NATIONWIDE LIFE & ANNUITY VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
485B24F, 1996-04-29
Previous: TAX EXEMPT MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO, NSAR-B, 1996-04-29
Next: PAIRGAIN TECHNOLOGIES INC /CA/, PRE 14A, 1996-04-29



<PAGE>   1

             As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
                                                       '33 Act File No. 33-66496
                                                       '40 Act File No. 811-7908
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4

                  REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
                                  ACT OF 1933
   
                      POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 3   /X/
    
                                      and
                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 5        /X/
    

                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                 NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                              (Name of Depositor)

                ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216-6609
        (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 43216-6609
                    (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

      This Post-Effective amendment amends the Registration Statement in
respect of the Prospectus, 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 May 1, 1996 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.  Pursuant to Paragraph (a)(3) thereof, a non-refundable
fee in the amount of $500 has been paid to the Commission.  Registrant filed
its Rule 24f-2 Notice for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, on February
15, 1996.

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





                                    1 of 88
<PAGE>   2
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
                    REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-4

Caption in Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and Other
Information
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-4 ITEM                                                                                                      PAGE
<S>      <C>                                                                                                   <C>
Part A    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
   Item    1.  Cover page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
   Item    2.  Definitions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
   Item    3.  Synopsis or Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
   Item    4.  Condensed Financial Information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
   Item    5.  General Description of Registrant, Depositor, and Portfolio Companies  . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
   Item    6.  Deductions and Expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
   Item    7.  General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
   Item    8.  Annuity Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
   Item    9.  Death Benefit and Distributions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
   Item   10.  Purchases and Contract Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
   Item   11.  Redemptions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
   Item   12.  Taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
   Item   13.  Legal Proceedings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
   Item   14.  Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32

Part B   INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
   Item   15.  Cover Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
   Item   16.  Table of Contents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
   Item   17.  General Information and History  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
   Item   18.  Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
   Item   19.  Purchase of Securities Being Offered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
   Item   20.  Underwriters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36
   Item   21.  Calculation of Performance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36
   Item   22.  Annuity Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  38
   Item   23.  Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39

Part C   OTHER INFORMATION
   Item   24.  Financial Statements and Exhibits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  67
   Item   25.  Directors and Officers of the Depositor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  69
   Item   26.  Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or Registrant . . . . . . . .  71
   Item   27.  Number of Contract Owners  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  80
   Item   28.  Indemnification  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  80
   Item   29.  Principal Underwriter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  80
   Item   30.  Location of Accounts and Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  82
   Item   31.  Management Services  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  82
   Item   32.  Undertakings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  82
</TABLE>
    





                                    2 of 88
<PAGE>   3



                 NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

                                  Home Office
                                P.O. Box 182008
         Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008, 1-800-860-3946, TDD 1-800-238-3035

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

   
      The Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts described in this
prospectus are flexible Purchase Payment Contracts (collectively referred to as
the "Contracts"). The Contracts are sold to individuals for use in retirement
plans which may qualify for special federal tax treatment under the
Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). Annuity payments under the Contracts
are deferred until a selected later date.
    

      Purchase Payments are allocated to the Nationwide VA Separate Account-C
("Variable Account"), a separate account of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company (the "Company"). The Variable Account uses its assets to
purchase shares at net asset value in one or more of the following series of
the underlying Mutual Fund options:

                   FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND
                            -Equity-Income Portfolio
                              -Overseas Portfolio

                       NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST
                               -Money Market Fund
                               -Total Return Fund

                       THE ONE(R) GROUP INVESTMENT TRUST
                             -Asset Allocation Fund
                             -Government Bond Fund
                           -Large Company Growth Fund
                           -Small Company Growth Fund

   
      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-C before investing. You should read it and keep
it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information dated May 1,
1996, containing further information about the Contracts and the Nationwide VA
Separate Account-C 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 182008,
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008.

INVESTMENTS IN THE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY BANC ONE CORPORATION OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR CORRESPONDENTS. 
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.  AN INVESTMENT IN
THE CONTRACTS INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.

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, 1996, IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 30 OF THE PROSPECTUS.

                  THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1996.
    


                                      1

                                    3 of 88
<PAGE>   4



                           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.
The Annuitant is named on the Data Page of the Contract unless changed.  No
change of Annuitant may be made without the prior consent of the Company.  This
person must be age 85 or younger at the time of Contract issuance.

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

ANNUITIZATION DATE-The date on which annuity payments actually commence.

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE-The date on which the 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 this Contract.  The Annuity Payment Option is named in the
application, unless changed.
    

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 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 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 named on the application, all provisions of the Contract which are
based on the death of the Designated Annuitant will be based on the death of
the last survivor of the Designated Annuitant and the Contingent Designated
Annuitant. The Owner's right to name a Contingent Designated Annuitant may be
restricted under the provisions of any retirement or deferred compensation plan
for which this Contract is issued.  A Contingent Designated Annuitant may not
be named for Contracts issued as 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 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 Annuity
Commencement Date. If a Joint Owner is named in the application, references to
"Contract Owner" or "Owner" in this prospectus, unless otherwise indicated,
will apply to both the Owner and Joint Owner.

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 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.

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
    


                                      2

                                    4 of 88
<PAGE>   5



   
ERISA- The Employee Retirement Income Securities 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.

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 (IRA)-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 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 named, possesses an undivided interest in
the entire Contract, along with the Owner. When a Joint Owner is named, the
exercise of any ownership right under the Contract shall require written
authorization, signed by both the Owner and Joint Owner, of an intent to
exercise such right, unless the Owner and Joint Owner provide in the
application that the exercise of any such ownership right may be made by either
the Owner or Joint Owner independently of one another. Unless otherwise
indicated, references to "Contract Owner" or "Owner" in this prospectus will
apply to both the Owner and Joint Owner.

   
MUTUAL 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 (Qualified Plans), 408 (IRAs) or 403(b) (Tax
Sheltered Annuities) of the Code.

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

PURCHASE PAYMENT- 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 CONTRACT- A Contract which receives favorable tax treatment under the
provisions of the Code, including those described in Section 401 and 403(a).

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 underlying Mutual Fund shares held by the
Variable Account such that the current net asset value of the Variable Account
Accumulation Units might be materially affected.

VALUATION PERIOD-The period of time commencing at the close of business of the
New York Stock Exchange and ending at the close of business for the next
succeeding Valuation Date.

   
VARIABLE ACCOUNT- The Nationwide VA Separate Account-C, 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 vary in amount with
the investment experience of the Variable Account.


                                      3

                                    5 of 88
<PAGE>   6



                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND EXPENSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
SYNOPSIS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
         Underlying Mutual Fund Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
         Voting Rights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES, PURCHASE PAYMENTS, AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
         Mortality Risk Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
         Expense Risk Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
         Contingent Deferred Sales Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
         Elimination of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
         Contract Maintenance Charge and Administration Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
         Premium Taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
         Expenses of the Variable Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
         Investments of the Variable Account  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
         Right to Revoke  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
         Transfers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
         Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
         Loan Privilege . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
         Beneficiary Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
         Ownership Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
         Substitution of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
         Contract Owner Inquiries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-VARIABLE ACCOUNT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
         Value of an Annuity Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
         Assumed Investment Rate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
         Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
         Annuity Commencement Date  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
         Change in Annuity Commencement Date  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
         Annuity Payment Options  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
         Death of Contract Owner  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
         Death of Designated Annuitant Prior to the Annuitization Date . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .  19
         Death Benefit After the Annuitization Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
         Required Distributions for Qualified Plans or Tax Sheltered Annuities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
         Required Distributions for Individual Retirement Annuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
         Generation-Skipping Transfers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
         Contract Owner Services  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
         Statements and Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22
         Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23
         Value of a Variable Account Accumulation Unit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23
         Net Investment Factor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23
         Valuation of Assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
         Determining the Contract Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
         Surrender (Redemption) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
         Surrenders Under A Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
         Taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
         Non-Qualified Contracts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
         Diversification  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
         Charge for Tax Provisions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
         Qualified Plans, Individual Retirement Annuities, Individual Retirement Accounts,
           and Tax Sheltered Annuities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
         Advertising  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30
APPENDIX  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31
</TABLE>

    
   


                                      4

                                    6 of 88
<PAGE>   7



                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES


    
   
CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                                                       <C>
      Maximum Deferred Sales Charge(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    7      %
                                                                                              --------- 
</TABLE>
    
              RANGE OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OVER TIME


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

MAXIMUM 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   %
                                                                                              --------- 
</TABLE>

              UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND EXPENSES (AFTER FEE WAIVERS)(3)

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Management          Other Expenses          Total Portfolio
                                              Fees                                      Company Expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                                         <C>                   <C>                            <C>
 Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity Income Portfolio   0.51%                 0.10%                          0.61%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas Portfolio        0.76%                 0.15%                          0.91%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NSAT-Money Market Fund                      0.50%                 0.02%                          0.52%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NSAT-Total Return Fund                      0.50%                 0.01%                          0.51%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-          0.70%                 0.30%                          1.00%
 Asset Allocation Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-          0.45%                 0.30%                          0.75%
 Government Bond Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-          0.65%                 0.25%                          0.90%
 Large Company Growth Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-          0.65%                 0.25%                          0.90%
 Small Company Growth Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1) Starting with the second year after a Purchase Payment has been made, 10%
    of that Purchase Payment may be withdrawn without imposition of a
    Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.  In addition, any amount withdrawn from
    an Individual Retirement Annuity Contract, in order for the Contract to
    meet minimum Distribution requirements, shall be free of CDSC. The free
    withdrawal privilege is non-cumulative and must be used in the year
    available. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is imposed only against
    Purchase Payments (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").
    

(2) The annual Contract Maintenance Charge is deducted on each Contract
    Anniversary and in any year in which the entire Contract Value is
    surrendered on the date of Surrender.  The Company waives or reduces the
    Contract Maintenance Charge for certain Qualified Plans and for initial
    Purchase Payments over $50,000 (see "Contract Maintenance Charge and
    Administration Charge").

   
(3) The Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the underlying Mutual
    Fund level and are not direct charges against separate 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 Variable
    Account's unit value.  The management fees and other expenses, some of
    which are subject to fee waivers or expense reimbursements, are more fully
    described in the prospectuses for each 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.
    


                                      5


                                    7 of 88
<PAGE>   8



                                    EXAMPLE

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be
incurred under this Contract assuming a $1000 initial Purchase Payment 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 less 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 Contract 
                                                                 at the end of the applicable time 
                                                                                period  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                                 1 Yr.              3 Yrs.             5 Yrs.              10 Yrs.        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 <S>                                              <C>                <C>                <C>                 <C>            
 Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity Income Portfolio        90                 108                135                 232            
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Fidelity VIP Fund -Overseas Portfolio            93                 117                150                 264            
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 NSAT-Money Market Fund                           89                 105                130                 222            
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 NSAT-Total Return Fund                           89                 104                129                 221            
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Asset          94                 120                155                 274            
 Allocation Fund                                                                                                           
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Government     92                 112                142                 247            
 Bond Fund                                                                                                                 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Large Company  93                 117                150                 263            
 Growth Fund                                                                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Small Company  93                 117                150                 263            
 Growth Fund
================================================================================================================== 
</TABLE>
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================================================== 
                                                                  If you do not surrender your 
                                                                   Contract at the end of the 
                                                                     applicable time period   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                                   1 Yr.              3 Yrs.             5 Yrs.             10 Yrs.     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 <S>                                               <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>       
 Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity Income Portfolio         20                 63                 108                232       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Fidelity VIP Fund -Overseas Portfolio             23                 72                 123                264       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 NSAT-Money Market Fund                            19                 60                 103                222       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 NSAT-Total Return Fund                            19                 59                 102                221       
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Asset           24                 75                 128                274       
 Allocation Fund                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Government      22                 67                 115                247       
 Bond Fund                                                                                                            
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Large Company   23                 72                 123                263       
 Growth Fund                                                                                                          
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Small Company   23                 72                 123                263       
 Growth Fund
================================================================================================================== 
</TABLE>
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================================================== 
                                                                  If you annuitize your Contract at
                                                                   the end of the applicable time
                                                                              period          
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                                   1 Yr.              3 Yrs.             5 Yrs.            10 Yrs.     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 <S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                <C>                <C>                
 Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity Income Portfolio           *                   63                 108                232                
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Fidelity VIP Fund -Overseas Portfolio               *                   72                 123                264                
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 NSAT-Money Market Fund                              *                   60                 103                222                
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 NSAT-Total Return Fund                              *                   59                 102                221
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Asset             *                   75                 128                274
 Allocation Fund                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Government        *                   67                 115                247
 Bond Fund                                        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Large Company     *                   72                 123                263
 Growth Fund                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Small Company     *                   72                 123                263
 Growth Fund
================================================================================================================== 
</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.  The expenses of the Nationwide VA Separate
Account-C as well as those of the underlying Mutual Fund options are reflected
in the table. For more complete descriptions of the expenses of the Variable
Account, see "Variable Account Charges, Purchase Payments, and Other
Deductions."  For more complete information regarding expenses paid out of the
assets of a particular underlying Mutual Fund option, 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").
    


                                      6


                                    8 of 88
<PAGE>   9



                                    SYNOPSIS

      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 of $30 from the Contract Value of the
Contracts.  However, the Company is currently waiving the Contract Maintenance
Charge to the extent it is applicable to Contracts with initial Purchase
Payments of $50,000 or more.  For SEP-IRA Contracts or Contracts issued
pursuant to 401 or 403(b) plans, the Contract Maintenance Charge is $12 or $0
per Contract, determined based on Company underwriting guidelines.  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 in undertaking not to increase administrative charges on the
Contracts regardless of the actual administrative costs (see "Expense Risk
Charge").

      The initial first year Purchase Payment must be at least $5,000 for
Non-Qualified Contracts and at least $2,000 for Individual Retirement
Annuities.  However, if periodic Purchase 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.  No minimum first year
Purchase Payments apply to Qualified Contracts (see "Allocation of Purchase
Payments and Contract Value").

      If the Contract Value 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").

      Premium taxes payable to any governmental entity will be charged against
the Contracts.  If any such premium taxes are payable by the Company at the
time Purchase Payments are made.  An equal premium tax deduction may be made
from the Contract prior to the allocation of any Purchase Payment to any Mutual
Fund option (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 day 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. When the Contract is received by
the Company, the Company will void the Contract and refund the Contract Value
in full unless otherwise required by state and/or federal law. All Individual
Retirement Annuity refunds will be a return of Purchase Payments (see "Right to
Revoke").


                                      7


                                    9 of 88
<PAGE>   10



CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Accumulation Unit Values for an Accumulation Unit outstanding throughout the
period.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                ACCUMULATION    ACCUMULATION    PERCENT          NUMBER OF
                                UNIT VALUE      UNIT VALUE      CHARGE IN        ACCUMULATION
                                AT BEGINNING    AT END          ACCUMULATION     UNITS AT END
 FUND                           OF PERIOD       OF PERIOD       UNIT VALUE       OF THE PERIOD     YEAR
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                           <C>              <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>
 Fidelity Variable Insurance    10.132457       13.510928       33.34%            324,280          1995
 Products Fund - Equity        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Income Portfolio - Q           10.000000       10.132457        1.32%             48,709          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fidelity Variable Insurance    10.132457       13.510928       33.34%            525,735          1995
 Products Fund - Equity        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Income Portfolio - NQ          10.000000       10.132457        1.32%             79,134          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fidelity Variable Insurance     9.542958       10.330773        8.26%             87,650          1995
 Products Fund - Overseas      ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Portfolio -Q                   10.000000        9.542958       -4.57%             37,588          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fidelity Variable Insurance     9.542958       10.330773        8.26%            180,868          1995                           
 Products Fund - Overseas      ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Portfolio  -NQ                 10.000000        9.542958       -4.57%             66,350          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Nationwide Separate Account    10.135415       10.569801        4.29%             99,809          1995
 Trust-Market Fund - Q*        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                10.000000       10.135415        1.35%             16,557          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Nationwide Separate Account    10.135415       10.569801        4.29%            120,754          1995                            
 Trust- Money Market           ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - NQ*                     10.000000       10.135415        1.35%             31,027          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Nationwide Separate Account     9.767528       12.445719       27.42%            188,348          1995
 Trust- Total Return           ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - Q                       10.000000        9.767528       -2.32%             35,204          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Nationwide Separate Account     9.767528       12.445719       27.42%            317,092          1995                           
 Trust-Total Return            ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - NQ                      10.000000        9.767528       -2.32%             53,945          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment     9.819156       11.697239       19.13%            149,620          1995
 Trust- Asset Allocation       ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - Q                       10.000000        9.819156       -1.81%             33,312          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment     9.819156       11.697239       19.13%            178,905          1995                           
 Trust- Asset Allocation       ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - NQ                      10.000000        9.819156       -1.81%             38,193          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment     9.867500       11.909104       20.69%             97,500          1995
 Trust-Asset Allocation Fund - ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Initial Funding by Depositor   10.000000        9.867500       -1.32%             97,500          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment     9.861504       11.358330       15.18%            139,391          1995                           
 Trust-Government Bond         ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - Q                       10.000000        9.861504       -1.38%             13,330          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment     9.861504       11.358330       15.18%            152,273          1995
 Trust-Government Bond         ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - NQ                      10.000000        9.861504       -1.38%             11,348          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment     9.910061       11.564087       16.69%            500,000          1995                           
 Trust-Government Bond         ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - Initial Funding by      10.000000        9.910061       -0.90%            500,000          1994
 Depositor                   
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment    10.003154       12.255940       22.52%            388,897          1995
 Trust-Large Company Growth    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - Q                       10.000000       10.003154        0.03%             43,062          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment    10.003154       12.255940       22.52%            632,427          1995   
 Trust-Large Company Growth    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - NQ                      10.000000       10.003154        0.03%             76,916          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment    10.052392       12.477892       24.13%            300,000          1995
 Large Company Growth Fund  -  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Initial Funding by Depositor   10.000000       10.052392        0.52%            300,000          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment     9.652463       11.819338       22.45%            182,690          1995                           
 Trust-Small Company Growth    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - Q                       10.000000        9.652463       -3.48%             37,250          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment     9.652463       11.819338       22.45%            385,700          1995
 Trust-Small Company Growth    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - NQ                      10.000000        9.652463       -3.48%             57,644          1994
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment     9.700000       12.033480       24.06%              2,500          1995
 Trust-Small Company Growth    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fund - Initial Funding by      10.000000        9.700000       -3.00%              2,500          1994
 Depositor                   
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
*The 7-day yield on the Money Market Fund as of December 30, 1995 was 3.78%.
    


                                      8


                                    10 of 88
<PAGE>   11



                 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 43216. The Company offers
certain life insurance products and annuities.

                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

      The Nationwide VA Separate Account-C, formerly Financial Horizons VA
Separate Account-3 (the "Variable Account") was established by the Company on
July 24, 1991, pursuant to the provisions of Ohio law. 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) as
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 Fund shares attributable to Accumulation Units for Qualified Contracts
and one such Sub-Account contains the underlying Mutual Fund shares
attributable to Accumulation Units for Non-Qualified Contracts.
    

UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS

      A summary of investment objectives is contained in the descriptions of
each underlying Mutual Fund option below. 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) being considered must
accompany this prospectus and should be read in conjunction herewith. A copy of
each prospectus may be obtained without charge from Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company by calling 1-(800) 860-3946, TDD 1-(800) 238-3035, or writing
P.O. Box 182008, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008.

   
      Contract Owners may choose from among the following underlying Mutual
Fund options under the Contracts. There can be no assurance that any of the
underlying Mutual Fund options will achieve its objective.

FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND

      The Fidelity Variable Insurance Products 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.

      -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.


                                      9


                                    11 of 88
<PAGE>   12



NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST

      Nationwide Separate Account Trust is a diversified, open-end management
investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. The Nationwide
Separate Account Trust offers shares under this Contract in the two underlying
Mutual Funds listed below, each with its own investment objectives. Currently,
shares of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust will be sold only to life
insurance company separate accounts to fund the benefits under variable
insurance or annuity policies issued by life insurance companies. The assets of
the Nationwide Separate Account Trust are managed by Nationwide Financial
Services, Inc. of One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

      -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.

      -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.

THE ONE(R) GROUP INVESTMENT TRUST

   
      The One(R)Group Investment Trust is a diversified, open-end management
investment company organized under the laws of Massachusetts by a Declaration
of Trust, dated June 7, 1993.  The One(R) Group Investment Trust offers shares
in the four separate mutual funds (the "Funds") shown below, each with its own
investment objective.  The shares of the Funds are sold only to Nationwide Life
and Annuity Insurance Company to fund the benefits of The One(R) Investors
Annuity and certain other separate accounts funding variable annuity contracts
and variable life policies issued by other life insurance companies and
qualified pension and retirement plans.  The assets of The One(R) Group
Investment Trust are managed by Banc One Investment Advisers Corporation.
    

    -GOVERNMENT BOND FUND

    Investment Objective:  To seek a high level of current income with
    liquidity and safety of principal.

    -ASSET ALLOCATION FUND

    Investment Objective:  To seek total return while preserving capital.

    -SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND

    Investment Objective:  To seek growth of capital and, secondarily,
    current income, by investing primarily in equity securities.  Issuers
    will include medium sized companies with a history of above-average
    growth or companies that are expected to enter periods of
    above-average growth, and smaller companies which are positioned in
    emerging growth industries.

    -LARGE COMPANY GROWTH FUND

    Investment Objective:  To seek long-term capital appreciation and
    growth of income by investing primarily in equity securities.  The
    weighted average capitalization of the companies in which the Fund
    invests will always be in excess of the market median capitalization
    of the S & P 500 Index.

THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF ANY UNDERLYING MUTUAL
FUND WILL BE MET.

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 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 shares of the underlying Mutual
Funds in its own right, it may elect to do so.
    


                                      10


                                    12 of 88

<PAGE>   13



   
         The person having the voting interest under a Contract shall be the
Contract Owner.  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 values 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 and 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.

      Each person having a voting interest will receive periodic reports
relating to the underlying Mutual Funds, proxy materials and a form with which
to give such voting instructions.

       VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES, PURCHASE PAYMENTS, AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS

MORTALITY RISK CHARGE

   
      The Company assumes a "mortality risk" by virtue of annuity rates
incorporated into 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.

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 "Elimination 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 6.2% of Purchase Payments.

      If part or all of the Contract Value is surrendered, a Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge will be deducted by the Company. For purposes of the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, surrenders under a Contract come first from
the Purchase Payments which have been on deposit under the Contract for the
longest time period.  For tax purposes, a surrender is usually treated as a
withdrawal of earnings first. This charge will apply to Purchase Payments
withdrawn within the time periods as set forth below. The Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge applies to the withdrawal of Purchase Payments as follows:
    


                                      11


                                    13 of 88
<PAGE>   14




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    NUMBER OF COMPLETED        CONTINGENT DEFERRED
    YEARS FROM DATE OF            SALES CHARGE
     PURCHASE PAYMENT              PERCENTAGE
             <S>                     <C>
             0                         7%
             1                         6%
             2                         5%
             3                         4%
             4                         3%
             5                         2%
             6                         1%
             7                         0%
</TABLE>

   
      Starting with the second year after a Purchase Payment has been made under
the Contract, 10% of that Purchase Payment may be withdrawn each year without
imposition of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. In addition, any amount
withdrawn from an Individual Retirement Annuity Contract in order for the
Contract to meet minimum Distribution requirements, shall be free of a
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. This free withdrawal privilege is
non-cumulative and must be used in the year available. No sales charges are
deducted on redemption proceeds used to purchase units in the Fixed Account
option of this annuity.  The Contract Owner may be subject to a tax penalty if
the Contract Owner withdraws Purchase Payments prior to age 59 1/2 (see
"Non-Qualified Contracts").     

ELIMINATION OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

   
      For 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity [Section 403(b)] Contracts, Section 401
Contracts, 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;

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

      E.     the Plan Participant dies; or

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

   
      For Non-Qualified Contracts and Individual Retirement Annuities, the
Company will waive the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge when:
    

      1.     the Designated Annuitant dies; or

      2.     the Contract Owner annuitizes after 2 years in the Contract.

      The Company may waive or reduce the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge when
sales are to employees of Banc One Corporation, or the employees of its
affiliates, subsidiaries, or holding companies.

   
      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 determines is eligible for such
exchange, the Company will waive the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on the
first Contract.
    

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


                                      12


                                    14 of 88
<PAGE>   15



CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE AND ADMINISTRATION CHARGE

   
      Each year on the Contract Anniversary, the Company deducts an annual
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:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=========================================================================================== 

 AMOUNT                                              TYPE OF CONTRACT ISSUED
 ------                                              -----------------------
 <S>                                                 <C>
 $30.00                                               - Non-Qualified Contracts(1) 
                                                      - Individual Retirement Annuities(1) 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 $12.00 or $0.00(2)                                   - SEP-IRA Contracts
                                                      - Contracts issued pursuant to 401 or
                                                        403(b) plans

=========================================================================================== 
</TABLE>

(1)   The Company will waive the Contract Maintenance Charge for Non-Qualified
Contracts and Individual Retirement Annuities to the extent it is applicable to
Contracts with initial Purchase Payments of $50,000 or more.  The Company
reserves the right to reinstate this Contract Maintenance Charge.

(2)   The charge for 401 or 403(b) plans is determined based on Company
underwriting guidelines.  These guidelines are applied on a nondiscriminatory
basis.

The Contract Maintenance Charge will be allocated in the same percentages as
the Purchase Payment allocations are made.  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 Contract Value in
each Sub-Account bears to the total Contract Value in the Variable Account.
These charges are designed only to reimburse the Company for administrative
expenses related to the issuance and maintenance of the Contract.  The Company
will monitor these charges to ensure that they do not exceed annual
administration expense.  In any Contract Year when a Contract is surrendered
for its full value on 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.

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%.  The 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.

EXPENSES OF THE 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 expense 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 1995, the Variable Account incurred total expenses equal to 0.83% 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 of the underlying Mutual Funds'
prospectuses.

INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

      At the time of purchase each 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 Funds. Shares of the respective underlying Mutual Funds
specified by the Contract Owner are purchased at net asset value for the
respective Sub-Account(s) and converted into Accumulation Units.  Such election
is subject to any minimum Purchase Payment limitations which may be imposed by
the


                                      13


                                    15 of 88
<PAGE>   16



underlying Mutual Funds designated. The election as to allocation of Purchase
Payments or as to transfers of the Contract Value from one Sub-Account to
another may be changed by the Contract Owner 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.

RIGHT TO REVOKE

      The Contract Owner may revoke the Contract at any time between the date
of application and the date 10 days after receipt of the Contract and receive a
refund of the Contract Value unless otherwise required by state and/or federal
law. All Individual Retirement Annuity refunds will be a 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

   
      The Contract Owner may request a transfer of up to 100% of the Contract
Value from the Variable Account to the Fixed Account without penalty or
adjustment.  All amounts transferred to the Fixed Account must remain on
deposit in the Fixed Account until the expiration of the Interest Rate
Guarantee Period.  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.  Transfers must be made prior to the
Annuitization Date.  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.  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.

      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 maximum percentage 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 from
the Fixed Account will be declared upon the expiration date of the then current
Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The specific percentage will be declared upon
the expiration date of the guaranteed 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 Owners election.  The Company
will employ procedures reasonably designed to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures may include any or all of
the following, or such other procedures as the Company may, from time to time,
deem reasonable: requesting identifying information, such as name, contract
number, Social Security Number, and/or personal identification number; tape
recording all telephone transactions, and providing written confirmation thereof
to both the Contract Owner and any agent of record, at the last address of
record. Although failure to follow reasonable procedures may result in the
Company's liability for any losses due 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.  The Company may withdraw the telephone exchange privilege upon
30 days' written notice to Contract Owners.
    



                                      14


                                    16 of 88

<PAGE>   17



ASSIGNMENT

   
      Where permitted, the Contract Owner may assign some or all of the rights
under the Contract at any time during the lifetime of the Designated Annuitant.
Such assignment will take effect upon receipt and recording by the Company at
its Home Office of a written notice thereof executed by the Contract Owner. The
Company assumes no responsibility for the validity or sufficiency of any
assignment. The Company shall not be liable as to any payment or other
settlement made by the Company before receipt 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 Contract
Value 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 assigned or pledged.
In addition, any Contract Values assigned would, under certain conditions, be
subject to a tax penalty equal to 10% of the amount which is included in gross
income.  Assignments of the entire Contract Value may cause the portion of the
Contract Value which exceeds 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
Annuity Contracts, Qualified Contracts and Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts are
not eligible for assignment.
    

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 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 above.

      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 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 Variable Accounts in the same proportion
as when the loan was made.


                                      15


                                    17 of 88

<PAGE>   18

      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/Designated Annuitant dies while the
loan is outstanding, the Death Benefit will be reduced by the amount of the
loan outstanding plus accrued interest.  If a Contract Owner who is not the
Designated Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date and while the loan is
outstanding, the Distribution will be reduced by the amount of the outstanding
loan plus any 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.

   
      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, then that payment, which may be a single periodic payment or payment of
the entire loan, will be treated as a deemed Distribution, as permitted by law,
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 term or
procedures associated with the loan in the event of a change in the laws or
regulations relating to the treatment of loans. 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.
    

BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS

      The Beneficiary will be the designated person (or persons) who survive
the Designated Annuitant, and if more than one survive, they will share equally
unless otherwise specified in the Beneficiary designation.

      Unless otherwise provided in the Contract or in an effective change of
Beneficiary designation, all rights and interests of any Beneficiary
predeceasing the Designated Annuitant shall vest in the Contingent Beneficiary
if designated.  If a Contingent Beneficiary is not designated or predeceases
the Beneficiary, all rights and interest of the Beneficiary will vest in the
Contract Owner or the Contract Owner's estate.

      Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may
change the Beneficiary from time to time during the lifetime of the Designated
Annuitant, by written notice to the Company. The change will, upon receipt by
the Company at its Home Office, take effect as of the time the written notice
was signed, whether or not the Designated 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.

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.

   
      If named, the Joint Owner possesses an undivided interest in the entire
Contract.  Prior to the Annuitization Date, a surviving Joint Owner shall
retain sole rights in the Contract upon the other Joint Owner's death if the
deceased Joint Owner was not also the Annuitant.  If the deceased Joint Owner
was also the Annuitant, disposition of the Contract will be determined based on
the "Death of Designated Annuitant Prior to the Annuitization Date" provisions.
When a Joint Owner is named, the exercise of any ownership right in the
Contract shall require a written indication, signed by both the Owner and Joint
Owner, of an intent to exercise such right, unless the Owner and Joint Owner
provide in the application that the exercise of any such ownership right may be
made by either the Owner or Joint Owner independently of one another.  In this
latter situation, the Company will not be liable for any loss, liability, cost,
or expense for acting in accordance with the instructions of either the Owner
or Joint Owner.
    


                                      16


                                    18 of 88

<PAGE>   19



      The Annuitant may become the Contract Owner on and after the
Annuitization Date, subject to the terms elected at Annuitization.  If the
Contract Owner or Joint Owner dies before the Annuitization Date, a
Distribution will be paid in accordance with the "Death of Contract Owner"
provision.  If the Annuitant does not survive the Contract Owner or if the
Owner and the Annuitant are the same person, contract ownership will be
determined in accordance with the "Death Of Designated Annuitant Prior To The 
Annuitization Date" provision.

      Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner may name a new Owner
at any time which will automatically revoke any prior choice. Such change may
be subject to state and federal gift taxes. Any request for change must be made
in writing and received by the Company at its Home Office. A request for change
of Owner must be a "proper written application" and may include a signature
guarantee as specified in the "Surrender" section.  The change will become
effective as of the date the written request is signed. A new choice of Owner
will not apply to any payment made or action taken by the Company prior to the
time it was received.

   
      A change in the Designated Annuitant must comply with the following
conditions: (1) request for such change must be made by the Contract Owner; (2)
request must be made in writing on a form acceptable to the Company; (3)
request must be signed by the Contract Owner; and (4) such change is subject to
underwriting by the Company. A change of the Designated Annuitant shall be
treated as the death of the Owner for purposes of the "Death of Contract Owner"
provisions, if the Owner is not an individual.

SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES

      If the shares of the underlying Mutual Funds 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 in view of the purposes of the
Contract, the Company may eliminate Sub-Accounts, combine two or more or
substitute one or more underlying Mutual Funds for other 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 and
under such requirements as it may impose.
    

CONTRACT OWNER INQUIRIES

      Contract Owner inquiries may be directed to Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company by writing P.O. Box 182008, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008, or
calling 1-800-860-3946, TDD 1-800-238-3035.

                    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 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").


                                      17


                                    19 of 88
<PAGE>   20



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.
    

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.

CHANGE IN ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

      The Contract Owner may, upon prior written notice to the Company, change
the Annuity Commencement Date.  The date to which such a change may be made
shall be the first day of a calendar month.

      If the Contract Owner requests in writing (see "Ownership Provisions"),
and the Company approves the request, the Annuity Commencement Date may be
deferred. The amount of the Death Benefit will be limited to the Contract Value
if the Annuitization Date is postponed beyond the first day of the calendar
month after the Annuitant's 75th birthday.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS

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

      Option 1-Life Annuity-An annuity payable monthly 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 THE ANNUITANT 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 monthly
      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)    Any guaranteed annuity payments will be continued during the
             remainder of the selected period to the Beneficiary or the
             Beneficiary 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 (2) below.

      (2)    The present value, computed as of the date in 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 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.


                                      18


                                    20 of 88

<PAGE>   21



      If the Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract fails to elect an Annuity
Payment Option, the Contract Value will continue to accumulate. Qualified Plan
Contracts, Individual Retirement Annuities or Tax Sheltered Annuities are
subject to the minimum Distribution requirements set forth in the Code.

DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER

      Upon the death of the Owner or Joint Owner, if any, the following rules
will apply in those situations in which the Contract was not issued in
connection with a Qualified Plan, Tax Sheltered Annuity or Individual
Retirement Annuity.

1.    In the event the death occurs before the Annuitization Date, the entire
      interest of the Contract, less any applicable deductions (which may
      include a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge), must be distributed within
      five years after the Owner's death. In the alternative, the party
      entitled to receive the Distribution may elect to receive the
      Distribution in the form of a life annuity or an annuity for a period
      certain not exceeding his or her life expectancy. Such an annuity must
      begin within one year from the date of the Owner's death.

         
      If the deceased Owner and the Designated Annuitant are not the same
      person, the Distribution described above will be paid to the Joint Owner,
      if any. If no Joint Owner is named, the Designated Annuitant will receive
      the Distribution.

      If the deceased Owner and the Designated Annuitant are the same person or
      if the Designated Annuitant predeceases the Owner, the Distribution will
      be made in accordance with the Distribution requirements set forth in the
      "Death Of Designated Annuitant Prior To The Annuitization Date" section
      provided, however, all Distributions made as a result of the death of an
      Owner shall be made within the time limits set forth above. If the
      Contract Owner and the Designated Annuitant are not the same, no Death
      Benefit is payable upon the death of the Contract Owner.
    

      If the person entitled to receive the Distribution is the Owner's spouse,
      the Contract may be continued by such spouse without compliance with the
      Distribution rules set forth herein.

2.    In the event the Contract Owner/Annuitant dies on or after the
      Annuitization Date, Distribution, if any, must be made to the Beneficiary
      at least as rapidly as under the method of Distribution in effect as of
      the date of the Contract Owner/Annuitant's death.

   
      If the Contract Owner is not a natural person, the death of the Designated
Annuitant (or a change of the Designated Annuitant) will be treated like a death
of the Contract Owner and will result in a Distribution pursuant Section (1) of
this provision, regardless of whether a Contingent Designated Annuitant has also
been named.  The Distribution will take the form of either:
    

   
      (a)    the Death Benefit described below (if the Designated Annuitant 
             has died and there is no Contingent Designated Annuitant), 
    

or, in all other cases,

   
      (b)    the benefit described in Section (1) of this provision, except
             that in the event of a change of Designated Annuitant, the benefit
             will be paid to the Contract Owner if the Designated Annuitant is 
             living, or as a Death Benefit to the Beneficiary upon the death 
             of the Designated Annuitant (and the Contingent Designated 
             Annuitant, if any) prior to the expiration of the period described
             in Section (1) of this provision.
    

      Contracts issued in connection with Individual Retirement Annuities will
be subject to specific rules, set forth in the Code, concerning Distributions
upon the death of the Owner/Designated Annuitant.

   
DEATH OF DESIGNATED ANNUITANT PRIOR TO THE ANNUITIZATION DATE
    

   
      If the Designated Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date, a Death
Benefit will be paid to the Beneficiary upon receipt of due proof of death of
the Designated Annuitant. The value of the Death Benefit will be determined as
of the Valuation Date coincident with or next following the date the Company
receives both (1) due proof of death and (2) an election for a single sum
payment or an Annuity Payment Option.

      If a single sum settlement is requested, payment will be made in
accordance with any applicable laws and regulations governing the payment of
Death Benefits. If an Annuity Payment Option is desired, election may be made
by the Beneficiary during the 90-day period commencing with the date written
notice is received by the Company. If no election has been made by the end of
such 90-day period, the Death Benefit will be paid to the Beneficiary in a
single sum.  If the Designated Annuitant dies prior to the first day of the
calendar month after his or her 75th birthday, the dollar value of the Death
Benefit will be the greater of:  (1) the sum of all Purchase Payments, made to
the Contract less any amounts surrendered, (2) the Contract Value, or (3) the
    


                                      19


                                    21 of 88

<PAGE>   22



   
Contract Value as of the most recent five year Contract Anniversary, less any
amounts surrendered since the most recent five-year Contract Anniversary.  If
the Designated Annuitant dies after the first day of the calendar month after
his or her 75th birthday, then the Death Benefit will be equal to the Contract
Value.

DEATH BENEFIT AFTER THE ANNUITIZATION DATE

      If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, the Death Benefit
shall be as specified in the Annuity Payment Option elected.
    

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS 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 regulations thereunder, as applicable, and will be
paid, notwithstanding anything else contained herein, to the Owner/Annuitant
under the Annuity Payments Option selected, over a period not exceeding:

      A.     the life of the Owner/Annuitant or the lives of the
             Owner/Annuitant and the Owner/Annuitant's designated Beneficiary;
             or

      B.     a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the
             Owner/Annuitant or the life expectancy of the Owner/Annuitant and
             the Owner/Annuitant's designated Beneficiary provided that, 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 Owner/Annuitant's entire interest is to be distributed in equal or
substantially equal payments over a period described in A or B, such payments
will commence not later than the first day of April following the calendar year
in which the Owner/Annuitant attains age 70 1/2 (the Required Beginning Date).
In the case of a governmental plan (as defined in Code Section 414(d)), or
church plan (as defined in Code Section 401(a)(9)(C)), the Required Beginning
Date will be the later of the dates determined under the preceding sentence or
April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Annuitant
retires.
    

      If the Owner 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 during which the fifth
anniversary of his or her death occurs unless:

(a)   In the case of a Tax Sheltered Annuity, the Owner names his or her
      surviving spouse as the Beneficiary and such spouse elects to:

      (i)    treat the annuity as a Tax Sheltered 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)   In the case of a Tax Sheltered Annuity or a Qualified Contract, 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.
    

   
      If the Owner/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, except that a surviving spouse may treat a Tax
Sheltered Annuity as his or her own to the extent permitted by law.
    

      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
Owner/Annuitant by the life expectancy of the Owner/Annuitant, or the joint and
last survivor expectancy of the Owner/Annuitant and the Owner/Annuitant's
Designated Beneficiary (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.


                                      20



                                    22 of 88

<PAGE>   23



REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

   
      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, provided that, for Individual Retirement Annuity
Contracts, no Distributions will be required from this Contract if
Distributions otherwise required from this Contract are being withdrawn from
another Individual Retirement Annuity Contract of the Annuitant. Distribution
may be accepted in a lump sum or in nearly 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 IRA 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.

      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 may treat the Individual Retirement
Annuity as his or her own in the same manner as is described in Section (a)(i)
of this provision.

      If the amounts distributed do not satisfy the Distribution rules
mentioned above, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the amount that should have
been 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 Accounts and 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.

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, the 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.

                              GENERAL INFORMATION

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.  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 last business day before that day.  Asset Rebalancing will
not affect future allocations of Purchase Payments.  An Asset Rebalancing
request must be in writing on a form provided by the Company.  Contracts issued
to a Qualified Plan or a Tax Sheltered Annuity


                                      21


                                    23 of 88
<PAGE>   24



   
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
Contract Owner may want to contact a financial adviser in order to discuss a
the use of Asset Rebalancing in his or her Contract.

      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-The Contract Owner may direct the Company to
automatically transfer funds from the Money Market Sub-Account or the Fixed
Account to any other Sub-Account within the Variable Account on a monthly
basis. 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.  To qualify for
Dollar Cost Averaging, there must be a minimum total Contract Value of $15,000.
Transfers for purposes of Dollar Cost Averaging can only be made from the Money
Market Sub-Account or the Fixed Account.  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 Sub-Account or the Fixed Account will be processed
monthly until either the value in the Money Market Sub-Account or the Fixed
Account is completely depleted or the Contract Owner instructs the Company in
writing to cancel the monthly 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 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 by surrendering 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.  Each Systematic
Withdrawal is subject to federal income taxes on the taxable portion.  For tax
purposes, withdrawals are deemed to be taken first from earnings, then from
Purchase Payment only after all earnings have been withdrawn.  In addition, a
10% federal penalty tax may be assessed on Systematic Withdrawals if the
Contract Owner is under age 59 1/2.  The Company is required to withhold tax
from certain Distributions to the extent that such Distribution would
constitute income to the Contract Owner. The Contract Owner 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.  The Contract Owner may discontinue Systematic
Withdrawals at any time by notifying the Company in writing.

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

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 or regulation.
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
plans (such as a dollar cost averaging program or salary reduction
arrangement), Contract Owners may receive confirmation of such transactions in
their quarterly statements.  Contract Owners 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 a semi-annual report and an annual
report containing financial statements for the Variable Account, as of June 30
and December 31, respectively.
    


                                      22


                                    24 of 88

<PAGE>   25




ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND CONTRACT VALUE

      Purchase Payments are allocated 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 $5,000 for
Non-Qualified Contracts and $2,000 for Individual Retirement Annuities.
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.
Purchase Payments, if any, after the first Contract Year must be at least $10
each.  The Contract Owner may increase or decrease Purchase Payments or change
the frequency of payment.  The Contract Owner is not obligated to continue
Purchase Payments in the amount or at the frequency elected. There are no
penalties for failure to continue Purchase Payments.
 
         
      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 not 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 upon receipt by the Company.  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 made complete.
Thereafter, Purchase Payments will be priced on the basis of the Accumulation
Unit 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 A VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNIT

      The value of a Variable Account 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,

   
(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 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.


                                      23


                                    25 of 88

<PAGE>   26




      For underlying Mutual Funds that credit dividends on a daily basis and
pay such dividends once a month, 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, and any charge or credit for tax reserves (see "Charge For Tax
Provisions").

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 plus any amount held under the Contract in the Fixed Account is the
Contract Value. The number of Accumulation Units credited per each Sub-Account
is 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. If 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 will be deducted in the same proportion that the Contract Owner's
interest in the Variable Account bears to the total Contract Value.

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 surrender must be
requested in writing by the Contract Owner, and the Company may require that
the signature(s) be guaranteed by a member firm of the New York, American,
Boston, Midwest, Philadelphia, or Pacific Stock Exchange, by a commercial bank
or a savings and loan which is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or other eligible guarantor institution as defined by the federal
securities laws and regulations. In some cases (for example, requests by a
corporation, partnership, agent, fiduciary, or surviving Joint Owner), the
Company will require additional documentation of a customary nature.
    

      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
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 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


                                      24


                                    26 of 88
<PAGE>   27



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 PLAN 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 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.

   
      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 Section 401(k)(2)(B), 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 in 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.
    

      INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN SHOULD NOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE ADVICE OF
A PERSONAL TAX ADVISER.

TAXES

      The Company does not make any guarantee regarding the tax status of any
Contract or any transaction involving the Contracts.

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


                                      25


                                    27 of 88
<PAGE>   28




   
      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 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.
    

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

      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.  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, 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 policyholder 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 which may be
issued to prevent the avoidance of the purpose of these rules). 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.

      The Tax Reform Act of 1986 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 the Qualified Contracts, Individual Retirement Annuities and Tax
Sheltered Annuities; 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.

      Code Section 72 also provides for a penalty, equal to 10% of any
Distribution which is includable in gross income, if such Distribution is made
prior to the attainment of age 59 1/2, the death or disability of the Contract
Owner. The penalty does not apply if the Distribution is one of a series of
substantially equal periodic payments made over the life or life expectancy (or
joint lives or life expectancies) of the Annuitant (and the Annuitant's
Beneficiary), or is made from 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. If the Annuitant
selects an annuity for life or life expectancy and changes the method of
payment before the expiration of 5 years and the attainment of age 59 1/2, the
early withdrawal penalty will apply. The penalty will be equal to that which
would have been imposed had no exception applied from the outset, and the
Annuitant will also pay interest on the amount of the penalty from the date it
would have originally applied until it is actually paid.

      In order to qualify as an Annuity Contract under Section 72 of the Code,
the Contract must provide for Distribution to be made upon the death of the
Contract Owner or Joint Owner. In such case the Designated Annuitant,
Beneficiary or other named recipient must receive the Distribution within 5
years of the Owner's death. However, the recipient may elect for payments to be
made over his or her life or life expectancy if such


                                      26


                                    28 of 88
<PAGE>   29



   
payments begin within one year from the death of the Contract Owner. If the
Contract Owner's Beneficiary 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.  If the
Contract Owner is not an individual, the death of the Designated Annuitant (or a
change of the Designated Annuitant) will result in a Distribution pursuant to
these rules, regardless of whether a Contingent Designated Annuitant was named.
    

      The Company is required to withhold tax from certain Distributions to the
extent that such Distribution would constitute income to the Contract Owner.
The Contract Owner 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 paid, through withholding or estimated
payments, during a calendar year.

   
         Generally, the taxable portion of any Distribution from a Contract to
a nonresident alien of the United States is subject to tax withholding at a
rate equal to thirty percent (30%) of such amount or, if applicable, a lower
treaty rate.  A payment may not be subject to withholding where the recipient
sufficiently establishes that such payment is effectively connected to the
recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United States and such
payment is includable in the recipient's gross income.

         Payment of a benefit or transfer of any property to an individual two
or more generations younger than the Contract Owner may constitute a
generation-skipping transfer, subject to taxation under Section 2601 et seq. of
the Code (see "Generation-Skipping Transfers").

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 a 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.
    

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.

QUALIFIED PLANS, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
AND TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

      The Contracts may be used with Qualified Plans, Individual Retirement
Annuities, Individual Retirement Accounts, Tax Sheltered Annuities, and other
plans receiving favorable tax treatment.  For information regarding
eligibility, limitations on permissible amounts of Purchase Payments, and tax
consequences on Distribution from such plans, the purchasers of such Contracts
should seek competent advice. The terms of such plans may limit the rights
available under the Contracts.

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


                                      27


                                    29 of 88
<PAGE>   30


   

      1.     one of a series of substantially equal annual (or more frequent)
             payments made:  a) over the life (or life expectancy) of the
             employee, b) the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the
             employee and the employee'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 20 percent rate unless the Distribution is transferred
directly to an appropriate plan as described in this provision.
    

         
      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 section 404(c) requirements.

    
   


    
   
      Individual Retirement Accounts and Individual Retirement Annuities may
not provide life insurance benefits. If the Death Benefit exceeds the greater
of the cash value, the Contract Value, or the sum of all Purchase Payments,
less amounts surrendered, it is possible that the Internal Revenue Service
could determine that the Individual Retirement Account or Individual Retirement
Annuity did not qualify for the desired tax treatment.

    
   

ADVERTISING

      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 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.  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 will average annual total return except total
return will assume an initial investment of $10,000.  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.

      A "yield" and "effective yield" may also be advertised for the Money
Market 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 the
Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account relative to the performance of other
variable annuity sub-accounts or underlying mutual funds 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 indices, 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.
Treasury Note Index; Bank Rate Monitor National Index of 2 1/2 Year CD Rates;
and Dow Jones Industrial Average.


                                      28


                                    30 of 88
<PAGE>   31




    
   
      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 or other charges.
    

      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 contract.  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.

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.

                   UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                    STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================================
         SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS            1 Year To      5 Years To    Life of Fund    Date Fund
                                         12/31/95       12/31/95     To 12/31/95     Effective
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                                      <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>
 Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity Income          24.94%         17.36%         9.02%         10-09-86
 Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas               -0.14%          3.52%         3.04%          1-28-87
 Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NSAT-Money Market Fund                   -4.11%         -0.42%         1.81%*        11-10-81
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NSAT-Total Return Fund                   19.02%         12.73%         8.79%*        11-08-82
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group  Investment             10.73%          N/A           3.51%         08-01-94
 Trust-Asset Allocation Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment               6.78%          N/A           1.22%         08-01-94
 Trust-Government Bond Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment              14.12%          N/A           7.30%         08-01-94
 Trust-Large Company Growth Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment              13.64%          N/A           4.02%         08-01-94
 Trust-Small Company Growth Fund
==============================================================================================
 </TABLE>

                  NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===============================================================================================
           SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS           1 Year To      5 Years To    Life of Fund    Date Fund
                                          12/31/95       12/31/95     To 12/31/95     Effective
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                                      <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>
 Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity Income          33.04%         19.54%         11.61%         10-09-86
 Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas                7.06%          6.46%          5.66%          1-28-87
 Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NSAT-Money Market Fund                    3.99%          2.66%          4.26%*        11-10-81
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NSAT-Total Return Fund                   27.12%         15.01%         10.79%*        11-08-82
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment              18.83%          N/A           11.27%         08-01-94
 Trust-Asset Allocation Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment              14.88%          N/A            8.98%         08-01-94
 Trust-Government Bond Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment              22.22%          N/A           15.01%         08-01-94
 Trust-Large Company Growth Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 The One(R) Group Investment              21.74%          N/A           11.82%         08-01-94
 Trust-Small Company Growth Fund
===============================================================================================
</TABLE>
    
*Represents 10 years to 12/31/95.


                                      29


                                    31 of 88
<PAGE>   32



                               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 Financial Services, Inc., is not
engaged in any litigation of any material nature.


            TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 PAGE
<S>                                                                                                               <C>
General Information and History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1
Services  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1
Underwriters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
Calculations of Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
Underlying Mutual Fund Performance History  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
Annuity Payments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
Financial Statements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
</TABLE>
    


                                      30


                                    32 of 88
<PAGE>   33




                                    APPENDIX

      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
relate to the Fixed Account.  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 VA Separate Account-C 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 in this provision, 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.
    


                                      31


                                    33 of 88
<PAGE>   34




Any group annuity Contract offered in conjunction with the prospectus, the
assets of which are invested in the 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 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.

ASSUMED INTEREST RATE AND ANNUITY TABLES

      The Annuity Tables contained in the Contracts are based on the 1971
Individual Annuity Mortality Table (set back one year) and an assumed interest
rate of 3.5%.


                                      32


                                    34 of 88
<PAGE>   35



   
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                  MAY 1, 1996

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

      This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It contains
information in addition to and more detailed than set forth in the prospectus
and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated May 1, 1996.  The
prospectus may be obtained from Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
by writing P. O. Box 182008, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008, or calling
1-800-860-3946, TDD 1-800-238-3035.

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        PAGE
<S>                                                                                                       <C>
General Information and History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Services  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Underwriters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Calculations of Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Underlying Mutual Fund Performance History  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Annuity Payments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Financial Statements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
</TABLE>
    

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

   
      The Nationwide VA Separate Account-C (formerly Financial Horizons
VA Separate Account-3)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.  The common stock of
Nationwide Life Insurance Company is owned by Nationwide Corporation.
Nationwide Corporation is a holding company.  All of its common stock is held
by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (95.3%) and Nationwide Mutual Fire
Insurance Company (4.7%).
    

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 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.

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, without penalty or adjustment.  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
    


                                      1


                                    35 of 88
<PAGE>   36



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 Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS"), One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus,
Ohio 43216, an affiliate of the Company. No underwriting commissions were paid
by the Company to NFS.

CALCULATIONS OF PERFORMANCE

   
      All performance advertising shall include quotations of standardized
average annual total return, calculated in accordance with standard method
prescribed by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to facilitate
comparison with standardized total return advertised by other variable annuity
separate accounts.  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
percentage, carried to at least the nearest hundredth of a percent.  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 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 a fixed per Contract
charge.
    

      The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized 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 total
return will be based on the rolling calendar quarters and will cover at least
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 Fund options 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, should 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.


                                      2


                                    36 of 88
<PAGE>   37



      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 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 underlying Mutual Fund's
portfolio, portfolio quality and average maturity, changes in interest rates,
and the underlying Mutual 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 in "Investment Manager and Other Services" in the underlying Mutual
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 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 or another method of calculation is used.

                   UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                    STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   =============================================================================================
                            SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS           1 Year To      5 Years To    Life of Fund    Date Fund
                                                           12/31/95       12/31/95     To 12/31/95     Effective
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   <S>                                      <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>
                   Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity Income          24.94%         17.36%         9.02%         10-09-86
                   Portfolio
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas               -0.14%          3.52%         3.04%          1-28-87
                   Portfolio
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   NSAT-Money Market Fund                   -4.11%         -0.42%         1.81%*        11-10-81
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   NSAT-Total Return Fund                   19.02%         12.73%         8.79%*        11-08-82
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   The One(R) Group  Investment             10.73%          N/A           3.51%         08-01-94
                   Trust-Asset Allocation Fund
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   The One(R) Group Investment               6.78%          N/A           1.22%         08-01-94
                   Trust-Government Bond Fund
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   The One(R) Group Investment              14.12%          N/A           7.30%         08-01-94
                   Trust-Large Company Growth Fund
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   The One(R) Group Investment              13.64%          N/A           4.02%         08-01-94
                   Trust-Small Company Growth Fund
                   =============================================================================================
</TABLE>

                  NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   =============================================================================================
                            SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS           1 Year To      5 Years To    Life of Fund    Date Fund
                                                           12/31/95       12/31/95     To 12/31/95     Effective
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   <S>                                      <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
                   Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity Income          33.04%         19.54%         11.61%        10-09-86
                   Portfolio
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas                7.06%          6.46%          5.66%         1-28-87
                   Portfolio
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   NSAT-Money Market Fund                    3.99%          2.66%          4.26%*       11-10-81
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   NSAT-Total Return Fund                   27.12%         15.01%         10.79%*       11-08-82
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   The One(R) Group Investment              18.83%          N/A           11.27%        08-01-94
                   Trust-Asset Allocation Fund
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   The One(R) Group Investment              14.88%          N/A            8.98%        08-01-94
                   Trust-Government Bond Fund
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   The One(R) Group Investment              22.22%          N/A           15.01%        08-01-94
                   Trust-Large Company Growth Fund
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   The One(R) Group Investment              21.74%          N/A           11.82%        08-01-94
                   Trust-Small Company Growth Fund
                   =============================================================================================
</TABLE>
    

 *Represents 10 years to 12/31/95.


                                      3


                                    37 of 88
<PAGE>   38



ANNUITY PAYMENTS

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




                                      4


                                    38 of 88
<PAGE>   39

<PAGE>   1

                          Independent Auditors' Report

The Board of Directors and Contract Owners of
  Nationwide VA Separate Account-C (formerly Financial Horizons VA Separate
    Account-3)
  Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (formerly Financial Horizons
    Life Insurance Company):

  We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and contract
owners' equity of Nationwide VA Separate Account-C (formerly Financial Horizons
VA Separate Account-3) as of December 31, 1995 and the related statements of
operations and changes in contract owners' equity and schedules of changes in
unit value for the year then ended and the period August 17, 1994 (commencement
of operations) through December 31, 1994. These financial statements and
schedules 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 schedules of changes in unit value 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 and schedules 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 included confirmation of securities
owned as of December 31, 1995, by correspondence with the custodian and 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

  In our opinion, the financial statements and schedules of changes in unit
value referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Nationwide VA Separate Account-C as of December 31, 1995 and the
results of its operations and its changes in contract owners' equity and the
schedules of changes in unit value for the year then ended and the period August
17, 1994 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 1994 in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                       KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 6, 1996

<PAGE>   2


                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
              (FORMERLY FINANCIAL HORIZONS VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-3)
          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
                                DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>              
ASSETS:
  Investments at market value:

    Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidEqInc)
      595,979 shares (cost $10,348,478) ......................     $11,484,519      

    Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidOSeas)                                    
      162,695 shares (cost $2,630,997) .......................       2,773,943  

    Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NWMyMkt)                                    
      2,309,532 shares (cost $2,309,532) .....................       2,309,532  

    Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NWTotRet)                                   
      545,112 shares (cost $6,122,780) .......................       6,290,587  

    One Group - Asset Allocation Fund (OGAstAll)                                    
      445,192 shares (cost $4,682,887) .......................       5,003,964  

    One Group - Government Bond Fund (OGGvtBd)                                      
      867,830 shares (cost $8,804,383) .......................       9,094,859  

    One Group - Large Company Growth Fund (OGLgCoGr)                                
      1,341,642 shares (cost $14,834,361) ....................      16,260,700  

    One Group - Small Company Growth Fund (OGSmCoGr)                                
      585,757 shares (cost $6,640,360) .......................       6,747,926  
                                                                   -----------      
        Total investments ....................................      59,966,030  
Accounts receivable ..........................................          21,896  
                                                                   -----------      
        Total assets .........................................      59,987,926  
                                                                   ===========  
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ......................................     $59,987,926  
                                                                   ===========  
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   3

                                                                   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      Units      Unit Value
                                                     -------     ----------    
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>             <C>         
Contract owners' equity represented by:
  Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio:
    Tax qualified ..........................         324,280     $13.510928      $ 4,381,324 
    Non-tax qualified ......................         525,735      13.510928        7,103,168 

  Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio:                                                          
    Tax qualified ..........................          87,650      10.330773          905,492 
    Non-tax qualified ......................         180,868      10.330773        1,868,506 

  Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund:                                                         
    Tax qualified ..........................          99,809      10.569801        1,054,961 
    Non-tax qualified ......................         120,754      10.569801        1,276,346 

  Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund:                                                         
    Tax qualified ..........................         188,348      12.445719        2,344,126 
    Non-tax qualified ......................         317,092      12.445719        3,946,438 

  One Group - Asset Allocation Fund:                                                          
    Tax qualified ..........................         149,620      11.697239        1,750,141 
    Non-tax qualified ......................         178,905      11.697239        2,092,695 
    Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a)..          97,500      11.909104        1,161,138 

  One Group - Government Bond Fund:                                                           
    Tax qualified ..........................         139,391     11.358330         1,583,249 
    Non-tax qualified ......................         152,273     11.358330         1,729,567 
    Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a)..         500,000     11.564087         5,782,044 

  One Group - Large Company Growth Fund:                                                      
    Tax qualified ..........................         388,897     12.255940         4,766,298 
    Non-tax qualified ......................         632,427     12.255940         7,750,987 
    Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a)..         300,000     12.477892         3,743,368 

  One Group - Small Company Growth Fund:                                                      
    Tax qualified ..........................         182,690     11.819338         2,159,275 
    Non-tax qualified ......................         385,700     11.819338         4,558,719 
    Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a)..           2,500     12.033480            30,084 
                                                     =======     ==========      -----------
                                                                                 $59,987,926 
                                                                                 =========== 
</TABLE>

                                                               
See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   4

                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
              (FORMERLY FINANCIAL HORIZONS VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-3)
        STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 17, 1994
                          (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS)
                           THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1995             1994
                                                           ------------     ----------    
<S>                                                        <C>              <C> 
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested capital gains and dividends ................  $  2,002,557        189,360                 
                                                           ------------     ----------    
  Gain (loss) on investments:                                                               
   Proceeds from redemptions of mutual fund shares ......     1,251,516        227,439    
   Cost of mutual fund shares sold ......................    (1,229,073)      (229,947)   
                                                           ------------     ----------    
   Realized gain (loss) on investments ..................        22,443         (2,508)   
   Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ......     3,901,932       (309,680)   
                                                           ------------     ----------    
     Net gain (loss) on investments .....................     3,924,375       (312,188)   
                                                           ------------     ----------    
          Net investment activity .......................     5,926,932       (122,828)   
                                                           ------------     ----------    

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                                                      
  Purchase payments received from contract                                                  
   owners (note 1a) .....................................    39,177,663     15,808,617    
  Redemptions ...........................................      (462,025)       (10,793)   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ......................           521            218    
                                                           ------------     ----------    
          Net equity transactions .......................    38,716,159     15,798,042    
                                                           ------------     ----------    

EXPENSES (NOTE 2):                                                                        
  Contract charges ......................................      (294,299)       (16,244)   
  Contingent deferred sales charges .....................       (19,836)            --    
                                                           ------------     ----------    
          Total expenses ................................      (314,135)       (16,244)   
                                                           ------------     ----------    


NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ...................    44,328,956     15,658,970    
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD .............    15,658,970           --      
                                                           ------------     ----------    
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ...................  $ 59,987,926     15,658,970    
                                                           ============     ==========    
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   5


                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
              (FORMERLY FINANCIAL HORIZONS VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-3)
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994

(1)      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  (a)      Organization and Nature of Operations

  Nationwide VA Separate Account-C (formerly Financial Horizons VA Separate
Account-3) (the Account) was established pursuant to a resolution of the Board
of Directors of Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (formerly
Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company) (the Company) on July 24, 1991. The
Account has been registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment
Company Act of 1940.

  On August 17, 1994, the Company (Depositor) transferred to the Account, 97,500
shares of the One Group-Asset Allocation Fund, 500,000 shares of the One
Group-Government Bond Fund, 300,000 shares of the One Group-Large Company Growth
Fund and 2,500 shares of the One Group-Small Company Growth Fund, for which the
Account was credited with 97,500 units of the One Group-Asset Allocation Fund,
500,000 units of the One Group-Government Bond Fund, 300,000 units of the One
Group-Large Company Growth Fund and 2,500 units of the One Group-Small Company
Growth Fund. These amounts represent the initial funding of the Account. The
value of the units purchased by the Company on August 17, 1994 was $9,000,000.

  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 banks and other financial institutions.

  (b)      The Contracts

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

  With certain exceptions, contract owners in either the accumulation or the
payout phase may invest in any of the following funds:

  Portfolios of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund (Fidelity VIP);
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidEqInc)
      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidOSeas)

  Funds of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust (Nationwide SAT) (managed for a
  fee by an affiliated investment advisor);
    Nationwide SAT- Money Market Fund (NWMyMkt)
    Nationwide SAT- Total Return Fund (NWTotRet)

  Funds of The One Group Investment Trust (One Group);
    One Group - Asset Allocation Fund (OGAstAll)
    One Group - Government Bond Fund (OGGvtBd)
    One Group - Large Company Growth Fund (OGLgCoGr)
    One Group - Small Company Growth Fund (OGSmCoGr)

  At December 31, 1995, contract owners have invested in all of the above funds.
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.

<PAGE>   6


  (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, 1995. The cost of investments sold is
determined on a 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 received
from the contract owners. However, if any part of the contract value of such
contracts is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct from
a contract owner's contract value a contingent deferred sales charge not to
exceed 7% of the lesser of purchase payments or the amount surrendered, such
charge declining 1% per year, to 0%, after the purchase payment has been held in
the contract for 84 months. No sales charges are deducted on redemptions used to
purchase units in the fixed investment options of the Company.

  The following administrative charges are deducted by the Company: (a) an
annual contract maintenance charge of $30 which is satisfied by surrendering
units; and (b) 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 0.05%, respectively. No charges are deducted
from the initial funding by the Depositor, or from earnings thereon.

(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 in the
following format:

     -   Beginning unit value - Jan. 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, expense risk charge and 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>   7


                                                                      SCHEDULE I

                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
              (FORMERLY FINANCIAL HORIZONS VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-3)
                      TAX QUALIFIED AND NON-TAX QUALIFIED
                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 17, 1994
                          (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS)
                           THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     FidEqInc        FidOSeas      NWMyMkt          NWTotRet    OGAstAll    OGGvtBd
                                     --------        --------      -------          --------    --------    -------
<S>                                 <C>             <C>           <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>     
1995
 Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      $10.132457       9.542958     10.135415         9.767528     9.819156     9.861504
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Reinvested capital
  gains and
  dividends                            .792320        .072990       .569798          .967739      .579713      .822180
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Unrealized gain (loss)               2.740385        .842800       .000000         1.856379     1.438638      .813939
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Contract charges                     (.154234)      (.127975)     (.135412)        (.145927)    (.140268)    (.139293)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Ending unit value - Dec. 31        $13.510928      10.330773     10.569801        12.445719    11.697239    11.358330
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Percentage increase
  (decrease) in
  unit value*                               33%             8%            4%              27%          19%          15%
=======================================================================================================================
1994
 Beginning unit value**             $10.000000      10.000000     10.000000        10.000000    10.000000    10.000000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Reinvested capital
  gains and
  dividends                            .118045        .000000       .191073          .373048      .057220      .220096
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Unrealized gain (loss)                .064681       (.408918)      .000000         (.556634)    (.189436)    (.310075)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Contract charges                     (.050269)      (.048124)     (.055658)        (.048886)    (.048628)    (.048517)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Ending unit value - Dec. 31        $10.132457       9.542958     10.135415         9.767528     9.819156     9.861504
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Percentage increase
  (decrease) in
  unit value*                                1%            (5)%           1%              (2)%         (2)%         (1)%
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

*   An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as contract charges do not
    include the annual contract maintenance charge discussed in note 2.

**  August 17, 1994 - Commencement of operations.

<PAGE>   8

                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
              (FORMERLY FINANCIAL HORIZONS VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-3)
                      TAX QUALIFIED AND NON-TAX QUALIFIED
                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 17, 1994
                          (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS)
                           THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    OGLgCoGr      OGSmCoGr    OGAstAll+   OGGvtBd+    OGLgCoGr+     OGSmCoGr+ 
                                    --------      --------    --------    -------     --------      -------- 
<S>                                <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>     
1995
 Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     $10.003154     9.652463     9.867500     9.910061    10.052392     9.700000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Reinvested capital
  gains and
  dividends                           .267432      .502502      .588453      .833693      .271374      .511358
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Unrealized gain (loss)              2.131887     1.808029     1.453151      .820333     2.154126     1.822122
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Contract charges                    (.146533)    (.143656)     .000000      .000000      .000000      .000000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Ending unit value - Dec. 31       $12.255940    11.819338    11.909104    11.564087    12.477892    12.033480
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Percentage increase
  (decrease) in
  unit value*                              23%          22%          21%          17%          24%          24%
==============================================================================================================

1994
 Beginning unit value**            $10.000000    10.000000    10.000000    10.000000    10.000000    10.000000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Reinvested capital
  gains and
  dividends                           .062315      .000000      .057500      .220976      .062570      .000000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Unrealized gain (loss)              (.009786)    (.299205)    (.190000)    (.310915)    (.010178)    (.300000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Contract charges                    (.049375)    (.048332)     .000000      .000000      .000000      .000000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Ending unit value - Dec. 31       $10.003154     9.652463     9.867500     9.910061    10.052392     9.700000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Percentage increase
  (decrease) in
  unit value*                               0%          (3)%         (1)%         (1)%          1%          (3)%
==============================================================================================================
</TABLE>


*   An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as contract charges do not
    include the annual contract maintenance charge discussed in note 2.

**  August 17, 1994 - Commencement of operations.

+   For Depositor, see note 1a.

See note 3.



<PAGE>   40

<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 (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company) as of December
31, 1995 and 1994, 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,
1995. 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, 1995 and 1994, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1995, 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 (SFAS) No. 115,
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.

     In 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for
Income Taxes and SFAS No. 106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits
Other Than Pensions.

                                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 26, 1996

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

                                 Balance Sheets

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Assets                                              1995            1994
                                         ------                                            --------       --------

<S>                                                                                        <C>             <C>
Investments (notes 5, 8 and 9):
   Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
      Fixed maturities (cost $539,214 in 1995; $427,874 in 1994)                           $555,751        413,764
      Equity securities (cost $10,256 in 1995; $9,543 in 1994)                               11,407          9,411
   Fixed maturities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $78,690 in 1994)           --           82,631
   Mortgage loans on real estate                                                            104,736         95,281
   Real estate                                                                                1,117          1,802
   Policy loans                                                                                  94             79
   Short-term investments (note 13)                                                           4,844            365
                                                                                           --------       --------
                                                                                            677,949        603,333
                                                                                           --------       --------

Accrued investment income                                                                     8,464          8,041
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                            23,405         41,540
Deferred Federal income tax                                                                    --            1,923
Other assets                                                                                    208            270
Assets held in Separate Accounts (note 8)                                                   257,556        177,933
                                                                                           --------       --------
                                                                                           $967,582        833,040
                                                                                           ========       ========

                          Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
                          ------------------------------------

Future policy benefits and claims (notes 6 and 8)                                           621,280        583,188
Accrued Federal income tax (note 7):
   Current                                                                                      708             10
   Deferred                                                                                   2,830           --
                                                                                           --------       --------
                                                                                              3,538             10
                                                                                           --------       --------

Other liabilities                                                                             5,031          4,663
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts (note 8)                                           257,556        177,933
                                                                                           --------       --------
                                                                                            887,405        765,794
                                                                                           --------       --------

Shareholder's equity (notes 3, 4, 5 and 12):
   Capital shares, $40 par value.  Authorized, issued and outstanding 66 shares               2,640          2,640
   Additional paid-in capital                                                                52,960         52,960
   Retained earnings                                                                         20,123         15,349
   Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net                            4,454         (3,703)
                                                                                           --------       --------
                                                                                             80,177         67,246
                                                                                           --------       --------
Commitments (note 9)

                                                                                           $967,582        833,040
                                                                                           ========       ========
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   3

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

                              Statements of Income

                  Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                 (000's omitted)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1995            1994            1993
                                                                                --------        --------        --------

<S>                                                                             <C>               <C>             <C>
Revenues (note 14):
   Traditional life insurance premiums                                          $    674             311              85
   Universal life and investment product policy charges                            4,322           3,601           2,345
   Net investment income (note 5)                                                 49,108          45,030          40,477
   Realized (losses) gains on investments (note 5)                                  (702)           (625)            420
                                                                                --------        --------        --------
                                                                                  53,402          48,317          43,327
                                                                                --------        --------        --------
Benefits and expenses:
   Benefits and claims                                                            34,180          29,870          29,439
   Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                               5,508           6,940           4,128
   Other operating costs and expenses                                              6,567           6,320           5,424
                                                                                --------        --------        --------
                                                                                  46,255          43,130          38,991
                                                                                --------        --------        --------
      Income before Federal income tax expense and cumulative effect of
         changes in accounting principles                                          7,147           5,187           4,336
                                                                                --------        --------        --------

Federal income tax expense (benefit) (note 7):
   Current                                                                         2,012           2,103           1,982
   Deferred                                                                          361            (244)           (630)
                                                                                --------        --------        --------
                                                                                   2,373           1,859           1,352
                                                                                --------        --------        --------

      Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles          4,774           3,328           2,984

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, net (note 3)                 --              --              (514)
                                                                                --------        --------        --------

      Net income                                                                $  4,774           3,328           2,470
                                                                                ========        ========        ========
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   4

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                       Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                  Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                 (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>
1993:                                                                                                              
   Balance, beginning of year                       $ 2,640        43,960         9,551                 21              56,172
   Net income                                          --            --           2,470               --                 2,470
   Unrealized gains on equity securities, net          --            --            --                   17                  17
                                                    -------       -------       -------             ------
                                                                                                                       -------
   Balance, end of year                             $ 2,640        43,960        12,021                 38              58,659
                                                    =======       =======       =======             ======             =======
                                                                                                                   
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
                                                    =======       =======       =======            =======             =======
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   5

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                            Statements of Cash Flows

                  Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                 (000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1994            1994            1993
                                                                            --------        --------        --------

<S>                                                                         <C>             <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income                                                               $  4,774           3,328           2,470
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
      (used in) operating activities:
         Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                  (6,754)         (7,283)        (10,351)
         Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                     5,508           6,940           4,128
         Amortization and depreciation                                           878             473             660
         Realized losses (gains) on invested assets, net                         702             625            (420)
         Deferred Federal income tax expense (benefit)                           361            (244)           (784)
         Increase in accrued investment income                                  (423)           (750)         (1,078)
         Decrease (increase) in other assets                                      62            (126)            326
         Increase (decrease) in policy liabilities                               627             926            (202)
         Increase (decrease) in accrued Federal income tax payable               698            (254)            666
         Increase (decrease) in other liabilities                                368            (505)          2,843
                                                                            --------        --------        --------
            Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                6,801           3,130          (1,742)
                                                                            --------        --------        --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
   Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                    41,729          24,850            --
   Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                         3,070          13,170             134
   Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturities held-to-maturity                11,251           8,483          28,829
   Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities                                       --              --             2,136
   Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                   8,673           5,733           3,804
   Proceeds from sale of real estate                                             655            --              --
   Proceeds from repayments of policy loans                                       50               2               2
   Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                            (79,140)        (94,130)           (661)
   Cost of fixed maturities held-to maturity acquired                         (8,000)        (15,544)       (100,671)
   Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                            (18,000)        (11,000)        (31,200)
   Cost of real estate acquired                                                  (10)            (52)             (2)
   Policy loans issued                                                           (66)            (80)             (2)
                                                                            --------        --------        --------
            Net cash used in investing activities                            (39,788)        (68,568)        (97,631)
                                                                            --------        --------        --------

Cash flows form financing activities:
   Proceeds from capital contribution                                           --             9,000            --
   Increase in universal life and investment product account balances         79,523          95,254         127,050
   Decrease in universal life and investment product account balances        (42,057)        (40,223)        (33,159)
                                                                            --------        --------        --------
            Net cash provided by financing activities                         37,466          64,031          93,891
                                                                            --------        --------        --------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                           4,479          (1,407)         (5,482)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                                     365           1,772           7,254
                                                                            --------        --------        --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year                                      $  4,844             365           1,772
                                                                            ========        ========        ========
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   6

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                          Notes to Financial Statements

                        December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                 (000's omitted)

(1)      Organization and Description of Business

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

         The Company is a life insurer licensed in 42 states and the District of
         Columbia. 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 insurers
         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 designed to reduce
              insurer profits, 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
              sound 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. See note 4.

         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.

         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.


<PAGE>   7

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

     (a)      Valuation of Investments and Related Gains and Losses

              The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities
              and equity securities as 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, 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.

              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.

              In March, 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
              issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 -
              Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
              Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of (SFAS 121). SFAS 121 requires
              impairment losses to be 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. SFAS 121 also addresses
              the accounting for long-lived assets that are expected to be
              disposed of. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning
              after December 15, 1995 and earlier application is permitted.
              Previously issued financial statements shall not be restated. The
              Company will adopt SFAS 121 in 1996 and the impact on the
              financial statements is not expected to be material.

     (b)      Revenues and Benefits

              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.

              Universal Life and Investment Products: Universal life products
              include universal life, variable universal life and other
              interest-sensitive life insurance policies. Investment products
              consist primarily of individual deferred annuities and immediate
              annuities without life contingencies. Revenues for universal life
              and investment products consist of 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
              benefits and claims incurred in the period in excess of related
              policy account balances and interest credited to policy account
              balances.


<PAGE>   8

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life 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 selling expenses have been deferred for
              universal life and investment 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 for administrative services and risks assumed.

     (e)      Future Policy Benefits

              Future policy benefits for annuity policies in the accumulation
              phase, universal life and variable universal life 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).

              In 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
              Standards No. 109 - Accounting for Income Taxes, which required a
              change from the deferred method of accounting for income tax of
              APB Opinion 11 to the asset and liability method of accounting for
              income tax. Under the asset and liability 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.

              The Company has reported the cumulative effect of the change in
              method of accounting for income tax in the 1993 statement of
              income. See note 3.

     (g)      Cash Equivalents

              For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company
              considers all short-term investments with original maturities of
              three months or less to be cash equivalents.


<PAGE>   9

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

     (h)      Reclassification

              Certain items in the 1994 and 1993 financial statements have been
              reclassified to conform to the 1995 presentation.

(3)      Changes in Accounting Principles

         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 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>


         During 1993, the Company adopted accounting principles in connection
         with the issuance of two accounting standards by the FASB. The effect
         as of January 1, 1993, the date of adoption, has been recognized in the
         1993 statement of income as the cumulative effect of changes in
         accounting principles, as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                  <C>   
              Asset/liability method of recognizing income tax (note 2(f))           $ (79)
              Accrual method of recognizing postretirement benefits other than
                 pensions (net of tax benefit of $234) (note 11)                      (435)
                                                                                     -----
                                                                                     $(514)
                                                                                     =====
</TABLE>


(4)      Basis of Presentation

         The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. 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 such regulatory authority.
         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.

         The statutory capital shares and surplus of the Company as reported to
         regulatory authorities as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 was
         $54,978, $48,947 and $35,875, respectively. The statutory net income of
         the Company as reported to regulatory authorities for the years ended
         December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 was $8,023, $6,173 and $3,539,
         respectively.


<PAGE>   10

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(5)      Investments

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1995          1994           1993
                                                         -------       -------       -------

<S>                                                      <C>            <C>           <C>
              Gross investment income:
                 Securities available-for-sale:
                    Fixed maturities                     $35,093        36,720          --
                    Equity securities                        713            16            13
                 Fixed maturities held-to-maturity         4,530           540        34,023
                 Mortgage loans on real estate             9,106         8,437         7,082
                 Real estate                                 273           175           167
                 Short-term investments                      348           207           295
                 Other                                        41            19          --
                                                         -------       -------       -------
                        Total investment income           50,104        46,114        41,580
              Less: investment expenses                      996         1,084         1,103
                                                         -------       -------       -------
                        Net investment income            $49,108        45,030        40,477
                                                         =======       =======       =======
</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>
                                                                 1995         1994          1993
                                                                 -----        -----        -----

<S>                                                              <C>           <C>          <C>
              Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale       $(822)         260         --
              Fixed maturities                                    --           --            856
              Mortgage loans on real estate                        110         (832)        (246)
              Real estate and other                                 10          (53)        (190)
                                                                 -----        -----        -----
                                                                 $(702)        (625)         420
                                                                 =====        =====        =====
</TABLE>


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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1995            1994
                                                                      --------        --------

<S>                                                                   <C>              <C>
                Gross unrealized gains (losses)                       $ 17,688         (14,242)
                Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs        (10,836)          8,545
                Deferred Federal income tax                             (2,398)          1,994
                                                                      --------        --------
                                                                      $  4,454          (3,703)
                                                                      ========        ========
</TABLE>


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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1995            1994            1993
                                                      --------        --------        --------
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>               <C>  
              Securities available-for-sale:
                 Fixed maturities                     $ 30,647         (32,692)           --
                 Equity securities                       1,283            (190)             26
              Fixed maturities held-to-maturity          3,941          (8,407)          5,710
                                                      --------        --------        --------
                                                      $ 35,871         (41,289)          5,736
                                                      ========        ========        ========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   11

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Gross          Gross     
                                                                            Amortized      unrealized     unrealized      Estimated
                                                                               cost          gains          losses        fair value
                                                                             --------       --------       --------        --------
<S>                                                                          <C>              <C>             <C>           <C>
                Fixed maturities:            
                  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 maturities                                  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>


         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
         available-for-sale were as follow as of December 31, 1994:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Gross          Gross
                                                                           Amortized      unrealized     unrealized      Estimated
                                                                             cost           gains          losses        fair value
                                                                           --------       --------        --------        --------

<S>                                                                        <C>               <C>           <C>             <C>
              Fixed maturities:
                U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. 
                  government corporations and agencies                     $  4,442             92            --             4,534
                Obligations of states and political subdivisions 273           --              (21)            252
                Debt securities issued by foreign governments                 8,517             15            (452)          8,080
                Corporate securities                                        214,332            518          (7,903)        206,947
                Mortgage-backed securities                                  200,310          1,291          (7,650)        193,951
                                                                           --------       --------        --------        --------
                    Total fixed maturities                                  427,874          1,916         (16,026)        413,764
              Equity securities                                               9,543             45            (177)          9,411
                                                                           --------       --------        --------        --------
                                                                           $437,417          1,961         (16,203)        423,175
                                                                           ========       ========        ========        ========
</TABLE>


         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity corporate
         securities held-to-maturity as of December 31, 1994 are $82,631 and
         $78,690, respectively. Gross gains of $130 and gross losses of $4,071
         were unrealized on those securities.

         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
         securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1995, 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>   
              Due in one year or less                      $ 39,072         39,427
              Due after one year through five years         224,262        231,200
              Due after five years through ten years         75,380         77,726
              Due after ten years                             3,651          3,521
                                                           --------       --------
                                                            342,365        351,874
              Mortgage-backed securities                    196,849        203,877
                                                           --------       --------
                                                           $539,214        555,751
                                                           ========       ========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   12

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during
         1995 and 1994 were $3,070 and $13,170, respectively, while proceeds
         from sales of investments in fixed maturity securities during 1993 were
         $2,136. Gross gains of $64 ($373 in 1994 and $205 in 1993) and gross
         losses of $6 ($73 1994 and none in 1993) 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 FASB'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.

         Fixed maturity securities that were non-income producing for the twelve
         month period preceding December 31, 1995 had a carrying value of $996
         (none in 1994).

         Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $81
         in 1995 ($97 in 1994) and valuation allowances of $229 in 1995 ($472 in
         1994).

         As of December 31, 1995, the recorded investment of mortgage loans on
         real estate considered to be impaired (under Statement of Financial
         Accounting Standards No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of
         a Loan as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
         118, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income
         Recognition and Disclosure) was $966, for which there was no valuation
         allowance. During 1995, the average recorded investment in impaired
         mortgage loans on real estate was approximately $242 and no interest
         income was recognized on those loans.

         Activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real
         estate is summarized for the year ended December 31, 1995:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1995
                                                                            ----

<S>                                                                        <C>  
              Allowance, beginning of year                                 $ 860
                   Reduction of the allowance credited to operations        (110)
                                                                           -----
              Allowance, end of year                                       $ 750
                                                                           =====
</TABLE>


         Foreclosures of mortgage loans on real estate were $631 in 1994. No
         mortgage loans on real estate were in process of foreclosure or
         in-substance foreclosed as of December 31, 1994 .

         Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $2,806 and $2,786
         as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, were on deposit with
         various regulatory agencies as required by law.

(6)      Future Policy Benefits

         The liability for future policy benefits for investment products 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%, 5.3% and 6.0% for the years
         ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.


<PAGE>   13

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(7)      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,
         1995 and 1994 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1995            1994
                                                                     --------        --------

<S>                                                                  <C>              <C>  
              Deferred tax assets:
                 Future policy benefits                              $  5,249           5,879
                 Securities available-for-sale                           --             4,985
                 Liabilities in Separate Accounts                       3,445           3,111
                 Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate            338             458
                 Other assets and other liabilities                       708             101
                                                                     --------        --------
                   Total gross deferred tax assets                      9,740          14,534
                                                                     --------        --------

              Deferred tax liabilities:
                 Securities available-for-sale                          6,308            --
                 Deferred policy acquisition costs                      6,262          12,611
                                                                     --------        --------
                   Total gross deferred tax liabilities                12,570          12,611
                                                                     --------        --------
                                                                     $ (2,830)          1,923
                                                                     ========        ========
</TABLE>


         The Company has determined that valuation allowances are not necessary
         as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 based on its analysis of future
         deductible amounts. 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. In addition, for future deductible amounts for
         securities available-for-sale, affiliates of the Company which are
         included in the same consolidated Federal income tax return hold
         investments that could be sold for capital gains that could offset
         capital losses realized by the Company should securities
         available-for-sale be sold at a loss.

         Total Federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1995,
         1994 and 1993 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
         Federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1995                    1994                  1993
                                                           ---------------------  ---------------------  ---------------------
                                                           Amount          %       Amount         %      Amount          %
                                                           ------------  -------  ------------  -------  ------------- -------

<S>                                                        <C>            <C>     <C>            <C>     <C>            <C> 
              Computed (expected) tax expense              $ 2,501        35.0    $ 1,815        35.0    $ 1,518        35.0
              Tax exempt interest and dividends
                 received deduction                           (150)       (2.1)       (50)       (1.0)      (206)       (4.7)
              Current year increase in U.S. Federal
                 income tax rate                              --           --        --           --          36         0.8
              Other, net                                        22         0.3         94         1.8          4         0.1
                                                           -------        ----    -------        ----    -------        ----
                    Total (effective rate of each year     $ 2,373        33.2    $ 1,859        35.8    $ 1,352        31.2
                                                           =======        ====    =======        ====    =======        ====
</TABLE>


         Total Federal income tax paid was $1,314, $2,357 and $1,316 during the
         years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.


<PAGE>   14

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(8)      Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 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 are 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:

              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.

              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.


<PAGE>   15

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

              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.

         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, 1995 and 1994:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1995                        1994
                                                            ------------------------     ----------------------
                                                            Carrying      Estimated      Carrying    Estimated
                                                             amount       fair value      amount     fair value
                                                             ------       ----------      ------     ----------

<S>                                                           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
              Assets
              ------
              Investments:
                 Securities available-for-sale:
                    Fixed maturities                          $555,751      555,751      413,764      413,764
                    Equity securities                           11,407       11,407        9,411        9,411
                 Fixed maturities held-to-maturity                --           --         82,631       78,690
                 Mortgage loans on real estate                 104,736      111,501       95,281       92,340
                 Policy loans                                       94           94           79           79
                 Short-term investments                          4,844        4,844          365          365
              Assets held in Separate Accounts                 257,556      257,556      177,933      177,933

              Liabilities
              -----------
              Investment contracts                             616,984      601,582      579,903      563,331
              Policy reserves on life insurance contracts        4,296        4,520        3,285        3,141
              Liabilities related to Separate Accounts         257,556      246,996      177,933      168,749
</TABLE>


(9)      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 80% 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 $8,500 extending into
         1996 were outstanding as of December 31, 1995.

         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 28% (27% in 1994) in any geographic area and no more than 14.8%
         (8.2% in 1994) with any one borrower.


<PAGE>   16

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life 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, 1995 and 1994:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              Apartment
                                                                          Office      Warehouse    Retail     & other      Total
                                                                          ------      ---------    ------     -------      -----

<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
              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>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          Apartment
                                                                          Office    Warehouse   Retail     & other    Total
                                                                          ------    ---------   ------     -------    -----

<S>                                                                      <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>   
              1994:
                East North Central                                       $ 1,921      2,254     10,290      4,959     19,424
                East South Central                                          --         --        1,921      9,876     11,797
                Mountain                                                    --         --         --        1,986      1,986
                Middle Atlantic                                              882      1,872      1,909       --        4,663
                New England                                                 --          921      1,983       --        2,904
                Pacific                                                    1,952      6,873      6,310      4,910     20,045
                South Atlantic                                             1,965       --       10,049     13,970     25,984
                West North Central                                          --        1,500       --         --        1,500
                West South Central                                         1,921        978       --        4,973      7,872
                                                                         -------     ------     ------     ------    -------
                                                                         $ 8,641     14,398     32,462     40,674     96,175
                                                                         =======     ======     ======     ======    
                   Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                                    894
                                                                                                                     -------
                        Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                     $95,281
                                                                                                                     =======
</TABLE>


(10)     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.


<PAGE>   17

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

         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.

         Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years
         ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 were $214, $265 and $131,
         respectively.

         The net periodic pension cost for the Nationwide Insurance Companies
         and Affiliates Retirement Plan as a whole for the years ended December
         31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1995          1994           1993
                                                                  ---------     ---------     ---------
<S>                                                               <C>             <C>          <C>   
              Service cost (benefits earned during the period)    $  64,524        64,740        47,694
              Interest cost on projected benefit obligation          95,283        73,951        70,543
              Actual return on plan assets                         (249,294)      (21,495)     (105,002)
              Net amortization and deferral                         143,353       (62,150)       20,832
                                                                  ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                  $  53,866        55,046        34,067
                                                                  =========     =========     =========
</TABLE>


         Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1995      1994     1993
                                                                    ----      ----     ----

<S>                                                                  <C>      <C>      <C>  
              Weighted average discount rate                         7.50%    5.75%    6.75%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels         6.25%    4.50%    4.75%
              Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets       8.75%    7.00%    7.50%
</TABLE>


         Information regarding the funded status of the Nationwide Insurance
         Enterprise Retirement Plan as a whole as of December 31, 1995
         (post-merger) and the Nationwide Insurance Companies and Affiliates
         Retirement Plan as of December 31, 1995 (pre-merger) and 1994 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Post-merger      Pre-merger                   
                                                                          1995            1995             1994
                                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------

<S>                                                                    <C>               <C>             <C>    
              Accumulated benefit obligation:
                 Vested                                                $ 1,236,730       1,002,079         914,850
                 Nonvested                                                  26,503           8,998           7,570
                                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                                       $ 1,263,233       1,011,077         922,420
                                                                       ===========     ===========     ===========

              Net accrued pension expense:
                 Projected benefit obligation for services rendered
                    to date                                            $ 1,780,616       1,447,522       1,305,547
                 Plan assets at fair value                               1,738,004       1,508,781       1,241,771
                                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------
                    Plan assets (less than) in excess of  projected
                       benefit obligation                                  (42,612)         61,259         (63,776)
                 Unrecognized prior service cost                            42,845          42,850          46,201
                 Unrecognized net (gains) losses                           (63,130)        (86,195)         39,408
                 Unrecognized net obligation (asset) at transition          41,305         (19,841)        (21,994)
                                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                                       $   (21,592)         (1,927)           (161)
                                                                       ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

                                                     


<PAGE>   18

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

         Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Post-merger        Pre-merger
                                                          1995              1995             1994
                                                     --------------    --------------   --------------

<S>                                                      <C>               <C>              <C>  
Weighted average discount rate                           6.00%             6.00%            7.50%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels           4.25%             4.25%            6.25%
</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. Prior
         to the merger, the assets of the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
         Affiliates Retirement Plan were invested in a group annuity contract of
         NLIC.

(11)     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.

         Effective January 1, 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of
         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106 - Employers'
         Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (SFAS 106),
         which requires the accrual method of accounting for postretirement life
         and health care insurance benefits based on actuarially determined
         costs to be recognized over the period from the date of hire to the
         full eligibility date of employees who are expected to qualify for such
         benefits.

         The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
         postretirement benefit obligation as of January 1, 1993. Accordingly, a
         noncash charge of $669 ($435 net of related income tax benefit) was
         recorded in the 1993 statement of income as a cumulative effect of a
         change in accounting principle. See note 3. The adoption of SFAS 106,
         including the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle,
         increased the expense for postretirement benefits by $739 to $761 in
         1993. 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,
         1995 and 1994 was $808 and $771, respectively, and the net periodic
         postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1995 and 1994 was $66 and $119,
         respectively.

         The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended
         December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1995           1994         1993
                                                                                      -----------    ----------   ----------

<S>                                                                                     <C>           <C>          <C>  
              Service cost - benefits attributed to employee service during the year    $  6,235        8,586        7,090
              Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation              14,151       14,011       13,928
              Actual return on plan assets                                                (2,657)      (1,622)        --
              Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates             2,966          568          568
              Net amortization and deferral                                               (1,619)       1,622         --
                                                                                        --------     --------     --------
                                                                                        $ 19,076       23,165       21,586
                                                                                        ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   19

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

         Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole
         as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             1995           1994
                                                                                           ---------     ---------
<S>                                                                                        <C>            <C>
              Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
                 Retirees                                                                  $  88,680        76,677
                 Fully eligible, active plan participants                                     28,793        22,013
                 Other active plan participants                                               90,375        59,089
                                                                                           ---------     ---------
                    Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO)                     207,848       157,779
                 Plan assets at fair value                                                    54,325        49,012
                                                                                           ---------     ---------
                    Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement benefit obligation     (153,523)     (108,767)
                 Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates                              1,827         6,577
                 Unrecognized net gains                                                       (1,038)      (41,497)
                                                                                           ---------     ---------
                                                                                           $(152,734)     (143,687)
                                                                                           =========     =========
</TABLE>


         Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the APBO as of
         December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the NPPBC for 1995, 1994 and 1993 were
         as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1995          1995          1994           1994          1993
                                               APBO          NPPBC         APBO          NPPBC         NPPBC
                                            -----------   -----------   -----------    ----------    ----------

<S>                                         <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>     
Discount rate                                   6.75%            8%            8%             7%            8%
Assumed health care cost trend rate:
    Initial rate                                  11%           10%           11%            12%           14%
    Ultimate rate                                  6%            6%            6%             6%            6%
    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, 1995 by $641 and the NPPBC for the year ended December 31,
         1995 by $107.

(12)     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.

         Ohio law limits the payment of dividends to shareholders. The maximum
         dividend that may be paid by the Company without prior approval of the
         Director of the Department is limited to the greater of statutory gain
         from operations of the preceding calendar year or 10% of statutory
         shareholder's surplus as of the prior December 31. Therefore, $70,034
         of shareholder's equity, as presented in the accompanying financial
         statements, is so restricted as to dividend payments in 1996.


<PAGE>   20

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

(13)     Transactions With Affiliates

         The Company shares home office, other facilities, equipment and common
         management and administrative services with affiliates.

         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 $4,844 and $365 as of December 31, 1995
         and 1994, 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, 1995 were $6,638,
         $6,935 and $10,041, respectively.

(14)     Segment Information

         The Company operates in the long-term savings and life insurance lines
         of business in the life insurance industry. Long-term savings
         operations include both qualified and non-qualified individual annuity
         contracts. Life insurance operations include universal life and
         variable universal life issued to individuals. Corporate primarily
         includes investments, and the related investment income, which are not
         specifically allocated to one of the two operating segments. In
         addition, realized gains and losses on all general account investments
         are reported as a component of the corporate segment.

         During 1995, 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 and cumulative effect of changes in
         accounting principles for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
         1993 and assets as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, by business
         segment.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1995          1994           1993
                                                                            ---------     ---------     ---------

<S>                                                                         <C>             <C>           <C>    
              Revenues:
                   Long-term savings                                        $  50,669        45,234        39,684
                   Life insurance                                                 179           173           187
                   Corporate                                                    2,554         2,910         3,456
                                                                            ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                            $  53,402        48,317        43,327
                                                                            =========     =========     =========

              Income (loss) before Federal income tax expense and
                  cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles:
                   Long-term savings                                            4,514         3,739         2,134
                   Life insurance                                                (387)         (996)       (1,254)
                   Corporate                                                    3,020         2,444         3,456
                                                                            ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                            $   7,147         5,187         4,336
                                                                            =========     =========     =========

              Assets:
                   Long-term savings                                          931,939       789,147       693,915
                   Life insurance                                               2,565         2,393         2,027
                   Corporate                                                   33,078        41,500        30,097
                                                                            ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                            $ 967,582       833,040       726,039
                                                                            =========     =========     =========
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   41



PART C.    OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

              (a)  Financial Statements:                                                             PAGE
              <S>                                                                                      <C>
                   (1)  Financial statements and schedule included                                     10
                        in Prospectus
                        (Part A):
                        Condensed Financial Information

                   (2)  Financial statements and schedule included                                     39
                        in Part B:
                        Those financial statements and schedule
                        required by Item 23 to be included in Part B
                        have been incorporated therein by reference
                        to the Statement of Additional Information
                        (Part A).

              Nationwide VA Separate Account-C:
                   Independent Auditors' Report.                                                       39
                   Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Contract                                       40
                   Owners' Equity as of December 31, 1995.
                   Statements of Operations and Changes in                                             42
                   Contract Owners' Equity for the year ended December 31, 1995 
                   and for the period August 17, 1994 (commencement of operations) 
                   through December 31, 1994.
                   Notes to Financial Statements.                                                      43
                   Schedules of Changes in Unit Value.                                                 45

              Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:
                   Independent Auditors' Report.                                                       47
                   Balance Sheets as of December 31,                                                   48
                   1995 and 1994.
                   Statements of Income for the years ended                                            49
                   December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.
                   Statements of Shareholder's Equity for the                                          50
                   years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
                   1993.
                   Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended                                        51
                   December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.
                   Notes to Financial Statements.                                                      52
</TABLE>
    





                                    67 of 88
<PAGE>   42



   
<TABLE>
<S>          <C>
Item 24.     (b) Exhibits - All applicable Exhibits, as listed below, were included as Exhibits to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to
                 the Registration Statement on Form N-4 of the Nationwide VA Separate Account-C (SEC File No. 33-66496), and are
                 incorporated herein by this reference

                  (1)  Resolution of the Depositor's Board of
                       Directors authorizing the establishment of
                       the Registrant
                  (2)  Not Applicable
                  (3)  Underwriting or Distribution of contracts
                       between the Registrant and Principal
                       Underwriter
                  (4)  The Form of the Variable Annuity Contract
                  (5)  Variable Annuity Application
                  (6)  Articles of Incorporation of Depositor
                  (7)  Not Applicable
                  (8)  Not Applicable
                  (9)  Opinion of Counsel
                 (10)  Not Applicable
                 (11)  Not Applicable
                 (12)  Not Applicable
                 (13)  Performance Advertising Calculation
                       Schedule
</TABLE>
    




                                    68 of 88
<PAGE>   43



Item 25.     DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         NAME AND PRINCIPAL                           POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                          BUSINESS ADDRESS                                WITH DEPOSITOR
                        <S>                                    <C>
                        Lewis J. Alphin                                       Director
                        519 Bethel Church Road
                        Mount Olives, 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
                        Darlington, MD  21034

   
                        D. 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, Ohio  43025

                        C. Ray Noecker                                        Director
                        2770 State Route 674 South
                        Ashville, OH 43103

                        James F. Patterson                                    Director
                        8765 Mulberry Road
                        Chesterland, OH  44026
</TABLE>





                                    69 of 88
<PAGE>   44



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         NAME AND PRINCIPAL                           POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                          BUSINESS ADDRESS                                WITH DEPOSITOR
                        <S>                                     <C>
   
                        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, Ohio  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                           Deferred Compensation
                        Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>





                                    70 of 88
<PAGE>   45



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         NAME AND PRINCIPAL                           POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                          BUSINESS ADDRESS                                WITH DEPOSITOR
                        <S>                                        <C>
                        Matthew S. Easley                                 Vice President -
                        One Nationwide Plaza                       Annuity and Pension Actuarial
                        Columbus, OH  43215

                        Ronald L. Eppley                                  Vice President-
                        One Nationwide Plaza                                  Pensions
                        Columbus, OH  43215

                        Timothy E. Murphy                                 Vice President-
                        One Nationwide Plaza                            Strategic Marketing
                        Columbus, Ohio  43215

                        R. Dennis Noice                                   Vice President-
                        One Nationwide Plaza                       Individual Investment Products
                        Columbus, OH  43215

                        Joseph P. Rath                                    Vice President -
                        One Nationwide Plaza                         Associate General Counsel
                        Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>

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





                                    71 of 88
<PAGE>   46



   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NO. VOTING
                                                                  SECURITIES
                                              STATE               (SEE ATTACHED
                                              OF ORGANIZATION     CHART) UNLESS
         COMPANY                                                  OTHERWISE         PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                  INDICATED
         <S>                                  <C>                                   <C>
         Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc.       Ohio                                  Life Insurance Agency

         Affiliate Agency, Inc.               Delaware                              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 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,    Pennsylvania                          Insurance Broker
         Inc.

         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.

         Companies Agency, Inc.               Wisconsin                             Insurance Broker

         Companies Annuity Agency of Texas,   Texas                                 Insurance Broker
         Inc.

         Countrywide Services Corporation     Delaware                              Products Liability, Investigative and Claims
                                                                                    Management Services
</TABLE>
    





                                    72 of 88
<PAGE>   47



   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NO. VOTING
                                                                  SECURITIES
                                              STATE               (SEE ATTACHED
                                              OF ORGANIZATION     CHART) UNLESS
         COMPANY                                                  OTHERWISE         PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                  INDICATED
     <S> <C>                                  <C>                                   <C>
         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

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

         Financial Horizons Distributors      Ohio                                  Insurance Agency
         Agency of Ohio

         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.

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

         InHealth Agency, Inc.                Ohio                                  Insurance Agency

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

         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         Great Britain                         Insurance Company
         America, Ltd.
</TABLE>
    





                                    73 of 88
<PAGE>   48



   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NO. VOTING
                                                                  SECURITIES
                                              STATE               (SEE ATTACHED
                                              OF ORGANIZATION     CHART) UNLESS
         COMPANY                                                  OTHERWISE         PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                  INDICATED
     <S> <C>                                  <C>                                   <C>
     **  National Premium and Benefit         Delaware                              Insurance Administrative Services
         Administration Company

         Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance    Iowa                                  Insurance Company
         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

         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.  Ohio                                  Registered Broker-Dealer, Investment Manager
                                                                                    and Administrator

         Nationwide General Insurance         Ohio                                  Insurance Company
         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            Ohio                                  Membership Non-Profit Corporation
         Charities, 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          Ohio                                  Life Insurance Company
         Insurance Company

     **  Nationwide Life Insurance Company    Ohio                                  Life Insurance Company

         Nationwide Lloyds                    Texas                                 Texas Lloyds Company
</TABLE>
    





                                    74 of 88
<PAGE>   49



   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NO. VOTING
                                                                  SECURITIES
                                              STATE               (SEE ATTACHED
                                              OF ORGANIZATION     CHART) UNLESS
         COMPANY                                                  OTHERWISE         PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                  INDICATED
     <S> <C>                                  <C>                                   <C>
         Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance     Ohio                                  Insurance Company
         Company

         Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company  Ohio                                  Insurance Company

         Nationwide Property and Casualty     Ohio                                  Insurance Company
         Insurance Company

     **  Nationwide Property Management,      Ohio                                  Owns, leases, manages and deals in Real
         Inc.                                                                       Property

     *   Nationwide Separate Account Trust    Massachusetts                         Investment Company

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services   Wyoming                               Life Insurance Agency
         of Wyoming

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services,  Delaware                              Life Insurance Agency
         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
         Agency, Inc.                                                               Compensation Plans for Public Employees
</TABLE>
    





                                    75 of 88
<PAGE>   50



   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NO. VOTING
                                                                  SECURITIES
                                              STATE               (SEE ATTACHED
                                              OF ORGANIZATION     CHART) UNLESS
         COMPANY                                                  OTHERWISE         PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                  INDICATED
     <S> <C>                                  <C>                                   <C>
         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

         Public Employees Benefit Services    Delaware                              Marketing and Administration of Deferred
         corporation                                                                Employee Compensation Plans for Public
                                                                                    Employees

         Public Employees Benefit Services    Alabama                               Markets and Administers Deferred
         Corporation of Alabama                                                     Compensation Plans for Public Employees

         Public Employees Benefit Services    Arkansas                              Markets and Administers Deferred
         Corporation of Arkansas                                                    Compensation Plans for Public Employees

         Public Employees Benefit Services    Montana                               Markets and Administers Deferred
         Corporation of Montana                                                     Compensation Plans for Public Employees

         Public Employees Benefit Services    New Mexico                            Markets and Administers Deferred
         Corporation of New Mexico                                                  Compensation Plans for Public Employees

         Scottsdale Indemnity Company         Ohio                                  Insurance Company

         Scottsdale Insurance Company         Ohio                                  Insurance Company

         SVM Sales GmbH, Neckura Insurance    Germany                               Sales support for Neckura Insurance Group
         Group

         Wausau Business Insurance Company    Illinois                              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        Wisconsin                             Insurance Company
         Company

     **  West Coast Life Insurance Company    California                            Life Insurance Company
</TABLE>
    





                                    76 of 88
<PAGE>   51



   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                  (SEE ATTACHED CHART) UNLESS
                                              STATE               OTHERWISE INDICATED
                                              OF ORGANIZATION
         COMPANY                                                                                 PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
     <S> <C>                                  <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               Ohio                Nationwide Life Separate       Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                  Account

     *   Nationwide Life Separate Account     Ohio                Nationwide Life Separate       Issuer of Annuity Contracts
         No. 1                                                    Account

     *   Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable       Ohio                Nationwide Life Separate       Issuer of Annuity Contracts
         Account                                                  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          Ohio                Nationwide Life Separate       Issuer of Annuity Contracts
         Variable 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 VL Separate               Ohio                Nationwide Life and Annuity    Issuer of Life Insurance
         Account-A                                                Separate Account               Contracts

     *   Nationwide VLI Separate Account      Ohio                Nationwide Life Separate       Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                  Account                        Contracts

     *   Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2    Ohio                Nationwide Life Separate       Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                  Account                        Contracts

     *   Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3    Ohio                Nationwide Life Separate       Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                  Account                        Contracts
</TABLE>
    





                                    77 of 88
<PAGE>   52




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                        (left side}
 ______________________
| NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |            
| GOLF CHARITIES, INC. |
|                      |
|     MEMBERSHIP       |
|     NONPROFIT        |
|    CORPORATION       |
|______________________|
<S>                                      <C>                                           <C>
 ________________________________________________________________________________________________
|                               EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU                                    |         
|                                    A MUTUAL COMPANY                                            |       
|                                      (EMPLOYERS)                                               |_________________________________
|                         Contribution Note          Cost                                        |_________________________________
|                         -----------------          ----                                        |         
|                         Casualty                   $400,000,000                                |              
|________________________________________________________________________________________________|              
                 |                                    |
    _____________|_________________      _____________|__________________       _____________________       __________________
   |      WAUSAU INSURANCE CO.     |    |        WAUSAU SERVICE          |     |                     |     |                  |
   |        (U.K.) LIMITED         |    |      CORPORATION (WSC)         |     |                     |     |                  |
   |                               |    |                                |     |  NATIONWIDE  LLOYDS |     |    COMPANIES     |
   |  Common Stock:   8,506,800    |    |   Common Stock:   1,000        |     |                     |     |                  |
   |  -------------   Shares       |    |   -------------   Shares       |_____|                     |_____|    AGENCY OF     |
   |                               |    |                                |_____|                     |_____|                  |
   |                  Cost         |    |                   Cost         |     |                     |     |    TEXAS, INC.   |
   |                  ----         |    |                   ----         |     |    A TEXAS LLOYDS   |     |                  |
   |  Employers--                  |    |   Employers--                  |     |                     |     |                  |
   |  100%            $15,683,300  |    |   100%            $106,763,000 |     |                     |     |                  |
   |_______________________________|    |________________________________|     |_____________________|     |__________________|
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |        WAUSAU BUSINESS       |
                                                        |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  10,900,000   |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 -----        |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $21,800,000  |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS    |
                                                        |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  8,750        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                  Cost        |
                                                        |    |                  ----        |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%        $44,560,006 |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       GREATER LA CROSSE      |
                                                        |    |       HEALTH PLANS, INC.     |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  3,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-33.3%      $861,761     |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF ALABAMA, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $100         |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |











                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF KENTUCKY, INC.      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  ------------   Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |     OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.    |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $100         |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |     OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC.   |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF NEW YORK, INC.      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF PHOENIX, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |         OF IDAHO, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |     COUNTRYWIDE SERVICES     |
                                                        |    |          CORPORATION         |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  100          |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $145,852     |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |










                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |         WAUSAU GENERAL       |
                                                        |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  200,000      |                    
                                                        |____|  ------------   Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $31,000,000  |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |     WAUSAU INTERNATIONAL     |
                                                        |    |         UNDERWRITERS         |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $10,000      |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |      INSURANCE SERVICES      |
                                                        |    |        OF CALIFORNIA         |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |____|  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |    |  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |      
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |        AMERICAN MARINE       |
                                                        |    |       UNDERWRITERS, INC.     |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  20           |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $248,222     |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF ILLINOIS, INC.      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  250          |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $2,500       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________      _____________________________
                                                        |    |    COMPANIES AGENCY, INC.    |    |     PENSION ASSOCIATES      |  
                                                        |    |                              |    |       OF WAUSAU, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |    |                             |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  100          |    |  Common Stock:  1,000       |
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |____|  -------------  Shares      |
                                                             |                              |    |                             |
                                                             |                 Cost         |    |  Companies        Cost      |
                                                             |                 ----         |    |  Agency, Inc.     ----      |
                                                             |  WSC-100%       $10,000      |    |  (Wisconsin) --   $10,000   |
                                                             |______________________________|    |  100%                       |  
                                                                                                 |_____________________________|
</TABLE>


                                   78 of 88

<PAGE>   53


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                (right side)
<S>                                         <C>                                  <C>             <C>
                                                                                            _________________________________
                                                                                           |                                 |
                                                                                           |       NATIONWIDE INSURANCE      |
                                                                                           |      ENTERPRISE FOUNDATION      |
                                                                                           |                                 | 
                                                                                           |            MEMBERSHIP           |
                                                                                           |            NONPROFIT            |
                                                                                           |           CORPORATION           |
                                                                                           |_________________________________|      
                                                       
    _________________________________________                                               ___________________________
   |                                         |                                             |                           |
___|           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL             |_____________________________________________|     NATIONWIDE MUTUAL     |
___|           INSURANCE COMPANY             |_____________________________________________|  FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY   |
   |              (CASUALTY)                 |                                             |          (FIRE)           |
   |_________________________________________|                                             |___________________________|        
                  |                 ||  |________________________________________________________________        |
                  |                 ||  |                                                                |       |
    ______________|_______________  ||  |    _____________________________                  _____________|_______|______________
   |                              | ||  |   |                             |                |                                    |
   |      ALLNATIONS, INC.        | ||  |   |      NATIONWIDE GENERAL     |                |            NATIONWIDE              |
   |                              | ||  |   |      INSURANCE COMPANY      |                |            CORPORATION             |
   | Common Stock:  2,936         | ||  |   |                             |                |                                    |
   | -------------  Shares        | ||  |   | Common Stock: 20,000 Shares |                | Common Stock:           Control    |
   |                   Cost       | ||  |___| -------------               |                | -------------           -------    |
   |                   ----       | ||  |   |                             |                | $13,642,432             100%       |
   | Casualty-26%     $88,320     | ||  |   |                Cost         |                |                                    |
   | Fire-26%         $88,463     | ||  |   |                ----         |                |          Shares      Cost          |
   | Preferred Stock: 1,466 Shares| ||  |   | Casualty-100%    $5,944,422 |                |          -----       ----          | 
   | ----------------             | ||  |   |_____________________________|                |  Casualty  12,992,922 $751,352,485 |
   |                  Cost        | ||  |                                                  |  Fire         649,510   24,007,936 |
   |                  ----        | ||  |                                                  |                                    | 
   | Casualty-6.8%    $100,000    | ||  |                                                  |           (See Page 2)             |
   | Fire-6.8%        $100,000    | ||  |                                                  |____________________________________|
   |______________________________| ||  |                                                  
                                    ||  |                                                 
    _________________________       ||  |    _____________________________  
   |                         |      ||  |   |                             |
   |      FARMLAND MUTUAL    |      ||  |   |     NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     |                  
   |     INSURANCE COMPANY   |      ||  |   |        AND CASUALTY         |                  
   |                         |      ||  |   |      INSURANCE COMPANY      |
   | Guaranty Fund           |______||  |   |                             |
   | -------------           |_______|  |   | Common Stock: 60,000 Shares |
   | Certificate             |          |   | -------------               |
   | -----------             |          |   |                   Cost      |
   |                         |          |   |                   ----      |
   |                Cost     |          |   | Casualty-100%    $6,000,000 |
   |                ----     |          |   |_____________________________|
   | Casualty       $500,000 |          |   
   |_________________________|          |    _____________________________
                   |                    |   |                             |
                   |                    |   |      COLONIAL INSURANCE     |
    _______________|___________         |   |    COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA    |     
   |          F & B, INC.      |        |   |         (COLONIAL)          |
   |                           |        |   |                             |
   | Common Stock:    1 Share  |        |___| Common Stock: 1,750 Shares  |
   | -------------             |        |   | -------------               |
   |                           |        |   |                 Cost        |
   |                   Cost    |        |   |                 ----        |
   |                   ----    |        |   | Casualty-100%   $11,750,000 |
   | Farmland Mutual-  $10     |        |   |_____________________________|
   | 100%                      |        |
   |___________________________|        |    _____________________________        __________________________ 
        ____________________________    |   |                             |      |                          |
       |                            |   |   |         SCOTTSDALE          |      |    NATIONAL PREMIUM &    | 
       |   NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS  |   |   |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |      |  BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION  |
       |     INSURANCE COMPANY      |   |   |                             |      |         COMPANY          |
       |                            |   |   | Common Stock: 30,136 Shares |      |                          |
       | Common Stock:  1,000,000   |___|___| -------------               |______| Common Stock: 10,000     |
       | -------------  Shares      |   |   |                             |      | ------------  Shares     |
       |                            |   |   |                Cost         |      |                          | 
       |                            |   |   |                ----         |      |                   Cost   |
       |                            |   |   | Casualty-100%  $150,000,000 |      |                   ----   |                    
       | Casualty-99.9% $26,714,335 |   |   |_____________________________|      | Scottsdale-100%  $10,000 |
       |                            |   |                                        |__________________________|
       | Other Capital:             |   |
       | --------------             |   |
       | Casualty-Ptd.  $   713,567 |   |
       |____________________________|   |
                                        |       
                                              
                                             
                                              



                                                 
                                           
                                              
                                             
                                             
                                                                 
                                             
                                                                                                                                   






                                        |
                                        |
                                        | 
                                        |    _____________________________                       ______________________________
                                        |   |      NECKURA HOLDING        |                     |           NECKURA            |
                                        |   |     COMPANY (NECKURA)       |                     |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |
                                        |   |                             |                     |                              |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 10,000 Shares |                     | Common Stock: 6,000 Shares   |
                                        |___| -------------               |_____________________| -------------                |
                                        |   |                             |               |     |                              |
                                        |   |                 Cost        |               |     |               Cost           |
                                        |   |                 ---         |               |     |               ----           |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%   $87,943,140 |               |     | Neckura-100%  DM 6,000,000   |
                                        |   |_____________________________|               |     |______________________________|   
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |        NECKURA LIFE         |
                                        |                                                 |     |      INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 4,000 Shares  |
                                        |                                                 |_____| -------------               |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |                  Cost       |
                                        |                                                 |     |                  ----       |
                                        |                                                 |     | Neckura-100%  DM 15,825,681 |   
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |      NECKURA GENERAL        |
                                        |                                                 |     |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 1,500 Shares  |
                                        |                                                 |_____| ------------                |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |               Cost          |
                                        |                                                 |     |               ----          |
                                        |                                                 |     | Neckura-100%  DM 1,656,925  |
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 | 
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |      COLUMBUS INSURANCE     |
                                        |                                                 |     |    BROKERAGE AND SERVICE    |
                                        |                                                 |     |            GmbH             |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 1 Share       |
                                        |                                                 |_____| -------------               |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |                Cost         |
                                        |                                                 |     |                -----        |
                                        |                                                 |     |  Neckura-100%   DM 51,639   |
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |        AUTO DIREKT          |
                                        |                                                 |     |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 1,500 Shares  |
                                        |                                                 |     | -------------               |
                                        |                                                 |_____|                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |               Cost          |
                                        |                                                 |     |               ----          |
                                        |                                                 |     | Neckura-100%  DM 1,643,149  |
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |    _____________________________                |      ____________________________
                                        |   |          NATIONWIDE         |               |     |         SVM SALES          |
                                        |   |    DEVELOPMENT COMPANY      |               |     |           GmbH             |
                                        |   |                             |               |     |                            |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 99,000 Shares |               |     | Common Stock: 50 Shares    |
                                        |   | -------------               |               |_____| -------------              |
                                        |   |                             |                     |                            |
                                        |___|                Cost         |                     |              Cost          |
                                        |   |                ---          |                     |              ----          |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $15,100,000  |                     | Neckura-100%  DM 50,000    |
                                        |   | Other Capital:              |                     |____________________________|
                                        |   | --------------              |
                                        |   | Casualty-Ptd.  $ 2,796,100  | 
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |


















                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |          SCOTTSDALE         |
                                        |   |      INDEMNITY COMPANY      |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |___| Common Stock: 50,000 Shares |
                                        |   | -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $8,800,000   |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        | 
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |         NATIONWIDE          |
                                        |   |     INDEMNITY COMPANY       |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 28,000 Shares |
                                        |___| -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $294,529,000 |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________        __________________________
                                        |   |          LONE STAR          |      |   COLONIAL COUNTY MUTUAL |
                                        |   |     GENERAL AGENCY, INC.    |      |     INSURANCE COMPANY    |
                                        |   |                             |      |                          |
                                        |   | Common Stock:  1,000 Shares |______| Surplus Debentures:      |
                                        |___| -------------               |______| -------------------      |
                                        |   |                             |      |                          |
                                        |   |                Cost         |      |          Cost            |
                                        |   |                ----         |      |          ----            |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $5,000,000   |      | Colonial $500,000        |
                                        |   |_____________________________|      | Lone Star 150,000        |
                                        |                                        |__________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |         NATIONWIDE          |
                                        |   |      COMMUNITY URBAN        |
                                        |   |       REDEVELOPMENT         |
                                        |   |        CORPORATION          |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 10 Shares     |
                                        |___| -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $1,000       |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |         INSURANCE           |
                                        |   |    INTERMEDIARIES, INC.     |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 1,615 Shares  |
                                        |___| -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $1,615,000   |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |      NATIONWIDE CASH        |
                                        |   |    MANAGEMENT COMPANY       |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 100 Shares    |
                                        |   | -------------               |
                                        |___|                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-90%   $9,000       |
                                        |   | NW Fin Serv-    1,000       |
                                        |   | 10%                         | 
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________  
                                        |   |       CALIFORNIA CASH       | 
                                        |   |     MANAGEMENT COMPANY      | 
                                        |   |                             | 
                                        |   | Common Stock:  90 Shares    | 
                                        |___| -------------               | 
                                        |   |                             | 
                                        |   |                Cost         | 
                                        |   |                ----         | 
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $9,000       | 
                                        |   |_____________________________|        
                                        |                                   
                                                                           











                                        |                                   
                                        |    _____________________________       __________________________
                                        |   |          NATIONWIDE         |     |       THE BEAK AND       |
                                        |   |     COMMUNICATIONS, INC.    |     |     WIRE CORPORATION     |
                                        |   |                             |     |                          |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 14,750 Shares |     | Common Stock: 750 Shares |
                                        |___| -------------               |_____| -------------            |
                                            |                             |     |                          |
                                            |                Cost         |     |           Cost           |
                                            |                ----         |     |           ----           |
                                            | Casualty-100%  $11,510,000  |     | NW Comm-  $531,000       |
                                            |                             |     | 100%                     |
                                            | Other Capital:              |     |__________________________|
                                            | --------------              |
                                            | Casualty-Ptd.     1,000,000 |
                                            |_____________________________|
    

<FN>
                                                                                          Subsidiary Companies     - Solid Line
                                                                                          Contractual Association  - Double Line

                                                                                                          December 31, 1995
</TABLE>



                                   79 of 88
<PAGE>   54
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                           (left side)
<S>                                       <C>                                            <C>
                                           _______________________________________
                                          |                                       |
                                          |          EMPLOYERS INSURANCE          |___________________________________________
                                          |              OF WAUSAU                |___________________________________________
                                          |           A MUTUAL COMPANY            |
                                          |_______________________________________|













                                                                                                        __________________________
                                                                                                       |
                                                                                           ____________|_________________
                                                                                          |   NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE  |
                                                                                          |      COMPANY (NW LIFE)       |
                                                                                          |Common Stock: 3,814,779 Shares|
                                                                                          | -------------                |
                                                                                          |                              |
                                                                                          | NW Corp.-    Cost            |
                                                                                          | 100%         ----            |
                                                                                          |              $950,226,915    |
                                                                                          |______________________________|
                     _________________________________________________________________________________| 
        ____________|_____________               ___________|_______________       |        ______________________________       
       |        NATIONWIDE        |             |     NATIONAL CASUALTY     |      |       |      NATIONWIDE LIFE AND     |
       | FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. |             |       COMPANY (NC)        |      |       |   ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY  |
       |     (NW FIN. SERV.)      |             | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |      |       |                              |
 ______|Common Stock: 7,676 Shares|             | -------------             |      |       | Common Stock: 66,000 Shares  |
 | ____|-------------             |             |                           |      |_______| -------------                |
 | |   |               Cost       |             |               Cost        |      |       | NW Life-       Cost          |
 | |   |               ----       |             |               ----        |      |       | 100%           ----          |
 | |   | NW Life-100% $5,996,261  |             | NW Life-100%  $66,132,811 |      |       |               $58,070,003    |
 | |   |__________________________|             |___________________________|      |       |______________________________|
 | |    __________________________               ___________|_______________       |        ________________________________ 
 | |   |         NATIONWIDE       |             |                           |      |       |        WEST COAST LIFE         |   
 | |   |  INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. |             |                           |      |       |       INSURANCE COMPANY        |
 | |   |  Common Stock: 5 Shares  |             |   NCC OF AMERICA, INC.    |      |       | Common Stock:  1,000,000 Shares|
 | |___|  -------------           |             |         (INACTIVE)        |      |_______| -------------                  |
 | |   |  NW Fin. Serv.-100%      |             |                           |      |       |                                |
 | |   |                  Cost    |             |          NC-100%          |      |       |                     Cost       |
 | |   |                  ----    |             |                           |      |       |                     ----       |
 | |   |                  $5,000  |             |                           |      |       | NW Life-100%    $133,809,265   |
 | |   |__________________________|             |___________________________|      |       |________________________________|
 | |    __________________________               ______________________________    |        ____________________________  
 | |   |        NATIONWIDE        |            | EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE CO. |    |       |   NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     | 
 | |   |        INVESTING         |            |     OF WAUSAU (ELIOW)        |    |       |    MANAGEMENT, INC.       | 
 | |   |        FOUNDATION        |            |                              |    |       | Common Stock: 59 Shares   | 
 | |___|                          |      ______| Common Stock: 250,000 Shares |____|_______| ------------              | 
 |  ___|                          |      |     | -------------  Cost          |    |       |                 Cost      | 
 | |   |                          |      |     |                ----          |    |       |                 ----      |
 | |   |                          |      |     | NW Life-100%   $155,000,000  |    |       |  NW Life-100%  $1,907,896 |
 | |   |   COMMON LAW TRUST       |      |     |______________________________|    |       |__________________________ |
 | |   |__________________________|      |                                         |                  |               
 | |                                     |       _____________________________     |        __________|_______________ 
 | |    __________________________       |      |       WAUSAU PREFERRED      |    |       |   MRM INVESTMENTS, INC.   |
 | |   |        NATIONWIDE        |      |      |     HEALTH INSURANCE CO.    |    |       |                           |
 | |   |        INVESTING         |      |      |                             |    |       | Common Stock: 1 Share     |
 | |___|        FOUNDATION II     |      |______| Common Stock: 200 Shares    |    |       | ------------              |
 |  ___|                          |      |      | -------------               |    |       |                           |
 | |   |                          |      |      |                  Cost       |    |       |                 Cost      |
 | |   |                          |      |      |                  ----       |    |       |  Nat. Prop.     ----      |
 | |   |    COMMON LAW TRUST      |      |      |  ELIOW -- 100%  $57,413,193 |    |       |  Mgmt.-100%    $550,000   |
 | |   |__________________________|      |      |_____________________________|    |       |___________________________|
 | |                                     |                                         |                                  
 | |                                     |       _____________________________     |       ___________________________ 
 | |    __________________________       |      |    KEY HEALTH PLAN, INC.    |    |      |          NWE, INC.        |
 | |   |       NATIONWIDE         |      |      |                             |    |      |                           |
 | |   |    SEPARATE ACCOUNT      |      |______| Common Stock:  1,000 Shares |    |______| Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
 | |   |          TRUST           |             | -------------               |           | ------------              |
 | |___|                          |             |                  Cost       |           |                 Cost      | 
 |  ___|                          |             |                  ----       |           |                 ----      | 
 | |   |    COMMON LAW TRUST      |             | ELIOW-80%        $2,700,000 |           |  NW Life-100% $35,971,375 | 
 | |   |                          |             |_____________________________|           |___________________________| 
 | |   |__________________________|                                                                                     
 | |                                                                                      
 | |    __________________________                                                                
 | |   |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |                                           
 | |   |    INVESTMENT TRUST      |    
 | |___|                          |    
 |_____|                          |    
       |    COMMON LAW TRUST      |    
       |__________________________|    
</TABLE>                                                                       
                                                 

                                   80 of 88
<PAGE>   55

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                           (middle)

<S>                              <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 |
                                 |_____________________________________|
                                                    |
____________________________________________________|______________________________________________________________________________
                   |                                                    |                                          |
        ___________|_________________                      _____________|_____________                 ____________|______________
       | PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT     |                   |      GATES, McDONALD      |               |    NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL   |
       |SERVICES CORPORATION (PEBSCO) |                   |      & COMPANY (GATES)    |               |  INSTITUTION DISTRIBUTORS |
 ______| Common Stock: 236,494 Shares |                   | Common Stock: 254 Shares  |               |      AGENCY, INC. (NFIDAI)|
|  ____| -------------                |                   | -------------             |___       _____| Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|
| |    |               Cost           |                   |                           |   |     |  ___| -------------             |
| |    | NW Corp.-     ----           |                   |               Cost        |   |     | |   |               Cost        |
| |    | 100%          $ 7,830,936    |                   |               ----        |   |     | |   | NW Corp.      ----        |
| |    |______________________________|                   | NW Corp.-     $25,683,532 |   |     | |   | 100%          $19,501,000 |
| |                                                       | 100%                      |   |     | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                       |___________________________|   |     | |
| |                                                                                       |     | |
| |                                                        ___________________________    |     | |                                
| |     ____________________________                      |  GATES, McDONALD & COMPANY|   |     | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |     PEBSCO SECURITIES      |                     |     OF NEW YORK, INC.     |   |     | |   |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
| |    |           CORP.            |                     | Common Stock: 3 Shares    |   |     | |   |     DISTRIBUTORS AGY.     |
| |____| Common Stock: 5,000 Shares |                     | -------------             |___|     | |   |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |
| |    | -------------              |                     |                           |   |     | |___|Common Stock: 10,000 Shares|
| |    |                  Cost      |                     |                Cost       |   |     | |   |-----------                |
| |    |                  ----      |                     |                ----       |   |     | |   |               Cost        |
| |    |     PEBSCO-100%  $25,000   |                     | Gates-100%     $106,947   |   |     | |   |               ----        |
| |    |____________________________|                     |                           |   |     | |   | NFIDAI-100%    $100       |
| |                                                       |___________________________|   |     | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                                                       |     | |                                
| |                                                                                       |     | |                                
| |                                                        ___________________________    |     | |                                
| |     ____________________________                      |  GATES, McDONALD & COMPANY|   |     | |                                
| |    |          PEBSCO OF         |                     |         OF NEVADA         |   |     | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |           ALABAMA          |                     |                           |   |     | |   |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |
| |    |Common Stock: 100,000 Shares|                     |   Common Stock: 40 Shares |___|     | |   |        SERVICES OF        |
| |____|-------------               |                     |                           |         | |   |       NEW YORK, INC.      |
| |    |                   Cost     |                     |   Gates-100%    Cost      |         | |___|Common Stock: 10,000 Shares|
| |    |                   ----     |                     |                 ----      |         | |   |-------------              |
| |    |  PEBSCO-100%      $1,000   |                     |                 $93,750   |         | |   |               Cost        |
| |    |____________________________|                     |___________________________|         | |   |               ----        |
| |                                                                                             | |   | NFIDAI-100%    $10,100    |
| |                                                                                             | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ____________________________                                                            | |                                
| |    |         PEBSCO OF          |                                                           | |                                
| |    |         ARKANSAS           |                                                           | |    ___________________________ 
| |    | Common Stock: 50,000 Shares|                                                           | |   |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
| |____| -------------              |                                                           | |   |      SECURITIES CORP.     |
| |    |                  Cost      |                           ________________________________|_|___|Common Stock: 10,000 Shares|
| |    |                  ----      |                          |  AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.   |    | |   |-------------              |
| |    | PEBSCO-100%      $500      |                          |                           |    | |   |               Cost        |
| |    |____________________________|                          |  Common Stock: 100 Shares |    | |   |               ----        |
| |                                                            |                           |    | |   | NFIDAI-100%   $153,000    |
| |                                                            |   NFIDAI-100%   Cost      |    | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                            |                 ----      |    | |                                
| |     ___________________________                            |                 $100      |    | |                                
| |    | PEBSCO OF MASSACHUSETTS   |                           |___________________________|    | |                                
| |    |  INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.   |                                                            | |    ___________________________ 
| |____| Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|                                                            | |   |                           |
| |    | -------------             |                                                            | |   |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| |    |                   Cost    |                                                            | |___|        DISTRIBUTORS       |
| |    |                   ----    |                                                            |  ___|       AGENCY OF OHIO,     |
| |    | PEBSCO-100%      $1,000   |                                                            | |   |            INC.           |
| |    |___________________________|                                                            | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |                                                                                             | |                                












| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |         PEBSCO OF         |                                                            | |   |                           |
| |    |         MONTANA           |                                                            | |___|     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| |____| Common Stock: 500 Shares  |                                                            |  ___|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |
| |    | -------------             |                                                            | |   |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.     |
| |    |                  Cost     |                                                            | |   |___________________________|
| |    |                  ----     |                                                            | |                              
| |    | PEBSCO-100%      $500     |                                                            | |                           
| |    |___________________________|                                                            | |                           
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |                                
| |    |         PEBSCO OF         |                                                            | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |         NEW MEXICO        |                                                            | |   |                           |
| |    |                           |                                                            | |___|    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
| |____|Common Stock: 1,000 Shares |                                                            |  ___|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |
| |    |-------------              |                                                            | |   |       OF TEXAS, INC.      |
| |    |                   Cost    |                                                            | |   |___________________________|
| |    |                   -----   |                                                            | |                                
| |    | PEBSCO-100%      $1,000   |                                                            | |                                
| |    |___________________________|                                                            | |    ___________________________ 
| |                                                                                             | |   |                           |
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |___|         AFFILIATE         |
| |____|                           |                                                            |_____|         AGENCY OF         |
|______|         PEBSCO OF         |                                                                  |         OHIO, INC.        |
       |        TEXAS, INC.        |                                                                  |                           |
       |___________________________|                                                                  |___________________________|
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
</TABLE>
                                                    

                                   81 of 88
<PAGE>   56
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                           (right side)
<S>                     <C>                             <C>                                      
                       _______________________________________
                      |                                       |
______________________|          NATIONWIDE MUTUAL            |
______________________|        FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY         |
                      |               (FIRE)                  |
                      |_______________________________________|
________________________________________|                                                  










                                                    
____________________________________________________________________
                        |                        |                  |
           _____________|_____________           |      ____________|______________
          |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     |    NATIONWIDE HMO, INC.   |
          |  INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.  |          |     |         (NW HMO)          |
          |           (NEA)           |          |     | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
   _______| Common Stock: 500 Shares  |          |_____| ------------              |
  |  _____| -------------             |          |     |               Cost        |
  | |     |               Cost        |          |     |               ----        |
  | |     | NW Corp.-     ----        |          |     | NW Corp.-                 |
  | |     | 100%          $5,000      |          |     | 100%          $14,603,732 |
  | |     |___________________________|          |     |___________________________|
  | |                                            |                   
  | |      ___________________________           |      ___________________________ 
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     |    INHEALTH MANAGEMENT    |
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          |     |       SYSTEMS, INC.       |
  | |_____|      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |          |     | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
  | |     | Common Stock: 500 Shares  |          |_____| -------------             |
  | |     | -------------             |          |     |                           |
  | |     |               Cost        |          |     |               Cost        |
  | |     |               ----        |          |     | NW HMO        ----        |
  | |     | NEA-100%      $5,000      |          |     | INC.-100%   $25,149       |
  | |     |___________________________|          |     |___________________________|
  | |                                            |                                  
  | |      ___________________________           |      ___________________________ 
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     |         INHEALTH          |
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          |     |        AGENCY, INC.       |
  | |     |      OF MONTANA, INC.     |          |     | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
  | |_____| Common Stock: 500 Shares  |          |_____| -------------             |
  | |     | -------------             |                |               Cost        |
  | |     |               Cost        |                | NW HMO        ----        |
  | |     |               -----       |                | INC.-99%   $116,077       |
  | |     | NEA-100%      $500        |                |___________________________|
  | |     |___________________________|          
  | |                                            
  | |      ___________________________           
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          
  | |_____|       OF NEVADA, INC.     |          
  | |     | Common Stock:  500 Shares |          
  | |     | -------------  Cost       |          
  | |     |                ----       |          
  | |     | NEA-100%       $500       |          
  | |     |___________________________|          
  | |                                            
  | |      ___________________________           
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          
  | |_____|        OF OHIO, INC.      |          
  | |     | Common Stock:  100 Shares |          
  | |     | -------------  Cost       |          
  | |     |                ----       |          
  | |     | NEA-91%        $5,000     |          
  | |     |___________________________|          
  | |                                            
  | |      ___________________________           
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          
  | |_____|      OF WYOMING, INC.     |          
  | |     | Common Stock:  500 Shares |          
  | |     | -------------  Cost       |          
  | |     |                ----       |          
  | |     | NEA-100%       $500       |          
  | |     |___________________________|          
  | |                                            
  | |      ___________________________           
  | |     |                           |          
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          
  | |_____|     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          
  | |     |       OF TEXAS, INC.      |          
  | |     |                           |          
  | |     |___________________________|          









  | |                                                               
  | |      ___________________________        
  | |     |                           |       
  | |_____|      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |       
  |_______|     INVESTOR SERVICES     |       
          |      OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |       
          |                           |       
          |___________________________|       
                                              






Subsidiary Companies     --  Solid Line
Contractual Association  --  Double Line

December 31, 1995
                                    Page 2

</TABLE>


                                   82 of 88

<PAGE>   57



Item 27.     NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS
   

             The number of Contract Owners of Qualified and Non-Qualified
             Contracts as of February 22, 1996 was 850 and 1,204, respectively.
    

Item 28.     INDEMNIFICATION

             Provision is made in the Company's Amended 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 Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS") acts as general
                   distributor for the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account,
                   Nationwide DC Variable Account, Nationwide Variable
                   Account-II, Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide
                   Variable Account-6, Nationwide Variable Account-8,
                   Nationwide VA Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate
                   Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate Account-C, Nationwide VL
                   Separate Account-A, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2,
                   Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3, NACo Variable Account and
                   the Nationwide Variable Account, all of which are separate
                   investment accounts of the Company or its affiliates.

                   NFS also acts as principal underwriter for the Nationwide
                   Investing Foundation, Nationwide Separate Account Trust,
                   Financial Horizons Investment Trust, and Nationwide
                   Investing Foundation II, which are open-end management
                   investment companies.

  (b)                NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
 NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                                   WITH UNDERWRITER
 <S>                                                         <C>
 Joseph J. Gasper                                            President and Director
 One Nationwide Plaza
 Columbus, Ohio  43215

 D. 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                                         Executive Vice President-Law and
 One Nationwide Plaza                                        Corporate Services and Director
 Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>





                                    83 of 88
<PAGE>   58



      (b)            NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

   
<TABLE>
 <S>                                                          <C>
 Robert A. Oakley                                             Executive Vice President - Chief Financial
 One Nationwide Plaza                                                    Officer and Director
 Columbus, Ohio  43215

 Robert J. Woodward                                                Executive Vice President - Chief
 One Nationwide Plaza                                               Investment Officer and Director
 Columbus, Ohio 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 and General
 One Nationwide Plaza                                                          Manager
 Columbus, OH  43215
    

 Peter J. Neckermann                                                        Vice President
 One Nationwide Plaza
 Columbus, OH  43215

 Harry S. Schermer                                                   Vice President - Investments
 One Nationwide Plaza
 Columbus, OH  43215

 Rae I. Mercer                                                                Secretary
 One Nationwide Plaza
 Columbus, OH  43215

   
 William G. Goslee                                                            Treasurer
 One Nationwide Plaza
 Columbus, Ohio  43215
</TABLE>
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(c)      NAME OF       NET UNDERWRITING         COMPENSATION ON
         PRINCIPAL        DISCOUNTS AND          REDEMPTION OR            BROKERAGE
       UNDERWRITER        COMMISSIONS            ANNUITIZATION           COMMISSIONS             COMPENSATION
       -----------        -----------            -------------           -----------             ------------
         <S>                    <C>                   <C>                      <C>                    <C>
         Nationwide
          Financial             N/A                   N/A                      N/A                    N/A
          Services,
            Inc.
</TABLE>





                                    84 of 88
<PAGE>   59



Item 30.     LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

   
             Robert O. Cline
             Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
             One Nationwide Plaza
             Columbus, OH  43216
    

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 post card 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.





                                    85 of 88
<PAGE>   60



                     Offered by Nationwide Life and Annuity
                               Insurance Company



                          NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY
                               INSURANCE COMPANY





                        Nationwide VA Separate Account-C

                 Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts





                                   PROSPECTUS



   
                                  May 1, 1996
    





                                    86 of 88
<PAGE>   61



                              ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT

   
The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
 (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company) and
Contract Owners of Nationwide VA Separate Account-C
 (formerly Financial Horizons VA Separate Account-3):




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 26, 1996
    





                                    87 of 88
<PAGE>   62



                                   SIGNATURES

   
      As required by the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act
of 1940, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C certifies that it
meets the requirements of Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of the
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 26th
day of April, 1996.

                                          NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
                                        -------------------------------------
                                                   (Registrant)

                                        NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE 
                                                     COMPANY
                                        -------------------------------------
                                                   (Depositor)


                                              By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
                                        -------------------------------------
                                                   Joseph P. Rath
                                        Vice President and Associate General
                                                      Counsel

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 26th
day of April, 1996.



<TABLE>
  SIGNATURE                                            TITLE    
<CAPTION>                                                       
<S>                                     <C>        
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


D. RICHARD MCFERSON                     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-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
                                                               
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
</TABLE>
    





                                    88 of 88
<PAGE>   63
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned as directors
and/or officers of NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY, an Ohio
corporation, which has filed or will file with the 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 the Nationwide VA Separate Account-A, the Nationwide VA Separate Account-B,
the Nationwide VA Separate Account-C and the 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 the Nationwide Multiple Maturity Separate
Account-A; and the registration of variable life insurance policies in
connection with the Nationwide VL Separate Account-A of Nationwide Life and
Annuity Insurance Company, hereby constitutes and appoints D. Richard McFerson,
Joseph J. Gasper, Gordon E. McCutchan, W. Sidney Druen, 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
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 4th day of April, 1996.

<TABLE>
<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, JR.
- ------------------------------------------------------           /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 and Director                             Robert L. Stewart, Director

/s/ HENRY S. HOLLOWAY                                            /s/ NANCY C. THOMAS
- ------------------------------------------------------           ------------------------------------------------------
Henry S. Holloway, Chairman of the Board, Director               Nancy C. Thomas, Director

/s/ D. RICHARD MCFERSON                                          /s/ HAROLD W. WEIHL
- ------------------------------------------------------           ------------------------------------------------------
D. Richard McFerson, Chairman and                                Harold W. Weihl, Director
Chief Executive Officer-Nationwide 
Insurance Enterprise and Director
 
</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission