration of fixed interest rate options subject to a market value adjustment
offered under some or all of the aforementioned individual Variable Annuity
Contracts in connection with Nationwide Multiple Maturity Separate Account and
Nationwide Multiple Maturity Separate Account-A, and the registration of Group
Flexible Fund Retirement Contracts in connection with Nationwide DC Variable
Account, Nationwide DCVA-II, and NACo Variable Account; and the registration of
Group Common Stock Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with Separate
Account No. 1; and the registration of variable life insurance policies in
connection with Nationwide VLI Separate Account, Nationwide VLI Separate
Account-2, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3, Nationwide VL Separate Account-A
and Nationwide VL Separate Account-B, hereby constitutes and appoints Dimon
Richard McFerson, Joseph J. Gasper, W. Sidney Druen, Mark R. Thresher, and
Joseph P. Rath, and each of them with power to act without the others, his/her
attorney, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his/her
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to approve, and sign such
Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, with power to affix
the corporate seal of said corporation thereto and to attest said seal and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection
therewith, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby granting
unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes as
he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming that which
said attorneys, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof. This instrument may be executed in one or more counterparts.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have herewith set their names and
seals as of this 22nd day of May, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                 <C>
/s/ Lewis J. Alphin                                                 /s/ David O. Miller
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin, Director                                           David O. Miller, Director

/s/ Keith W. Eckel                                                  /s/ C. Ray Noecker
- -------------------------------------------------                   -------------------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel, Director                                            C. Ray Noecker, Director

/s/ Willard J. Engel                                                /s/ Robert A. Oakley
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Willard J. Engel, Director                                          Robert A. Oakley, Executive Vice President and Chief
                                                                    Financial Officer

/s/ Fred C. Finney                                                  /s/ James F. Patterson
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Fred C. Finney, Director                                            James F. Patterson, Director

/s/ Charles L. Fuellgraf                                            /s/ Arden L. Shisler
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr., Director                                 Arden L. Shisler, Director

/s/ Joseph J. Gasper                                                /s/ Robert L. Stewart
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Joseph J. Gasper, President and Chief Operating Officer             Robert L. Stewart, Director
and Director

/s/ Henry S. Holloway                                               /s/ Nancy C. Thomas
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Henry S. Holloway, Chairman of the Board, Director                  Nancy C. Thomas, Director

/s/ Dimon Richard McFerson                                          /s/ Harold W. Weihl
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Dimon Richard McFerson, Chairman and Chief Executive                Harold W. Weihl, Director
Officer-Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
</TABLE>






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