NATIONWIDE LIFE & ANNUITY VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
485BPOS, 1997-04-28
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<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. 5       [X]
    
                                       and
                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
   
                               Amendment No. 7              [X]
    

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

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                               (Name of Depositor)

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

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

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

      This Post-Effective amendment amends the Registration Statement in respect
of the Prospectus, 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, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
    

[_]   60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485

[_]   on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485

[_]   this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
      previously filed post-effective amendment.

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

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


                                    1 of 93                      REDLINED
<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

N-4 Item                                                                    Page
Part A    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
    Item   1.   Cover page....................................................3
    Item   2.   Definitions...................................................4
    Item   3.   Synopsis or Highlights.......................................10
    Item   4.   Condensed Financial Information..............................11
    Item   5.   General Description of Registrant, Depositor, 
                  and Portfolio Companies....................................13
    Item   6.   Deductions and Expenses......................................15
    Item   7.   General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts............17
    Item   8.   Annuity Period...............................................24
    Item   9.   Death Benefit and Distributions..............................24
    Item  10.   Purchases and Contract Value.................................16
    Item  11.   Redemptions..................................................20
    Item  12.   Taxes........................................................29
    Item  13.   Legal Proceedings............................................35
    Item  14.   Table of Contents of the Statement of 
                  Additional Information.....................................35

Part B   INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    Item  15.   Cover Page...................................................38
    Item  16.   Table of Contents............................................38
    Item  17.   General Information and History..............................38
    Item  18.   Services.....................................................38
    Item  19.   Purchase of Securities Being Offered.........................39
    Item  20.   Underwriters.................................................39
    Item  21.   Calculation of Performance Information.......................39
    Item  22.   Annuity Payments.............................................41
    Item  23.   Financial Statements.........................................42

Part C   OTHER INFORMATION
    Item  24.   Financial Statements and Exhibits............................74
    Item  25.   Directors and Officers of the Depositor......................76
    Item  26.   Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control 
                  with the Depositor or Registrant...........................78
    Item  27.   Number of Contract Owners....................................87
    Item  28.   Indemnification..............................................87
    Item  29.   Principal Underwriter........................................87
    Item  30.   Location of Accounts and Records.............................89
    Item  31.   Management Services..........................................89
    Item  32.   Undertakings.................................................90


                                    2 of 93
<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 NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY THROUGH ITS
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

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

      Purchase Payments are allocated to the Nationwide VA Separate Account-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
                           -Growth Opportunities Fund
                           -Large 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,
1997, 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, 1997, IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 33 OF THE PROSPECTUS.

                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1997.
    


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                                    3 of 93
<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 may be changed prior to the Annuitization Date with the prior
consent of the Company. This person must be age 85 or younger at the time of
Contract issuance, unless the Company has approved a request for an Annuitant of
greater age. 
    

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 Annuitant. 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 Annuitant.

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,
Annuitant, Contingent Annuitant, Beneficiary, Contingent Beneficiary, Annuity
Payment Option, and Annuity Commencement Date. The Contract Owner is the person
named as Owner in the application unless changed.
    

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

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

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

Death Benefit-The benefit payable upon the death of the Annuitant. This benefit
does not apply upon the death of the Contract Owner when the Owner and 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.

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

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

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


                                       2


                                    4 of 93
<PAGE>   5

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. If a Joint Owner is named, references
to "Contract Owner", "Owner", or "Joint Owner" in this prospectus will apply to
both the Owner and Joint Owner or either of them.
    

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 and 403(a) (Qualified Plans), 408 (Individual
Retirement Annuities) 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 issued to fund a Qualified Plan.

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

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

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

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

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

Valuation Period-The period of time commencing at the close of 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 are not predetermined
or guaranteed as to dollar amount and which vary in amount with the investment
experience of the Variable Account.
    


                                       3


                                    5 of 93
<PAGE>   6

                                Table of Contents

GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS.....................................................2
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES..................................................6
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES........................................6
SYNOPSIS......................................................................8
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION...............................................9
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY................................11
   
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.........................................................11
           Underlying Mutual Fund Options....................................11
           Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund.........................11
           Nationwide Separate Account Trust.................................12
           The One(R) Group Investment Trust.................................12
           Voting Rights.....................................................13
           Substitution of Securities........................................13
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS................................13
           Expenses of the Variable Account..................................13
           Mortality Risk Charge.............................................13
           Expense Risk Charge...............................................13
           Administration Charge.............................................14
           Contingent Deferred Sales Charge..................................14
           Waiver of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge....................14
           Premium Taxes.....................................................15
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT....................................................15
           Investments of the Variable Account...............................15
           Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value................16
           Value of an Accumulation Unit.....................................16
           Net Investment Factor.............................................16
           Valuation of Assets...............................................17
           Determining the Contract Value....................................17
           Right to Revoke...................................................17
           Transfers.........................................................17
           Contract Ownership Provisions.....................................18
           Joint Ownership Provisions........................................18
           Beneficiary Provisions............................................18
           Surrender (Redemption)............................................18
           Surrenders Under a Qualified Contract or Tax-Sheltered 
             Annuity Contract................................................19
           Loan Privilege....................................................20
           Assignment........................................................21
           Contract Owner Services...........................................21
             Asset Rebalancing...............................................21
             Dollar Cost Averaging...........................................21
             Systematic Withdrawals..........................................22
ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD, DEATH BENEFIT, AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS...............22
           Annuity Commencement Date.........................................22
           Change in Annuity Commencement Date...............................22
           Annuity Payment Period-Variable Account...........................22
           Value of an Annuity Unit..........................................22
           Assumed Investment Rate...........................................22
           Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments..........................23
           Change in Form of Annuity.........................................23
           Annuity Payment Options...........................................23
           Death of Contract Owner Provisions-Non-Qualified Contracts........23
           Death of Annuitant Provisions- Non-Qualified Contracts............24
           Death of the Owner/Annuitant Provisions...........................24
           Death Benefit Payment Provisions..................................24
           Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts................24
           Required Distributions For Qualified Plans and Tax 
             Sheltered Annuities.............................................25
           Required Distributions for Individual Retirement 
             Annuities and SEP IRAs..........................................26
           Generation-Skipping Transfers.....................................27
    


                                       4


                                    6 of 93
<PAGE>   7

   
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS...................................................27
           Federal Income Taxes..............................................27
           Non-Qualified Contracts-Natural Persons as Owners.................27
           Non-Qualified Contracts-Non-Natural Persons as Owners.............28
           Qualified Plans, Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP 
             IRAs, and Tax Sheltered Annuities...............................29
           Withholding.......................................................29
           Non-Resident Aliens...............................................29
           Federal Estate, Gift, and Generation Skipping Transfer Taxes......30
           Charge for Tax Provisions.........................................30
           Diversification...................................................30
           Tax Changes.......................................................30
GENERAL INFORMATION..........................................................31
           Contract Owner Inquiries..........................................31
           Statements and Reports............................................31
           Advertising.......................................................31
    
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS............................................................33
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.....................33
APPENDIX.....................................................................34


                                       5


                                    7 of 93
<PAGE>   8

                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES

CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

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

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

               Range of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Over Time

Number of Completed Years from                  Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
   Date of Purchase Payment                                Percentage
               0                                               7%
               1                                               6%
               2                                               5%
               3                                               4%
               4                                               3%
               5                                               2%
               6                                               1%
               7                                               0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES

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

                        UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND EXPENSES(2)

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

                                                 Management          Other Expenses         Total Portfolio
                                                    Fees                                    Company Expenses
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
<S>                                                 <C>                  <C>                     <C>  
Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity-Income Portfolio           0.51%                0.07%                   0.58%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas Portfolio                0.76%                0.17%                   0.93%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund                              0.50%                0.03%                   0.53%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund                              0.50%                0.02%                   0.52%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Asset             0.70%                0.30%                   1.00%
Allocation Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Government        0.45%                0.30%                   0.75%
Bond Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Growth            0.65%                0.45%                   1.10%
Opportunities Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Large             0.65%                0.36%                   1.01%
Company Growth Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
</TABLE>

   
(1)   During the first Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw, without a
      Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC"), any amount in order for this
      Contract to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Code.
      Starting with the second year after a Purchase Payment has been made, the
      Contract Owner may withdraw without a CDSC, the greater of (a) an amount
      equal to 10% of that Purchase Payment or (b) any amount in order for this
      Contract to meet minimum distribution requirements. 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 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 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.

(3)   The investment advisers for the indicated Mutual Funds have voluntarily
      agreed to reimburse a portion of the management fees and/or operating
      expenses resulting in a reduction of the total expenses. Absent any such
      reimbursements, "Management Fees" and "Other Expenses" would have been
      0.70% and 0.66% for The One Group Investment Trust-Asset Allocation Fund;
      0.45% and 0.49% for The One Group Investment Trust-Government Bond Fund;
      0.65% and 0.60% for The One Group Investment Trust-Growth Opportunities
      Fund; and 0.65% and 0.48% for The One Group Investment Trust-Large Company
      Growth Fund.
    


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                                    8 of 93
<PAGE>   9

                                     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.
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      If you surrender your     If you do not surrender your      If you annuitize your
                   Contract at the end of the    Contract at the end of the    Contract at the end of the
                     applicable time period        applicable time period        applicable time period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  1 Yr.  3 Yrs. 5 Yrs. 10 Yrs.  1 Yr.  3 Yrs. 5 Yrs. 10 Yrs.  1 Yr.  3 Yrs. 5 Yrs. 10 Yrs.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
<S>                 <C>   <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>    <C>   <C>     <C>             <C>   <C>     <C>
Fidelity VIP        90    107    133     230      20     62    106     230      *      62    106     230
Fund-Equity-Income
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP        94    118    152     267      24     73    125     267      *      73    125     267
Fund-Overseas
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money          90    105    131     224      20     60    104     224      *      60    104     224
Market Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total          89    105    130     223      19     60    103     223      *      60    103     223
Return Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group    94    120    156     275      24     75    129     275      *      75    129     275
Investment
Trust-Asset
Allocation Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group    92    112    143     248      22     67    116     248      *      67    116     248
Investment
Trust-Government
Bond Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group    96    123    161     285      26     78    134     285      *      78    134     285
Investment
Trust-Growth
Opportunities
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group    95    121    156     276      25     76    129     276      *      76    129     276
Investment
Trust-Large
Company 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").


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                                   9 of 93
<PAGE>   10

                                    SYNOPSIS

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

      The 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").

      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 Company will assess an Administration Charge equal to an annual rate
of 0.05% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account. This charge is
used to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses related to the
issuance and maintenance of the Contracts. The Company does not expect to
recover from the charge an amount in excess of accumulated administrative
expenses (see "Administration 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 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").

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

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


                                       8


                                    10 of 93
<PAGE>   11

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         Change 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          13.510928         15.239003           12.79%            972,607          1996
Products Fund - Equity-Income     ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Portfolio - Q                        10.132457         13.510928           33.34%            324,280          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000         10.132457            1.32%             48,709          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Fidelity Variable Insurance          13.510928         15.239003           12.79%          1,623,389          1996
Products Fund - Equity-Income     ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Portfolio - NQ                       10.132457         13.510928           33.34%            525,735          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000         10.132457            1.32%             79,134          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Fidelity Variable Insurance          10.330773         11.543398           11.74%            194,098          1996
Products Fund - Overseas 
Portfolio - Q                     ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      9.542958         10.330773            8.26%             87,650          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.542958           -4.57%             37,588          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Fidelity Variable Insurance          10.330773         11.543398           11.74%            470,134          1996
Products Fund - Overseas 
Portfolio - NQ                    ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      9.542958         10.330773            8.26%            180,868          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.542958           -4.57%             66,350          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Nationwide Separate Account          10.569801         10.965501            3.74%            174,349          1996
Trust- Money Market Fund - Q*     ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.135415         10.569801            4.29%             99,809          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000         10.135415            1.35%             16,557          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Nationwide Separate Account          10.569801         10.965501            3.74%            299,032          1996
Trust- Money Market Fund - NQ*    ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.135415         10.569801            4.29%            120,754          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000         10.135415            1.35%             31,027          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Nationwide Separate Account          12.445719         14.965912           20.25%            527,663          1996
Trust- Total Return Fund - Q      ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      9.767528         12.445719           27.42%            188,348          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.767528           -2.32%             35,204          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Nationwide Separate Account          12.445719         14.965912           20.25%            907,271          1996
Trust- Total Return Fund - NQ     ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      9.767528         12.445719           27.42%            317,092          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.767528           -2.32%             53,945          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-   11.697239         12.921017           10.46%            404,004          1996
Asset Allocation Fund - Q         ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      9.819156         11.697239           19.13%            149,620          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.819156           -1.81%             33,312          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-   11.697239         12.921017           10.46%            602,084          1996
Asset Allocation Fund - NQ        ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      9.819156         11.697239           19.13%            178,905          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.819156           -1.81%             38,193          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-   11.909104         13.329211           11.92%             97,500          1996
Asset Allocation Fund - Initial   ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Funding by Depositor                  9.867500         11.909104           20.69%             97,500          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.867500           -1.32%             97,500          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-   11.358330         11.511652            1.35%            337,711          1996
Government Bond Fund - Q          ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      9.861504         11.358330           15.18%            139,391          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.861504           -1.38%             13,330          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-   11.358330         11.511652            1.35%            419,072          1996
Government Bond Fund - NQ         ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      9.861504         11.358330           15.18%            152,273          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.861504           -1.38%             11,348          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-   11.564087         11.875401            2.69%            500,000          1996
Government Bond Fund - Initial    ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Funding by Depositor                  9.910061         11.564087           16.69%            500,000          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.910061           -0.90%            500,000          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-   11.819338         13.492662           14.16%            569,164          1996
Growth Opportunities  Fund - Q    ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      9.652463         11.819338           22.45%            182,690          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.652463           -3.48%             37,250          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-   11.819338         13.492662           14.16%          1,083,660          1996
Growth Opportunities  Fund - NQ   ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      9.652463         11.819338           22.45%            385,700          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.652463           -3.48%             57,644          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-   12.033480         13.919060           15.67%              2,500          1996
Growth Opportunities Fund -       ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Initial Funding by Depositor          9.700000         12.033480           24.06%              2,500          1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                     10.000000          9.700000           -3.00%              2,500          1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
</TABLE>
    


                                       9


                                    11 of 93
<PAGE>   12

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION-continued

Accumulation Unit Values for an Accumulation Unit outstanding throughout the
period.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Accumulation      Accumulation         Percent           Number Of
                                     Unit Value        Unit Value         Change 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> 
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-    12.255940         14.112701           15.15%           1,008,706         1996
Large Company Growth Fund - Q     ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      10.003154         12.255940           22.52%             388,897         1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      10.000000         10.003154            0.03%              43,062         1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-    12.255940         14.112701           15.15%           1,721,371         1996
Large Company Growth Fund - NQ    ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      10.003154         12.255940           22.52%             632,427         1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      10.000000         10.003154            0.03%              76,916         1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-    12.477892         14.558482           16.67%             300,000         1996
Large Company Growth Fund-        ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
Initial Funding by Depositor          10.052392         12.477892           24.13%             300,000         1995
                                  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
                                      10.000000         10.052392            0.52%             300,000         1994
- --------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
</TABLE>

   
* The 7-day yield on the Money Market Fund as of December 31, 1996 was 3.64%.
    


                                       10


                                    12 of 93
<PAGE>   13

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

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

                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

      The 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) 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.

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

      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 Fidelity Variable Insurance Products 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.
    


                                       11


                                    13 of 93
<PAGE>   14

     -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.

Nationwide Separate Account Trust

   
      Nationwide Separate Account Trust is a diversified, open-end management
investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. 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 Nationwide
Separate Account Trust are managed by Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. of One
Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, 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 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.

      -Growth Opportunities 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.


                                       12


                                    14 of 93
<PAGE>   15

Voting Rights

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

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

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

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

Substitution of Securities

      If the shares of the underlying Mutual 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, the Company may eliminate
Sub-Accounts, combine two or more Sub-Accounts or substitute shares of 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 under such
requirements as it may impose.

                  VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS

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,
Administration Charges described in this prospectus will not change regardless
of actual expenses. If these charges are insufficient to cover these expenses,
the loss will be borne by the Company.

   
      For 1996 the Variable Account incurred total expenses equal to 1.35% of
its average net assets, relating to the administrative, sales, mortality and
expense risk charges described below 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.
    

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 


                                       13


                                    15 of 93
<PAGE>   16

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.

   
Administration Charge

      The Company 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. This charge is designed only to reimburse the Company for
administrative expenses related to the issuance and maintenance of the
Contracts. The Company will monitor this charge to ensure that it does not
exceed annual administration expenses.
    

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge

   
      No deduction for a sales charge is made from the Purchase Payments for
these Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value of such Contracts is
surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions (see "Waiver of the
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.

      The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is calculated by multiplying the
applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge percentages noted below by the
Purchase Payments that are surrendered. For purposes of 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 then
from the next oldest Purchase Payment and so forth. For tax purposes, a
surrender is usually treated as a withdrawal of earnings first. The Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge applies to the withdrawal of Purchase Payments as follows:
    

                    Number of Completed          Contingent Deferred
                     Years From Date of             Sales Charge
                      Purchase Payment               Percentage
                             0                           7%
                             1                           6%
                             2                           5%
                             3                           4%
                             4                           3%
                             5                           2%
                             6                           1%
                             7                           0%

Waiver of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge

   
      During the first Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw, without a
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC"), any amount in order for the Contract
to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Code. Starting with the
second year after a Purchase Payment has been made, the Contract Owner may
withdraw without a CDSC, the greater of (a) an amount equal to 10% of that
Purchase Payment. or (b) any amount in order for the Contract to meet minimum
distribution requirements under the Code. This CDSC-free withdrawal privilege is
non-cumulative; that is, free amounts not taken during any given Contract Year
cannot be taken as free amounts in a subsequent Contract Year.

      In addition, no Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be deducted: (1)
upon the annuitization of Contracts which have been in force for at least two
years, (2) upon payment of a death benefit pursuant to the death of the
Annuitant, or (3) from any values which have been held under a Contract for at
least 84 months.

      No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge applies upon the transfer of value
among the Sub-Accounts or between the Fixed Account and the Variable Account.
When a Contract described in this prospectus is exchanged for another Contract
issued by the Company or any of its affiliated insurance companies, of the type
and class which the Company determined is eligible for such exchange, the
Company may waive the 
    


                                       14


                                    16 of 93
<PAGE>   17

   
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on the first Contract. A Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge may apply to the contract received in the exchange.

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

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

      For Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts, Qualified Contracts, and SEP IRA
Contracts, the Company will waive the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge when:

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

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

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

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

      E.    the Plan Participant dies; or

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

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

      Sales without commissions or other standard distribution expenses can
result in the waiver or reduction of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. In no
event will elimination of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges be permitted where
such elimination will be unfairly discriminatory to any person, or where it is
prohibited by state law.
    

Premium Taxes

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

   
                            OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT
    

Investments of the Variable Account

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

      The initial Purchase Payment allocated to designated Sub-Accounts of the
Variable Account will be priced no later than 2 business days after receipt of
an order to purchase, if all information necessary for processing the purchase
order is complete. The Company may, however, retain the Purchase Payment for up
to 5 business days while attempting to complete an order to purchase. If it is
not complete within 5 days, the 
    


                                       15


                                    17 of 93
<PAGE>   18

prospective purchaser will be informed of the reasons for the delay and the
Purchase Payment will be returned immediately unless the prospective purchaser
specifically consents to the Company retaining the Purchase Payment until the
application is complete. Thereafter, 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.

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 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 cumulative
total of all Purchase Payments under Contracts issued on the life of any one
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.

Value of an Accumulation Unit

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

Net Investment Factor

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

(a)   is the net of:

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

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

(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.

      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").


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<PAGE>   19

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 and an appropriate amount from the Fixed Account will be deducted in the
same proportion that the Contract Owner's interest in the Variable Account bears
to the total Contract Value.
    

Right to Revoke

   
      Unless otherwise required by state and/or federal law, the Contract Owner
may revoke the Contract 10 days after receipt of the Contract and receive a
refund of the Contract Value. All Individual Retirement Annuity refunds will be
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

   
      Transfers between the Fixed and Variable Accounts must be made prior to
the Annuitization Date. The Contract Owner may request a transfer of up to 100%
of the Variable Account value to the Fixed Account without penalty or
adjustment. However, the Company reserves the right to restrict transfers from
the Variable Account to the Fixed Account to 25% of the Contract Value for any
12 month period. All amounts transferred to the Fixed Account must remain on
deposit in the Fixed Account until the expiration of the 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 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. Transfers from the Fixed Account must be made
within 45 days after the expiration date of the guarantee period. Contract
Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost Averaging agreement with the Company
(see "Dollar Cost Averaging") may transfer from the Fixed Account to the
Variable Account under the terms of that agreement.

      Transfers may be made either in writing or, in states allowing such
transfers, by telephone. This telephone exchange privilege is made available to
Contract Owners automatically without the Contract Owner's election. The Company
will employ procedures reasonably designed to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures may include any or all of
the following: 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; or such other procedures as the Company may deem reasonable. 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.
    


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Contract Ownership Provisions

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

      Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner may request a change
in the Annuitant, Beneficiary, or Contingent Beneficiary. Such a request must be
made in writing on a form acceptable to the Company and must be signed by both
the Contract Owner and the person to be named as Annuitant. Such request must be
received by the Company at its Home Office prior to the Annuitization Date. Any
such change is subject to underwriting and approval by the Company. If the
Contract Owner is not a natural person and there is a change of the Annuitant,
such change shall be treated as the death of a Contract Owner and Distributions
shall be made as if the Contract Owner died at the time of such change.

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

Joint Ownership Provisions

      Where permitted by state law, Joint Owners must be spouses at the time
joint ownership is requested. If a Joint Owner is named, the Joint Owner will
possess an undivided interest in the Contract. Unless otherwise provided, the
exercise of any ownership right in the Contract (including the right to
surrender or partially surrender the Contract, to change the Contract Owner, the
Annuitant, the Beneficiary, the Contingent Beneficiary, the Annuity Payment
Option or the Annuitization Date) shall require a written request signed by both
Joint Owners.

      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 at the time of purchase 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.

Beneficiary Provisions

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

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

Surrender (Redemption)

   
      While the Contract is in force and prior to the earlier of the
Annuitization Date or the death of the 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 a major stock exchange or other
depository institution qualified to give such a guaranty. 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 


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<PAGE>   21

   
Account will be in the same proportion that the Contract Owner's interest in the
Sub-Accounts and Fixed Account bears to the total Contract Value.
    

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

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

Surrenders Under a Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract

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


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<PAGE>   22

   
restrictions which are currently applicable under Code Section 401(k)(2)(B),
Code Section 403(b)(11) and Revenue Ruling 90-24. Such restrictions are subject
to legislative change and/or reinterpretation from time to time. Distributions
pursuant to Qualified Domestic Relations Orders will not be considered to be 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.

Loan Privilege

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

      Loans from Qualified Contracts or Tax Sheltered Annuities are available
beginning 30 days after the Date of Issue. The Contract Owner may borrow a
minimum of $1,000. In non-ERISA plans, for Contract Values up to $20,000, the
maximum loan balance which may be outstanding at any time is 80% of the Contract
Value, but not more than $10,000. If the Contract Value is $20,000 or more, the
maximum loan balance which may be outstanding at any time is 50% of the Contract
Value, but not more than $50,000. For ERISA plans, the maximum loan balance
which may be outstanding at any time is 50% of the Contract Value, but not more
than $50,000. The $50,000 limit will be reduced by the highest loan balances
owed during the prior one-year period. Additional loans are subject to the
Contract minimum amount. The aggregate of all loans may not exceed the Contract
Value limitations stated 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 the Fixed and Variable Accounts in the same
manner as a purchase payment. Both loan repayments and purchase payments will be
allocated to the Contract in accordance with the most current allocation, unless
the Contract Owner and the Company agree otherwise on a case by case basis.
    

       If the Contract is surrendered while the loan is outstanding, the
surrender value will be reduced by the amount of the loan outstanding plus
accrued interest. If the Contract Owner/Annuitant dies while the loan is
outstanding, the Death Benefit will be reduced by the amount of the loan
outstanding plus accrued interest. If a Contract Owner who is not the 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, the
entire loan will be treated as a deemed Distribution, may be taxable to the
borrower, and may be subject to the early withdrawal tax penalty. Interest which
subsequently accrues on defaulted amounts may also be treated as additional
deemed Distributions each year. Any defaulted amounts, plus accrued interest,
will be deducted from the Contract when the participant becomes eligible for a


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<PAGE>   23

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.

      Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP IRAs and Non Qualified Contracts are
not eligible for loans.

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 Annuitant prior to the
Annuitization Date. Such assignment will take effect upon receipt and recording
by the Company at its Home Office of a written notice 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 recording of the assignment.
Where necessary for the proper administration of the terms of the Contract, an
assignment will not be recorded until the Company has received sufficient
direction from the Contract Owner and assignee as to the proper allocation of
Contract rights under the assignment.

      If this Contract is a Non-Qualified Contract, any portion of 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. All rights in this Contract are personal to the Contract Owner and may
not be assigned without written consent of the Company. 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, SEP IRAs, Qualified
Contracts and Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts are not eligible for assignment.
    

Contract Owner Services

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

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

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

   
      Dollar Cost Averaging-If the Contract Value is $15,000 or more, the
Contract Owner may direct the Company to automatically transfer funds from the
Money Market Sub-Account or the Fixed Account to any other Sub-Account within
the Variable Account on a monthly basis or as frequently as otherwise authorized
by the Company. This service is intended to allow the Contract Owner to utilize
Dollar Cost Averaging, a long-term investment program which provides for
regular, level investments over time. The Company makes no guarantees that
Dollar Cost Averaging will result in a profit or protect against loss. 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.


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<PAGE>   24

   
      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 and the Fixed Account. A Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge may also apply to Systematic Withdrawals in accordance
with the considerations set forth in the "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge"
section. Each Systematic Withdrawal is subject to federal income taxes on the
taxable portion. In addition, a 10% federal penalty tax may be assessed on
Systematic Withdrawals if the Contract Owner is under age 59 1/2. Unless
directed by the Contract Owner, the Company will withhold federal income taxes
from each Systematic Withdrawal. Unless the Contract Owner has made an
irrevocable election of distribution of substantially equal payments, 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. Systematic Withdrawals are
not available prior to the expiration of the ten day free look provision of the
Contract or of applicable state/federal law.

         ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD, DEATH BENEFIT, AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
    

Annuity Commencement Date

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

Change in Annuity Commencement Date

   
      If the Contract Owner requests in writing (see "Ownership Provisions"),
and the Company approves the request, the Annuity Commencement Date may be
changed. The new date must comply with the Annuity Commencement Date provisions
above. The amount of the Death Benefit will be limited to the Contract Value if
the Annuity Commencement Date is postponed beyond age 75 of the Annuitant.

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").

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.


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<PAGE>   25

Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments

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

Change in Form of Annuity

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

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 periodically, but at least
      annually during the lifetime of the Annuitant, ceasing with the last
      payment due prior to the death of the Annuitant. IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE
      UNDER THIS OPTION FOR THE ANNUITANT TO RECEIVE ONLY ONE ANNUITY PAYMENT IF
      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 periodically,
      but at least annually during the joint lifetimes of the Annuitant and
      designated second person and continuing thereafter during the lifetime of
      the survivor. AS IS THE CASE UNDER OPTION 1 ABOVE, THERE IS NO MINIMUM
      NUMBER OF PAYMENTS GUARANTEED UNDER THIS OPTION. PAYMENTS CEASE UPON THE
      DEATH OF THE LAST SURVIVING ANNUITANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF PAYMENTS
      RECEIVED.
    

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

      (1)   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
Contract Owner may request an alternative non-guaranteed option by giving notice
in writing prior to annuitization. If such a request is approved by the Company,
it will be permitted under the Contract.

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

Death of Contract Owner Provisions - Non-Qualified Contracts

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


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<PAGE>   26

   
Death of the Annuitant Provisions - Non-Qualified Contracts

      If the Contract Owner and Annuitant are not the same person, and the
Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date, a Death Benefit will be payable
to the Beneficiary or the Contingent Beneficiary. In such case, the Contingent
Annuitant becomes the Annuitant and no Death Benefit is payable.

      The Beneficiary may elect to receive such Death Benefits in the form of:
(1) a lump sum distribution; (2) election of an annuity payout; or (3) any
distribution that is permitted under state and federal regulations and is
acceptable by the Company. Such election must be received by the Company within
60 days of the Annuitant's death. If the election is made more than 60 days
after the lump sum first becomes payable, the election would be ignored for tax
purposes, and the entire amount of the lump sum would be subject to immediate
tax. If the election is made within the 60 day period, each Distribution would
be taxable when it is paid.

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

Death of the Contract Owner/Annuitant Provisions

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

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

Death Benefit Payment Provisions

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

      If the Annuitant dies prior to his 75th birthday the dollar amount of the
death benefit will be the greater of: (1) the Contract Value; (2) the sum of all
purchase payments, less any amounts surrendered, or (3) the Contract Value as of
the most recent five year Contract Anniversary, less any amounts surrendered
since the most recent Contract Anniversary.

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

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

Required Distribution Provisions For Non-Qualified Contracts

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

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

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

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


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<PAGE>   27

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

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

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

      Upon the death of a "deceased Owner", the designated beneficiary must
elect a method of distribution which complies with these above distribution
provisions and which is acceptable to the Company. Such election must be
received by the Company within 90 days of the deceased Owner's death. The Code
requires that any election to receive an annuity rather than a lump sum payment
must be made within 60 days after the lump sum becomes payable (generally, the
election must be made within 60 days after the death of an Owner or the
Annuitant). If the election is made more than 60 days after the lump sum first
becomes payable, the election would be ignored for tax purposes, and the entire
amount of the lump sum would be subject to immediate tax. If the election is
made within the 60 day period, each Distribution would be taxable when it is
paid.
    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
      Payments commencing on the Required Beginning Date will not be less than
the lesser of the quotient obtained by dividing the entire interest of the
Annuitant by the life expectancy of the Annuitant, or the joint and last
survivor expectancy of the Annuitant and the Annuitant's designated beneficiary
(if the Annuitant dies prior to the required beginning date) or the beneficiary
under the selected Annuity Payment Option (if the Annuitant 
    


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<PAGE>   28

   
dies after the required beginning date), whichever is applicable under the
applicable Minimum Distribution or MDIB provisions. Life expectancy and joint
and last survivor expectancy are computed by the use of return multiples
contained in Section 1.72-9 of the Treasury Regulations.

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

Required Distributions for Individual Retirement Annuities and SEP IRAs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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<PAGE>   29

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.

                           FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Federal Income Taxes

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

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

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

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

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

Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Owners

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

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

      The Tax Reform Act of 1986 has changed the tax treatment of certain
Non-Qualified Contracts held by entities other than individuals. Such entities
are taxed currently on the earnings on the Contract which are attributable to
contributions made to the Contract after February 28, 1986. There are exceptions
for immediate annuities and certain Contracts owned for the benefit of an
individual. An immediate annuity, for purposes of 
    


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                                    29 of 93
<PAGE>   30

   
this discussion, is a single premium Contract on which payments begin within one
year of purchase. If this Contract is issued as the result of an exchange
described in Section 1035 of the Code, for purposes of determining whether the
Contract is an immediate annuity, it will generally be considered to have been
purchased on the purchase date of the contract given up in the exchange.

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

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

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

Non-Qualified Contracts - Non-Natural Persons as Owners

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

      2.    a required minimum distribution.

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

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

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

Withholding

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

Non-Resident Aliens

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


                                       29


                                    31 of 93
<PAGE>   32

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

Federal Estate, Gift, and Generation Skipping Transfer Taxes

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

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

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

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

Charge for Tax Provisions

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

Diversification

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

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

   
Tax Changes

      In the recent past, the Code has been subjected to numerous amendments and
changes, and it is reasonable to believe that it will continue to be revised.
The United States Congress has, in the past, considered numerous legislative
proposals that, if enacted, could change the tax treatment of the Contracts. It
is reasonable to believe that such proposals, and other proposals will be
considered in the future, and some of them may be enacted into law. In addition,
the Treasury Department may amend existing regulations, issue 
    


                                       30


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<PAGE>   33

   
new regulations, or adopt new interpretations of existing law that may be in
variance with its current positions on these matters. In addition, current state
law (which is not discussed herein), and future amendments to state law, may
affect the tax consequences of the Contract.

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

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

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

                               GENERAL INFORMATION

Contract Owner Inquiries

      Contract Owner inquiries may be directed to Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company by writing P.O. Box 182008, Columbus, Ohio 43216, or calling
1-800-860-3946, TDD 1-800-238-3035.


Statements and Reports

      The Company will mail to Contract Owners, at their last known address of
record, any statements and reports required by applicable law. Contract Owners
should therefore give the Company prompt notice of any address change. The
Company will send a confirmation statement to Contract Owners each time a
transaction is made affecting the Owners' Variable Account Contract Value, such
as making additional Purchase Payments, transfers, exchanges or withdrawals.
Quarterly statements are also mailed detailing the Contract activity during the
calendar quarter. Instead of receiving an immediate confirmation of transactions
made pursuant to some types of periodic payment 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.

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 


                                       31


                                    33 of 93
<PAGE>   34

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.

      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.


                                       32


                                    34 of 93
<PAGE>   35

                   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             4.39%          13.82%           9.25%             10-09-86
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas Portfolio        3.34%           4.50%           3.67%              1-28-87
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund                     -4.66%           -.61%           1.65%             11-10-81
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund                     11.85%           9.31%           8.75%             11-08-82
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group  Investment                2.06%            N/A            5.74%             08-01-94
Trust-Asset Allocation Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment                -6.95%            N/A             .44%             08-01-94
Trust-Government Bond Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Large     6.15%            N/A           10.01%             08-01-94
Company Growth Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-          6.14%            N/A            7.76%             08-01-94
Growth Opportunities Fund
=======================================================================================================

<CAPTION>
                  Non-Standardized Average Annual Total Return
=======================================================================================================
         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            12.49%          16.21%          11.72%             10-09-86
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas Portfolio       11.04%           7.43%           6.24%              1-28-87
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund                      3.44%           2.51%           4.12%             11-10-81
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund                     19.95%          12.05%          10.92%             11-08-82
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Asset    10.16%            N/A           10.82%             08-01-94
Allocation Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment                 1.05%            N/A            5.63%             08-01-94
Trust-Government Bond Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Large    14.85%            N/A           14.95%             08-01-94
Company Growth Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment                14.24%            N/A           12.82%             08-01-94
Trust-Growth Opportunities Fund
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>
   
* Represents 10 years to 12/31/96
    

                                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

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

            TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                                                            Page
General Information and History..............................................1
Services.....................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered.........................................2
Underwriters.................................................................2
Calculations of Performance..................................................2
Underlying Mutual Fund Performance History...................................4
Annuity Payments.............................................................4
Financial Statements.........................................................5


                                       33


                                    35 of 93
<PAGE>   36

                                    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.

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.


                                       34


                                    36 of 93
<PAGE>   37

                      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%.


                                       35


                                    37 of 93
<PAGE>   38

                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   
                                   May 1, 1997
    

              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, 1997. The
prospectus may be obtained from Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company by
writing P. O. Box 182008, Columbus, Ohio 43216, or calling 1-800-860-3946, TDD
1-800-238-3035.
    

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                            Page
General Information and History..............................................1
Services.....................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered.........................................2
Underwriters.................................................................2
Calculations of Performance..................................................2
Underlying Mutual Fund Performance History...................................4
Annuity Payments.............................................................4
Financial Statements.........................................................5

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

Services

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

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

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


                                       1


                                    38 of 93
<PAGE>   39

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 under this provision must be made within 45 days
after the termination date of the guarantee period. Owners who have entered into
a Dollar Cost Averaging agreement with the Company may transfer from the Fixed
Account under the terms of that agreement.

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

Underwriters

   
      The Contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by
Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio
43215, an affiliate of the Company. No underwriting commissions were paid by the
Company to NAS.
    

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 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


                                       2


                                    39 of 93
<PAGE>   40

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.

      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.


                                       3


                                    40 of 93
<PAGE>   41

                   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             4.39            13.82           9.25            10-09-86
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas Portfolio        3.34             4.50           3.67             1-28-87
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund                     -4.66             -.61           1.65            11-10-81
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund                     11.85             9.31           8.75            11-08-82
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group  Investment                2.06              N/A           5.74            08-01-94
Trust-Asset Allocation Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment                -6.95              N/A            .44            08-01-94
Trust-Government Bond Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Large     6.51              N/A          10.01            08-01-94
Company Growth Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment                 6.14              N/A           7.76            08-01-94
Trust-Growth Opportunities Fund
=======================================================================================================
    
<CAPTION>

                   UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                  Non-Standardized Average Annual Total Return
=======================================================================================================
         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            12.49            16.21          11.72            10-09-86
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas Portfolio       11.04             7.43           6.24             1-28-87
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund                      3.44             2.51           4.12            11-10-81
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund                     19.95            12.05          10.92            11-08-82
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Asset    10.16              N/A          10.82            08-01-94
Allocation Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment                 1.05              N/A           5.63            08-01-94
Trust-Government Bond Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Large    14.85              N/A          14.95            08-01-94
Company Growth Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment                14.24              N/A          12.82            08-01-94
Trust-Growth Opportunities Fund
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>
* Represents 10 years to 12/31/96.
    

Annuity Payments

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


                                       4


                                    41 of 93
<PAGE>   42

<PAGE>   1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          Independent Auditors' Report

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 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, 1996, and the related
statements of operations and changes in contract owners' equity and schedules
of changes in unit value for each of the years in the two year period 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 include confirmation of securities
owned as of December 31, 1996, by correspondence with the transfer agents of
the underlying mutual funds. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
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 (formerly Financial Horizons VA
Separate Account-3) as of December 31, 1996, and the results of its operations
and its changes in contract owners' equity and the schedules of changes in unit
value for each of the years in the two year period 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 7, 1997

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


<PAGE>   2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

              (formerly Financial Horizons VA Separate Account-3)
          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                               December 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
ASSETS:
   Investments at market value:
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
         1,881,111 shares (cost $35,583,006)                                                                  $ 39,559,761
      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)
         406,973 shares (cost $6,951,537)                                                                        7,667,369
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
         5,190,551 shares (cost $5,190,551)                                                                      5,190,551
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
         1,618,290 shares (cost $19,739,835)                                                                    21,474,710
      One Group - Asset Allocation Fund (OGAstAll)
         1,198,573 shares (cost $13,477,306)                                                                    14,298,978
      One Group - Government Bond Fund (OGGvtBd)
         1,443,273 shares (cost $14,683,383)                                                                    14,649,224
      One Group - Growth Opportunities Fund (OGGrOpp)
         1,844,356 shares (cost $22,297,061)                                                                    22,335,156
      One Group - Large Company Growth Fund (OGLgCoGr)
         3,137,882 shares (cost $38,115,643)                                                                    42,894,845
                                                                                                             -------------
            Total investments                                                                                  168,070,594
   Accounts receivable                                                                                               4,148
                                                                                                             -------------
            Total assets                                                                                       168,074,742
                                                                                                             =============
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY                                                                                      $ 168,074,742
                                                                                                             =============
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   3

Contract owners' equity represented by:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 UNITS        UNIT VALUE
                                                                               ---------      ----------
   <S>                                                                         <C>           <C>            <C>
   Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio:
      Tax qualified                                                              972,607     $ 15.239003     $ 14,821,561
      Non-tax qualified                                                        1,623,389       15.239003       24,738,830

   Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio:
      Tax qualified                                                              194,098       11.543398        2,240,550
      Non-tax qualified                                                          470,134       11.543398        5,426,944

   Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund:
      Tax qualified                                                              174,349       10.965501        1,911,824
      Non-tax qualified                                                          299,032       10.965501        3,279,036

   Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund:
      Tax qualified                                                              527,663       14.965912        7,896,958
      Non-tax qualified                                                          907,271       14.965912       13,578,138

   One Group - Asset Allocation Fund:
      Tax qualified                                                              404,004       12.921017        5,220,143
      Non-tax qualified                                                          602,084       12.921017        7,779,538
      Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a)                                      97,500       13.329211        1,299,598

   One Group - Government Bond Fund:
      Tax qualified                                                              337,711       11.511652        3,887,612
      Non-tax qualified                                                          419,072       11.511652        4,824,211
      Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a)                                     500,000       11.875401        5,937,701

   One Group - Growth Opportunities Fund:
      Tax qualified                                                              569,164       13.492662        7,679,537
      Non-tax qualified                                                        1,083,660       13.492662       14,621,458
      Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a)                                       2,500       13.919060           34,798

   One Group - Large Company Growth Fund:
      Tax qualified                                                            1,008,706       14.112701       14,235,566
      Non-tax qualified                                                        1,721,371       14.112701       24,293,194
      Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a)                                     300,000       14.558482        4,367,545
                                                                               =========       =========    -------------
                                                                                                            $ 168,074,742
                                                                                                            =============
</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

     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 17, 1994
             (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1996               1995              1994
                                                                      -------------       ----------        ----------
<S>                                                                    <C>               <C>                <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
   Reinvested capital gains and dividends                               $ 6,651,936        2,002,557           189,360
   Mortality, expense and administration charges (note 2)                (1,332,177)        (286,944)          (16,244)
                                                                      -------------       ----------        ----------
         Net investment activity                                          5,319,759        1,715,613           173,116
                                                                      -------------       ----------        ----------

   Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold                                  6,134,856        1,251,516           227,439
   Cost of mutual fund shares sold                                       (5,900,535)      (1,229,073)         (229,947)
                                                                      -------------       ----------        ----------
      Realized gain (loss) on investments                                   234,321           22,443            (2,508)
   Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments                        8,440,018        3,901,932          (309,680)
                                                                      -------------       ----------        ----------
      Net gain (loss) on investments                                      8,674,339        3,924,375          (312,188)
                                                                      -------------       ----------        ----------
         Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
            equity resulting from operations                             13,994,098        5,639,988          (139,072)
                                                                      -------------       ----------        ----------

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
   Purchase payments received from contract owners                       97,359,956       39,177,663        15,808,617
   Redemptions                                                           (3,074,851)        (462,025)          (10,793)
   Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2)                              (39,851)          (7,355)           -
   Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)                              (162,806)         (19,836)           -
   Adjustments to maintain reserves                                          10,270              521               218
                                                                      -------------       ----------        ----------
         Net equity transactions                                         94,092,718       38,688,968        15,798,042
                                                                      -------------       ----------        ----------

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY                                   108,086,816       44,328,956        15,658,970
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD                              59,987,926       15,658,970            -
                                                                      -------------       ----------        ----------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD                                 $ 168,074,742       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, 1996, 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, 2,500 shares of the One Group-Growth Opportunities
Fund and 300,000 shares of the One Group-Large 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, 2,500 units of the
One Group-Growth Opportunities Fund and 300,000 units of the One Group-Large
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 (FidVIPEI)
            Fidelity VIP-Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)

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

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

      At December 31, 1996, 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, 1996. The cost of investments sold is
determined on a specific identification basis. Investment transactions are
accounted 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 provisions
of 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.

   (f) Reclassifications

      Certain 1995 and 1994 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the
current year presentation. 

(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 contract 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:

            o  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1

            o  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.)

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

            o  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.)

            o  Ending unit value - Dec. 31

            o  Percentage increase (decrease) in unit value.


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

<PAGE>   7

                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
              (FORMERLY FINANCIAL HORIZONS VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-3)
                      TAX QUALIFIED and NON-TAX QUALIFIED
                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE

     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 17, 1994
             (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         FidVIPEI       FidVIPOv      NSATMyMkt     NSATTotRe        OGAstALL           OGGvtBd
                                         --------       --------      ---------     ---------        --------           -------
<S>                                   <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>              <C>               <C>
1996
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      $13.510928      10.330773      10.569801     12.445719        11.697239         11.358330
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                       .623256        .254174        .537256       .829218          .661259           .652837
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)               1.291479       1.101090        .000000      1.867931          .722057          (.352317)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                     (.186660)      (.142639)      (.141556)     (.176956)        (.159538)         (.147198)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31        $15.239003      11.543398      10.965501     14.965912        12.921017         11.511652
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                           13%            12%             4%           20%              10%                1%
================================================================================================================================

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

     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 17, 1994
             (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          OGGrOpp        OGLgCoGr      OGAstAll+       OGGvtBd+         OGGrOpp+         OGLgCoGr+
                                          -------        --------      ---------       --------         --------         ---------
<S>                                    <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>               <C>
1996
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       $11.819338       12.255940      11.909104      11.564087        12.033480         12.477892
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                       1.232041         .463877        .680369        .670213         1.270410           .477695
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                 .608263        1.564401        .739738       (.358899)         .615170          1.602895
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                      (.166980)       (.171517)       .000000        .000000          .000000           .000000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31         $13.492662       14.112701      13.329211      11.875401        13.919060         14.558482
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                            14%             15%            12%             3%              16%               17%
===================================================================================================================================

1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       $ 9.652463       10.003154       9.867500       9.910061         9.700000         10.052392
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                        .502502         .267432        .588453        .833693          .511358           .271374
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                1.808029        2.131887       1.453151        .820333         1.822122          2.154126
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                      (.143656)       (.146533)       .000000        .000000          .000000           .000000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31         $11.819338       12.255940      11.909104      11.564087        12.033480         12.477892
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                            22%             23%            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                        .000000         .062315        .057500        .220976          .000000           .062570
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                (.299205)       (.009786)      (.190000)      (.310915)        (.300000)         (.010178)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                      (.048332)       (.049375)       .000000        .000000          .000000           .000000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31         $ 9.652463       10.003154       9.867500       9.910061         9.700000         10.052392
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                           (3)%              0%           (1)%           (1)%             (3)%                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.

  + For Depositor, see note 1a.

See note 3.




<PAGE>   43

<PAGE>   1

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:

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

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

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

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

                                                  KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Columbus, Ohio
January 31, 1997




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

                                 Balance Sheets

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


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

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

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

                              Statements of Income

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


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

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

                       Statements of Shareholder's Equity

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


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

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

                            Statements of Cash Flows

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

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

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

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

                          Notes to Financial Statements

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

(1)   Organization and Description of Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued



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

      (a)   Valuation of Investments and Related Gains and Losses

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

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

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

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

      (b)   Revenues and Benefits

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

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


      (c)   Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

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

      (d)   Separate Accounts

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

      (e)   Future Policy Benefits

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

      (f)   Federal Income Tax

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

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

      (g)   Reinsurance Ceded

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

      (h)   Statements of Cash Flows

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


      (i)   Reclassification

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


(3)   Change in Accounting Principle

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

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

(4)   Investments

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

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(5)   Future Policy Benefits

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


(6)   Federal Income Tax

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

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

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

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

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

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(7)   Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


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

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

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

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

(8)   Additional Financial Instruments Disclosures

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

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

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


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

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

(9)   Pension Plan

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

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

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


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

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

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

      Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:

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

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

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

      Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:

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

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(10)  Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


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

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

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

(11)  Regulatory Risk-Based Capital and Dividend Restriction

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

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

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

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


(12)  Transactions With Affiliates

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


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

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

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

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

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

(13)  Segment Information

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


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

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

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

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

                            Summary of Investments -
                    Other Than Investments in Related Parties

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


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

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

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

- ----------

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



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

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

                       Supplemental Insurance Information

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

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

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

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

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

- ----------

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

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


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

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

                                   Reinsurance

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

- ----------

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


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

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

                        Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

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

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


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


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

- ----------

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


See accompanying independent auditors' report.

<PAGE>   44

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits

            (a)   To be filed by Financial Statements:

                  (1)   Financial statements and schedule                   Page
                        included in Prospectus (Part A):

                        Condensed Financial Information.                      11

                  (2)   Financial statements included in Part B:

                        Those financial statements required by                42
                        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.                         42

                        Statements of Assets, Liabilities and                 43
                        Contract Owners' Equity as of December
                        31, 1996.

   
                        Statements of Operations and Changes in               45
                        Contract Owners' Equity for the years
                        ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and for the 
                        period August 17, 1994 (commencement of
                        operations) through December 31, 1994.
    

                        Notes to Financial Statements.                        46

                        Schedules of Changes In Unit Value.                   48

                  Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:

   
                        Independent Auditors' Report.                         50

                        Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996                51
                        and 1995.

                        Statements of Income for the years ended              52
                        December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

                        Statements of Shareholder's Equity for                53
                        the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
                        and 1994.

                        Statements of Cash Flows for the years                54
                        ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

                        Notes to Financial Statements.                        55

                        Schedule I - Summary of Investments -                 89
                        Other Than Investments in Related
                        Parties.

                        Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance                90
                        Information 

                        Schedule IV - Reinsurance                             91

                        Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying                 92
                        Accounts 
    


                                    70 of 93
<PAGE>   45

Item  24.   (b) Exhibits

                  (1)   Resolution of the Depositor's Board of
                        Directors authorizing the establishment
                        of the Registrant - Filed previously with
                        this Registration Statement and hereby
                        incorporated by reference.

                  (2)   Not Applicable

                  (3)   Underwriting or Distribution contracts
                        between the Registrant and Principal
                        Underwriter - Filed previously with this
                        Registration Statement and hereby
                        incorporated by reference.

                  (4)   The form of the variable annuity contract
                        - Filed previously with this Registration
                        Statement and hereby incorporated herein
                        by reference.

                  (5)   Variable Annuity Application - Filed
                        previously with this Registration
                        Statement and hereby incorporated herein
                        by reference.

                  (6)   Articles of Incorporation of Depositor
                        Filed previously with this Registration
                        Statement and hereby incorporated herein
                        by reference.

                  (7)   Not Applicable

                  (8)   Not Applicable

                  (9)   Opinion of Counsel - Filed previously
                        with this Registration Statement and
                        hereby incorporated herein by reference.

                  (10)  Not Applicable

                  (11)  Not Applicable

                  (12)  Not Applicable

                  (13)  Performance Advertising Calculation
                        Schedule - Filed previously with this
                        Registration Statement and hereby
                        incorporated herein by reference.


                                    71 of 93
<PAGE>   46

Item 25. Directors and Officers of the Depositor

         Name and Principal                     Positions and Offices
          Business Address                         With Depositor
        
        Lewis J. Alphin                                Director
        519 Bethel Church Road
        Mount Olive, NC  28365
        
        Keith W. Eckel                                 Director
        1647 Falls Road
        Clarks Summit, PA 18411
        
        Willard J. Engel                               Director
        1100 East Main Street
        Marshall, MN 56258
        
        Fred C. Finney                                 Director
        1558 West Moreland Road
        Wooster, OH 44691
        
        Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.                      Director
        600 South Washington Street
        Butler, PA  16001
        
        Joseph J. Gasper                 President and Chief Operating Officer
        One Nationwide Plaza                         and Director
        Columbus, OH  43215
        
   
        Henry S. Holloway                           Chairman of the
        1247 Stafford Road                        Board and Director
        Darlington, MD  21034
        
        Dimon Richard McFerson           Chairman and Chief Executive Officer -
        One Nationwide Plaza                Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
        Columbus, OH  43215                          and Director
    
        
        David O. Miller                                Director
        115 Sprague Drive
        Hebron, OH 43025
        
   
        C. Ray Noecker                                 Director
        2770 Winchester Southern S.
        Ashville, OH 43103
    
        
        James F. Patterson                             Director
        8765 Mulberry Road
        Chesterland, OH  44026
        

                                    72 of 93
<PAGE>   47

         Name and Principal                        Positions and Offices
          Business Address                            With Depositor
        
        Arden L. Shisler                                  Director
        1356 North Wenger Road
        Dalton, OH  44618
        
        Robert L. Stewart                                 Director
        88740 Fairview Road
        Jewett, OH  43986
        
        Nancy C. Thomas                                   Director
        10835 Georgetown Street NE
        Louisville, OH  44641
        
        Harold W. Weihl                                   Director
        14282 King Road
        Bowling Green, OH  43402
        
        Gordon E. McCutchan                       Executive Vice President,
        One Nationwide Plaza                     Law and Corporate Services
        Columbus, OH  43215                             and Secretary
        
        Robert A. Oakley                          Executive Vice President -
        One Nationwide Plaza                       Chief Financial Officer
        Columbus, OH  43215
        
   
        Robert J. Woodward Jr.                    Executive Vice President
        One Nationwide Plaza                      Chief Investment Officer
        Columbus, OH 43215
    
        
        James E. Brock                             Senior Vice President -
        One Nationwide Plaza                       Life Company Operations
        Columbus, OH  43215
        
        W. Sidney Druen                       Senior Vice President and General
        One Nationwide Plaza                   Counsel and Assistant Secretary
        Columbus, OH  43215
        
        Harvey S. Galloway, Jr.                 Senior Vice President - Chief 
        One Nationwide Plaza                Actuary - Life, Health and Annuities
        Columbus, OH  43215
        
        Richard A. Karas                       Senior Vice President - Sales -
        One Nationwide Plaza                         Financial Services
        Columbus, OH  43215
        
   
        Michael D. Bleiweiss                           Vice President -
        One Nationwide Plaza                    Individual Annuity Operations
        Columbus, OH  43215
    


                                    73 of 93
<PAGE>   48

         Name and Principal                     Positions and Offices
          Business Address                         With Depositor
        
       
        Matthew S. Easley                          Vice President -
        One Nationwide Plaza          Life Marketing and Administration Services
        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                       Retail Operations
        Columbus, OH  43215
       
        
        Joseph P. Rath                              Vice President
        One Nationwide Plaza
        Columbus, OH  43215
        
Item 26. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the
         Depositor or Registrant.

            *     Subsidiaries for which separate financial
                  statements are filed

            **    Subsidiaries included in the respective
                  consolidated financial statements

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

            ****  other subsidiaries


                                    74 of 93
<PAGE>   49

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   NO. VOTING
                                                                   SECURITIES
                                                                  (see Attached
                                                  STATE           Chart) unless
                   COMPANY                   OF ORGANIZATION        otherwise                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                    indicated

<S>                                           <C>                 <C>             <C>
    Affiliate Agency, Inc.                       Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency

    Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc.                 Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency

    Allnations, Inc.                               Ohio                           Promotes cooperative insurance corporations
                                                                                  worldwide

    American Marine Underwriters, Inc.           Florida                          Underwriting Manager

    Auto Direkt Insurance Company                Germany                          Insurance Company

    The Beak and Wire Corporation                  Ohio                           Radio Tower Joint Venture

    California Cash Management Company          California                        Investment Securities Agent

    Colonial County Mutual insurance              Texas                           Insurance Company
    Company

    Colonial Insurance Company of               California                        Insurance Company
    California

    Columbus Insurance Brokerage and             Germany                          Insurance Broker
    Service GMBH

    Companies Agency, Inc.                      Wisconsin                         Insurance Broker

    Companies Agency Insurance Services         California                        Insurance  Broker
    of California

    Companies Agency of Alabama, Inc.            Alabama                          Insurance Broker

    Companies Agency of Idaho, Inc.               Idaho                           Insurance Broker

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

    Companies Agency of Kentucky, Inc.           Kentucky                         Insurance Broker

    Companies Agency of Massachusetts,        Massachusetts                       Insurance Broker
    Inc.

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

    Companies Agency of Pennsylvania, Inc.     Pennsylvania                       Insurance Broker

    Companies Agency of Phoenix, Inc.            Arizona                          Insurance Broker

    Companies Agency of Texas, Inc.               Texas                           Insurance Broker

    Companies Annuity Agency of Texas,            Texas                           Insurance Broker
    Inc.

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

    Employers Insurance of Wausau A             Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

    Mutual Company

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

    F & B, Inc.                                    Iowa                           Insurance Agency

    Farmland Mutual Insurance Company              Iowa                           Insurance Company
</TABLE>


                                    75 of 93
<PAGE>   50

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

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

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

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

 *  Financial Horizons Investment Trust       Massachusetts                       Investment Company

    Financial Horizons Securities                Oklahoma                         Broker Dealer
    Corporation

    Gates, McDonald & Company                      Ohio                           Cost Control Business

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

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

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

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

    Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.                 Ohio                           Insurance Broker and Insurance Agency

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

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

    Leben Direkt Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company

    Lone Star General Agency, Inc.                Texas                           Insurance Agency

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

**  National Casualty Company                    Michigan                         Insurance Company

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

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

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

    Nationwide Agency, Inc.                        Ohio                           Insurance Agency
    

    Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance              Iowa                           Insurance Company
    Company

   
    Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company
    

    Nationwide Cash Management Company             Ohio                           Investment Securities Agent
</TABLE>


                                    76 of 93
<PAGE>   51

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   NO. VOTING
                                                                   SECURITIES
                                                                  (see Attached
                                                  STATE           Chart) unless
                   COMPANY                   OF ORGANIZATION        otherwise                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                    indicated
<S>                                           <C>                 <C>             <C>
    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.          Delaware                         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 General Insurance Company           Ohio                           Insurance Company

    Nationwide HMO, Inc.                           Ohio                           Health Maintenance Organization

 *  Nationwide Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Reinsurance Company

    Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
    Foundation

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

    Nationwide Investing Foundation              Michigan                         Investment Company

 *  Nationwide Investing                      Massachusetts                       Investment Company
    Foundation II

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

    Nationwide Investors Services, Inc.            Ohio                           Stock Transfer Agent

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

**  Nationwide Life Insurance Company              Ohio                           Life Insurance Company

    Nationwide Lloyds                             Texas                           Texas Lloyds Company

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

    
</TABLE>


                                   77 of 93
<PAGE>   52

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   NO. VOTING
                                                                   SECURITIES
                                                                  (see Attached
                                                  STATE           Chart) unless
                   COMPANY                   OF ORGANIZATION        otherwise                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                    indicated
<S>                                          <C>                 <C>             <C>
   Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance               Ohio                           Insurance Company
   Company

   Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company            Ohio                           Insurance Company

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

   Nationwide Property and Casualty               Ohio                           Insurance Company
   Insurance Company

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

*  Nationwide Separate Account Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company

   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services,          Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency
   Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Wyoming                          Life Insurance Agency
   Wyoming

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

   Neckura General Insurance Company            Germany                          Insurance Company

   Neckura Holding Company                      Germany                          Administrative Service for Neckura Insurance
                                                                                 Group

   Neckura Insurance Company                    Germany                          Insurance Company

   Neckura Life Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company

   NWE, Inc.                                      Ohio                           Special Investments

   PEBSCO of Massachusetts Insurance         Massachusetts                       Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
   Agency, Inc.                                                                  Plans for Public Employees
</TABLE>


                                   78 of 93
<PAGE>   53

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   NO. VOTING
                                                                   SECURITIES
                                                                  (see Attached
                                                  STATE           Chart) unless
                   COMPANY                   OF ORGANIZATION        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

   
    Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation       Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance Organization
    

    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 Compensation
    Corporation of Alabama                                                        Plans for Public Employees

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

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

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

    Scottsdale Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Insurance Company

    Scottsdale Insurance Company                   Ohio                           Insurance Company

   
    Scottsdale Surplus Lines Insurance           Arizona                          Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance Company
    Company
    

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

    Wausau Business Insurance Company            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 Company       Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

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


                                   79 of 93
<PAGE>   54

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   NO. VOTING
                                                                   SECURITIES
                                                                  (see Attached
                                                  STATE           Chart) unless
                   COMPANY                   OF ORGANIZATION        otherwise                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                    indicated
<S>                                               <C>          <C>                             <C>
*  MFS Variable Account                           Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  NACo Variable Account                          Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide DC Variable Account                 Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

   
*  Nationwide DCVA-II                             Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account
    

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

*  Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account         Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide VA Separate Account-A               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Separate Account

*  Nationwide VA Separate Account-B               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Separate Account

   Nationwide VA Separate Account-C               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Separate Account

*  Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Separate Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account                    Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account-II                 Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account-3                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account-4                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account-5                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable           Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
   Account                                                     Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account-6                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account-8                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
   Account-A                                                   Separate Account

   
*  Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
   Account-B                                                   Separate Account
    

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

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

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


                                   80 of 93
<PAGE>   55
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                               (left side)
<S>                               <C>                               <C>                                  <C>
- ------------------------
| NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
| GOLF CHARITIES, INC. |
|                      |
|      MEMBERSHIP      |
|      NONPROFIT       |
|     CORPORATION      |
- ------------------------
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                  |      EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU     |
                                                  |           A MUTUAL COMPANY             |
                                                  |             (EMPLOYERS)                |
                                                  |                                        |========================================
                                                  | Contribution Note         Cost         |
                                                  | -----------------         ----         |
                                                  | Casualty                  $400,000,000 |
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                                |
           -----------------------------------------------------------------------
           |                                  |                                  |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------         ---------------------------
|    SAN DIEGO LOTUS      |       |   WAUSAU INSURANCE CO.  |       |      WAUSAU SERVICE      |         |                         |
|     CORPORATION         |       |      (U.K.) LIMITED     |       |     CORPORATION (WSC)    |         |    NATIONWIDE LLOYDS    |
|Common Stock: 748,212    |       |Common Stock: 8,506,800  |       |Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|         |                         |
|------------  Shares     |       |------------  Shares     |       |------------              |         |                         |
|                         |       |                         |       |                          |=========|                         |
|              Cost       |       |              Cost       |       |              Cost        |     ||  |      A TEXAS LLOYDS     |
|              ----       |       |              ----       |       |              ----        |     ||  |                         |
|Employers-               |       |Employers-               |       |Employers-                |     ||  |                         |
|100%          $29,000,000|       |100%          $18,683,300|       |100%          $176,763,000|     ||  |                         |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------     ||  ---------------------------
                                                                                 |                   ||
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------  ||
                              |                                 |                                 |  ||
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
|     WAUSAU BUSINESS     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   COUNTRYWIDE SERVICES   |  |  ||  |                         |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY    |   |   |    OF KENTUCKY, INC.    |   |   |        CORPORATION       |  |  ||  |                         |
|Common Stock: 10,900,000 |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 100 Shares  |  |  ||  |        COMPANIES        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------              |  |  ||  |        AGENCY OF        |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |  ||==|        TEXAS, INC.      |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |  ||  |                         |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |  ||  |                         |
|WSC-100%      $33,800,000|   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $145,852    |  |  ||  |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |  ||
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
|   WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS   |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |      WAUSAU GENERAL      |  |  ||  |                         |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY    |   |   | OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC.  |   |   |     INSURANCE COMPANY    |  |  ||  |                         |
|Common Stock: 8,750      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 200,000     |  |  ||  |     COMPANIES ANNUITY   |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |  |  ||  |         AGENCY OF       |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |  ====|         TEXAS, INC.     |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |                         |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |                         |
|WSC-100%      $69,560,006|   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $39,000,000 |  |      |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|   GREATER LA CROSSE     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   WAUSAU INTERNATIONAL   |  |      |     AMERICAN MARINE     |
|   HEALTH PLANS, INC.    |   |   |    OF NEW YORK, INC.    |   |   |       UNDERWRITERS       |  |      |    UNDERWRITERS, INC.   |
|Common Stock: 3,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000       |  |      |Common Stock: 20         |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |  |      |------------  Shares     |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |------|                         |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-33.3%     $861,761   |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $10,000     |  |      |WSC-100%      $248,222   |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |     COMPANIES AGENCY     |  |      |     COMPANIES AGENCY    |
|    OF ALABAMA, INC.     |   |   |  OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.  |   |   |    INSURANCE SERVICES    |  |      |     OF ILLINOIS, INC.   |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |       OF CALIFORNIA      |  |      |                         |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000       |  |      |Common Stock: 250        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |---|------------  Shares      |  |------|------------  Shares     |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |   |                          |  |      |                         |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000      |  |      |WSC-100%      $2,500     |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   COMPANIES AGENCY      |   |   |      PHYSICIANS PLUS     |  |      |         COMPANIES       |
|     OF IDAHO, INC.      |   |   |     OF PHOENIX, INC.    |   |   |         INSURANCE        |  |      |        AGENCY, INC.     |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |        CORPORATION       |  |      |                         |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock:    7,150    |  |      |Common Stock: 100        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------     Shares   |  |      |------------  Shares     |
|                         |-------|                         |   |---|Preferred Stock: 11,540   |  |------|                         |
|                         |       |                         |   |   |---------------  Shares   |  |      |                         |
|                         |       |                         |   |   |                          |  |      |                         |
|              Cost       |       |              Cost       |   |   |                Cost      |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |       |              ----       |   |   |                ----      |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-100%      $1,000     |       |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-33 1/3%     $6,215,459|  |      |WSC-100%      $10,000    |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                                                                |                                 |      
                                                                |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                                                                |   |      PREVEA HEALTH       |  |      |    PENSION ASSOCIATES   |
                                                                |   |  INSURANCE PLAN, INC.    |  |      |      OF WAUSAU, INC.    |
                                                                |   |Common Stock: 3,000 Shares|  |      |Common Stock: 1,000      |
                                                                |   |------------              |  |      |------------  Shares     |
                                                                ----|                          |  -------|                         |
                                                                    |                          |         |                         |
                                                                    |              Cost        |         |Companies        Cost    |
                                                                    |              ----        |         |Agency, Inc.     ----    |
                                                                    |WSC-33 1/3%   $500,000    |         |(Wisconsin)-100% $10,000 |
                                                                    ----------------------------         ---------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   56
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                                  (middle)
<S>                                               <C>                                               <C>         
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                           INSURANCE COMPANY                               |================================================
       |                              (CASUALTY)                                   |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||                              |
              |                        ||                              -------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    |                                                                      |
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
|      ALLNATIONS, INC.        |       ||    |    |      NATIONWIDE GENERAL      |                  |        NECKURA HOLDING       |
|Common Stock:    3,136 Shares |       ||    |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |                  |       COMPANY (NECKURA)      |
|------------                  |       ||    |    |                              |                  |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |Common Stock:    20,000       |                  |Common Stock:    10,000       |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |------------     Shares       |                  |------------     Shares       |
|Casualty-24.5%   $88,320      |       ||    |    |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
|Fire-24.5%       $88,463      |       ||    |    |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
|Preferred Stock: 1,466 Shares |       ||    |----|Casualty-100%    $5,944,422   |         ---------|Casualty-100%    $87,943,140  |
|---------------               |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Casualty-7.7%    $100,000     |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Fire-7.7%        $100,000     |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                       ||    |                                             |    
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|       FARMLAND MUTUAL        |       ||    |    |      NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     |         |        |           NECKURA            |
|      INSURANCE COMPANY       |       ||    |    |         AND CASUALTY         |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Guaranty Fund                 |       ||    |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |         |        |                              |
|------------                  |=========    |----|Common Stock:    60,000       |         |--------|Common Stock:    6,000        |
|Certificate                   |             |    |------------     Shares       |         |        |------------     Shares       |
|-----------      Cost         |             |    |                 Cost         |         |        |                 Cost         |
|                 ----         |             |    |                 ----         |         |        |Neckura-         ----         |
|Casualty         $500,000     |             |    |Casualty-100%    $6,000,000   |         |        |100%             DM 6,000,000 |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
              |                              |                                             |    
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|        F & B, INC.           |             |    |      COLONIAL INSURANCE      |         |        |         NECKURA LIFE         |
|                              |             |    |     COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA    |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Common Stock:    1 Share      |             |    |          (COLONIAL)          |         |        |                              |
|------------                  |             |----|Common Stock:    1,750        |         |--------|Common Stock:   4,000         |
|                 Cost         |             |    |------------     Shares       |         |        |------------    Shares        |
|                 ----         |             |    |                 Cost         |         |        |                Cost          |
|Farmland                      |             |    |                 ----         |         |        |                ----          |
|Mutual-100%      $10          |             |    |Casualty-100%    $11,750,000  |         |        |Neckura-100%    DM 15,825,681 |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                             |                                             |        
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|  NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS     |             |    |         SCOTTSDALE           |         |        |        NECKURA GENERAL       |
|     INSURANCE COMPANY        |             |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Common Stock:    1,000,000    |             |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|------------     Shares       |             |    |Common Stock:    30,136       |         |        |Common Stock:    1,500        |
|                 Cost         |------------------|------------     Shares       |         |--------|------------     Shares       |
|                 ----         |                  |                 Cost         |         |        |                 Cost         |
|Casualty-99.9%   $26,714,335  |                  |                 ----         |         |        |                 ----         |
|Other Capital:                |                  |Casualty-100%    $150,000,000 |         |        |Neckura-100%     DM 1,656,925 |
|-------------                 |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
|Casualty-Ptd.    $   713,567  |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                                 |                         |        
                                                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                  |          SCOTTSDALE          |         |        |       COLUMBUS INSURANCE     |
                                                  |        SURPLUS LINES         |         |        |      BROKERAGE AND SERVICE   |
                                                  |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |         |        |              GmbH            |
                                                  |                              |         |        |Common Stock:    1 Share      |
                                                  |                              |         |--------|------------                  |
                                                  |        "NEWLY FORMED"        |         |        |                 Cost         |
                                                  |                              |         |        |                 ----         |
                                                  |                              |         |        |Neckura-100%     DM 51,639    |
                                                  |                              |         |        |                              |
                                                  |                              |         |        |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                                 |                         |        
                                                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                  |      NATIONAL PREMIUM &      |         |        |          LEBEN DIREKT        |
                                                  |    BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION    |         |        |        INSURANCE COMPANY     |
                                                  |           COMPANY            |         |        |                              |
                                                  |Common Stock:    10,000       |         |        |Common Stock:    4,000 Shares |
                                                  |------------     Shares       |------------------|------------                  |
                                                  |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Scottsdale-100%  $10,000      |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 4,000,000 |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------

                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                                  |         SVM SALES            |                  |          AUTO DIREKT         |
                                                  |            GmbH              |                  |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  |Common Stock:    50 Shares    |                  |Common Stock:    1,500 Shares |
                                                  |------------                  |                  |------------                  |
                                                  |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Neckura-100%     DM 50,000    |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 1,643,149 |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   57
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                              (right side)
<S>     <C>                                       <C>                                              <C>         
                                                                                                            ------------------------
                                                                                                            | NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
                                                                                                            | ENTERPRISE FOUNDATION|
                                                                                                            |                      |
                                                                                                            |      MEMBERSHIP      |
                                                                                                            |      NONPROFIT       |
                                                                                                            |     CORPORATION      |
                                                                                                            ------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                         FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY                            |
       |                                (FIRE)                                     |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       |
- ---------------                                                        --------------------------------------------------
              |                                                                                                         |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       |
  |                                          |                                                                  |       |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |     |         SCOTTSDALE           |     |    |         NATIONWIDE           |                |          NATIONWIDE            |
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |      COMMUNITY URBAN         |                |          CORPORATION           |
  |     |                              |     |    |       REDEVELOPMENT          |                |                                |
  |     |                              |     |    |        CORPORATION           |                |Common Stock:    Control:       |
  |     |Common Stock:    50,000       |     |    |Common Stock:    10 Shares    |                |------------     -------        |
  |-----|------------     Shares       |     |----|------------                  |                |$13,642,432      100%           |
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                |         Shares     Cost        |
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                |         ------     ----        |
  |     |Casualty-100%    $8,800,000   |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,000       |                |Casualty 12,992,922 $751,352,485|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                |Fire        649,510   24,007,936|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                |          (See Page 2)          |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |                                          |                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |         NATIONWIDE           |     |    |          INSURANCE           |                                                  
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |     INTERMEDIARIES, INC.     |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |-----|Common Stock:    28,000       |     |----|Common Stock:    1,615        |                                                  
  |     |------------     Shares       |     |    |------------     Shares       |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
  |     |Casualty-100%    $294,529,000 |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,615,000   |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                                          |                                                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |          LONE STAR           |     |    |       NATIONWIDE CASH        |                                                  
  |     |     GENERAL AGENCY, INC.     |     |    |      MANAGEMENT COMPANY      |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |Common Stock:    100 Shares   |                                                  
  ------|Common Stock:    1,000        |     |----|------------                  |                                                  
        |------------     Shares       |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
        |                 Cost         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
        |                 ----         |     |    |Casualty-90%     $9,000       |                                                  
        |Casualty-100%    $5,000,000   |     |    |NW Adv. Serv.     1,000       |                                                  
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
                      ||                     |                                                                                      
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
        |   COLONIAL COUNTY MUTUAL     |     |    |       CALIFORNIA CASH        |                                                  
        |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |     |    |          MANAGEMENT          |                                                  
        |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
        |Surplus Debentures            |     |    |Common Stock:    90 Shares    |                                                  
        |------------------            |     |----|------------                  |                                                  
        |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
        |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
        |Colonial         $500,000     |     |    |Casualty-100%    $9,000       |                                                  
        |Lone Star         150,000     |     |    |                              |                                                  
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
                                             |                                                      
                                             |    --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                             |    |         NATIONWIDE           |                  |           THE BEAK AND       |
                                             |    |     COMMUNICATIONS, INC.     |                  |         WIRE CORPORATION     |
                                             |    |Common Stock:    14,750       |                  |                              |
                                             |    |------------     Shares       |                  |Common Stock:    750 Shares   |
                                             -----|                 Cost         |------------------|------------                  |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |Casualty-100%    $11,510,000  |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Other Capital:                |                  |NW Comm-100%     $531,000     |
                                                  |-------------                 |                  |                              |
                                                  |Casualty-Ptd.      1,000,000  |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------



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

March 6, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   58
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        (Left Side)
                                                NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)

                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |              EMPLOYERS INSURANCE               |
                                        |                  OF WAUSAU                     |==========================================
                                        |               A MUTUAL COMPANY                 |
                                         ------------------------------------------------



























<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             |                                  |                                   |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ---------------------------
               | NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE |      |        NATIONWIDE         |      |   NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL    |
               |     COMPANY (NW LIFE)     |      |    FINANCIAL SERVICES     |      | INSTITUTION DISTRIBUTORS  |
               |                           |      |      CAPITAL TRUST        |      |   AGENCY, INC. (NFIDAI)   |
               | Common Stock: 3,814,779   |      | Preferred Stock:          |      | Common Stock:     1,000   |
               | ------------  Shares      |      | ---------------           |      | ------------      Shares  |
               |                           |      |                           |      |                           |
               | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ---------------------------
                               |                                                                    ||  
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------        ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
|    NATIONWIDE LIFE AND    |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |      |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
| ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY |  |  |     ADVISORY SERVICES     |      |    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |  ||  |                          |
|        (NW LIFE)          |  |  |      (NW ADV. SERV.)      |      |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 68,000      |  |  | Common Stock: 7,676       |      | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|--| ------------  Shares      |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF OHIO, INC.      |
|               Cost        |  |  |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $58,070,003 |  |  | NW Life--100% $5,996,261  |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $100         |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                              
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|         NWE, INC.         |  |  |        NATIONWIDE         |  ||  |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. |  ||  |        SERVICES OF        |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |       NEW YORK, INC.      |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 100         |  |  | Common Stock: 5           |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  | ------------  Shares      |==||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |
|               Cost        |  |  |                     Cost  |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                     ----  |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $35,971,375 |  |  | NW Adv. Serv.--100% $5,000|  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $10,100      |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|   NATIONWIDE INVESTMENT   |  |  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |  ||  |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
|   SERVICES CORPORATION    |  |  |     INVESTMENT TRUST      |  ||  |      SECURITIES CORP.     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 5,000       |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF TEXAS, INC.     |
|               Cost        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $529,728    |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $153,000     |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
| NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||  |   AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.  |  ||  |                          |
|    COMPANY OF NEW YORK    |  |  |         INVESTING         |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |         FOUNDATION        |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock:             |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |          AFFILIATE       |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |__||==|          AGENCY OF       |
|               Cost        |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |      |          OHIO, INC.      |
|               ----        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |      |                          |
| NW Life--100%             |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |      |                          |
| (Proposed)                |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $100         |      |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------        --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                                                
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|      INVESTORS, LTD.      |  |  |          INVESTING        |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |        FOUNDATION II      |  ||                               
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |  |  |                           |==||                               
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| NW Life--90%              |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| NW Mutual--10%            |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||                               
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
                               |                                 ||                               
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|      INVESTORS, LTD.      |  |  |      SEPARATE ACCOUNT     |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |            TRUST          |  ||                               
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |__|  |                           |__||                               
|                           |     |                           |                                   
|                           |     |                           |                                   
| NW Life--97.6%            |     |                           |                                   
| NW Mutual--2.4%           |     |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |                                   
 ---------------------------       ---------------------------                                    
</TABLE>                           
<PAGE>   59
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           (Center)

<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |
========================================|               INSURANCE COMPANY                |==========================================
                                        |                  (CASUALTY)                    |
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |
                                                                 |              ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |              |
                                               ---------------------------------------
                                              |    NATIONWIDE CORPORATION (NW CORP)   |
                                              |   Common Stock:           Control     |
                                              |   ------------            -------     |
                                              |    13,642,432               100%      |
                                              |              Shares      Cost         |
                                              |             ------      ----          |
                                              | Casualty    12,992,922   $751,352,485 |
                                              | Fire           649,510     24,007,936 |
                                               ---------------------------------------
                                                                |
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                                     |                                |                             |
 ---------------------------     --------------------------       -----------------------------      ---------------------------- 
|    NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL   |   |   MRM INVESTMENTS, INC.   |    |      WEST COAST LIFE        |    |    NATIONAL CASUALTY       |
|    SERVICES, INC. (NFS)   |   |                           |    |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |    |         COMPANY            |
|                           |   |                           |    |                             |    |           (NC)             |
| Common Stock: Control     |   | Common Stock: 1           |    | Common Stock: 1,000,000     |    | Common Stock: 100          |
| ------------  -------     |   | ------------  Share       |    | ------------  Shares        |    | ------------  Shares       |
|                           |   |                           |    |                             |    |                            |
|                           |   |               Cost        |    |               Cost          |    |                Cost        | 
| Class A     Public--100%  |   |               ----        |    |               ----          |    |                ----        |
| Class B     NW Corp--100% |   | NW Corp.--100% $1,339,218 |    | NW Corp.--100% $152,946,930 |    | NW Corp.--100% $73,442,439 |
 ---------------------------     ---------------------------      -----------------------------      ---------------------------- 
             |                                                                                                     |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                   |
                             |                                                  |                                  |
                ---------------------------                       ---------------------------        ----------------------------
               | PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT  |                     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER       |    |   NCC OF AMERICA, INC.     |
               |   SERVICES CORPORATION    |                     |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.   |    |         (INACTIVE)         |
               |         (PEBSCO)          |                     |             (NEA)           |    |                            |
               | Common Stock: 236,494     |==||                 | Common Stock: 500           |    |                            |
               | ------------  Shares      |  ||                 | ------------  Shares        |    |                            |
               |                           |  ||                 |                             |    |                            |
               | NFS--100%                 |  ||                 | NFS--100%                   |    | NFS--100%                  |
                ---------------------------   ||                  -----------------------------      ----------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||  
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  
               |          ALABAMA          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |     OF ALABAMA, INC.      |  ||
               | Common Stock: 100,000     |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%      $5,000     |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 || 
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||
               |         ARKANSAS          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |      OF ARIZONA, INC      |  ||
               | Common Stock: 50,000      |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $500        |  ||  | NEA--100%     $1,000      |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |  PEBSCO OF MASSACHUSETTS  |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||
               |  INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.   |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |      OF MONTANA, INC.     |  ||
               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                           |
               |          MONTANA          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||  |                           |
               |                           |  ||  |      OF NEVADA, INC.      |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|       OF OHIO, INC.       |
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                           |
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                           |
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                           |
               | PEBSCO--100%  $500        |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||  |                           |
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                           |
               |        NEW MEXICO         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||  |                           |
               |                           |  ||  |      OF WYOMING, INC.     |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.     |
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                           |
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                           |
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                           |
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||  |                           |
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ----------------------------
               |                           |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                            |
               |                           |  ||  |    SERVICES INSURANCE     |  ||  |                            |
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |       AGENCY, INC.        |  ||  |      NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               |        TEXAS, INC.        |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |      INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |__||==|        OF TEXAS, INC.      |
               |                           |      |                           |      |                            |
               |                           |      |               Cost        |      |                            |
               |                           |      |               ----        |      |                            |
               |                           |      | NEA--100%     $1,000      |      |                            |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ----------------------------

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   60
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                            (Right)

<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |
========================================|            FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY              |
                                        |                   (FIRE)                       |
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------|   












- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              |                                |                              |
                ---------------------------         ------------------------------       ------------------------------
               |      GATES, MCDONALD        |     |   EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE   |     |    NATIONWIDE HMO, INC.      |
               |     & COMPANY (GATES)       |     |       OF WAUSAU (ELIOW)      |     |         (NW HMO)             |
               |                             |     |                              |     |                              |
               | Common Stock:   254         |     | Common Stock:   250,000      |     | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |  |  |                 Cost         |  |  |                 Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |  |  |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | NW CORP.--100%  $25,683,532 |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $126,509,480 |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $14,603,732  |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                    |                                    |
           |    ---------------------------     |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |  |  |       WAUSAU PREFERRED       |  |  |    NATIONWIDE MANAGEMENT     |
           |   |      OF NEW YORK, INC.      |  |  |      HEALTH INSURANCE CO.    |  |  |         SYSTEMS, INC.        |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   3           |  |  | Common Stock:   250,000      |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |  |  |                 Cost         |  |  | NW HMO          Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |  |  |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | GATES--100%     $106,947    |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $57,413,193  |  |  | Inc.--100%      $25,149      |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                    |                                    |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |  |  |     KEY HEALTH PLAN, INC.    |  |  |          NATIONWIDE          |
           |   |         OF NEVADA           |  |  |                              |  |  |          AGENCY, INC.        |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   40          |  |  | Common Stock:   1,000        |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |     |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |     |                 Cost         |  |  | NW HMO          Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |     |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | Gates--100%     $93,750     |     | ELIOPW--80%  $2,700,000      |  |  | Inc.--99%       $116,077     |
           |    -----------------------------       ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |
           |    -----------------------------     
           |   |      GATES, MCDONALD        |  
           |   |     HEALTH PLUS, INC.       |  
           |   |                             |  
           |   | Common Stock:   200         |       
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  
               |                             |  
               |                 Cost        |  
               |                 ----        |  
               | NW CORP.--100%  $2,000,000  |  
                -----------------------------   









                                                                                Subsidiary Companies    -- Solid Line

                                                                                Contractual Association -- Double Line

                                                                                Partnership Interest    -- Dotted Line



                                                                                                             March 6, 1997

                                                                                                                    Page 2
</TABLE>
                                                
                                                                              
<PAGE>   61

Item 27. Number of Contract Owners

   
      The number of contract Owners of Qualified and Non-Qualified Contracts as
      of February 28, 1997 was 2,139 and 3,073, respectively.
    

Item 28. Indemnification

      Provision is made in the Company's Amended and Restated Code of
      Regulations and expressly authorized by the General Corporation Law of the
      State of Ohio, for indemnification by the Company of any person who was or
      is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending
      or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
      administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that such person is
      or was a director, officer or employee of the Company, against expenses,
      including attorneys fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
      actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such
      action, suit or proceeding, to the extent and under the circumstances
      permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Ohio. 

      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
      Act of 1933 ("Act") may be permitted to directors, officers or persons
      controlling the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Company
      has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
      Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
      the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
      indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
      registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
      controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any
      action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
      controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
      registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
      settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
      jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against
      public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
      adjudication of such issue.

Item 29. Principal Underwriter

   
      (a)   Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS") acts as principal
            underwriter and general distributor for the Nationwide Multi-Flex
            Variable Account, Nationwide DC Variable Account, Nationwide
            DCVA-II, Nationwide Variable Account-II, Nationwide Variable
            Account-5, Nationwide Variable Account-6, Nationwide Variable
            Account-8, Nationwide VA Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate
            Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate Account-C, Nationwide VL Separate
            Account-A, Nationwide VL Separate Account-B, Nationwide VLI Separate
            Account-2, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3, NACo Variable Account
            and Nationwide Variable Account, all of which are separate
            investment accounts of the Company or its affiliates. 

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


                                    83 of 93
<PAGE>   62

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

                                                Positions and offices
         Name and Business Address                 with Underwriter

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

Dimon Richard McFerson                    Chairman of the Board of Directors and
One Nationwide Plaza                                   Chairman and
Columbus, OH  43215                         Chief Executive Officer--Nationwide
                                             Insurance Enterprise and Director
Gordon E. McCutchan                         
One Nationwide Plaza                        Executive Vice President-Law and
Columbus, OH  43215                          Corporate Services and Director
                                            
Robert A. Oakley                            Executive Vice President - Chief 
One Nationwide Plaza                         Financial Officer and Director
Columbus, OH 43215


                                    84 of 93
<PAGE>   63

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

Robert J. Woodward, Jr.                        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 & Acting Treasurer
Columbus, OH  43215

Edwin P. McCausland                             Vice President - Fixed Income 
One Nationwide Plaza                                     Securities
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

   
William G. Goslee                                      Vice President
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
                                                       

Joseph P. Rath                                         Vice President
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

Rae M. Pollina                                           Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
    

<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
          Advisory               N/A                        N/A                        N/A                    N/A
          Services,
             Inc.
</TABLE>

Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records

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

Item 31. Management Services

         Not Applicable


                                    85 of 93
<PAGE>   64

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.

   
      The Registrant represents that any of the Contracts which are issued
      pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code are issued by the Company through
      the Registrant in reliance upon, and in compliance with a no-action letter
      issued by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission to the
      American Council of Life Insurance (publicly available November 28, 1988)
      permitting withdrawal restrictions to the extent necessary to comply with
      Section 403(b)(11) of the Code.

      The Company represents that the fees and charges deducted under the
      Contract in the aggregate are reasonable in relation to the services
      rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed by
      the Company.
    


                                    86 of 93
<PAGE>   65

                     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, 1997
    


                                    87 of 93
<PAGE>   66

      Accountants' Consent and Independent Auditors' Report on Financial
      Statement Schedules

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

The audits referred to in our report on Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
Company (the Company) dated January 31, 1997 included the related financial
statement schedules as of December 31, 1996, and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996, included in the registration
statement. These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such
financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth herein.
    

We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Services" in the Statement of Additional Information.


                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

   
Columbus, Ohio
April 28, 1997
    


                                    88 of 93
<PAGE>   67

                                   SIGNATURES

   
      As required by the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act
of 1940, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C has caused this
Post-Effective Amendment to be signed on its behalf in the City of Columbus, and
State of Ohio, on this 24th day of April, 1997.
    

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

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

                                              By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                               Joseph P. Rath
                                               Vice President

   
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 24th day
of April, 1997.
    

              Signature                        Title


LEWIS J. ALPHIN                              Director
- ------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin


KEITH W. ECKEL                               Director
- ------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel


WILLARD J. ENGEL                             Director
- ------------------------------
Willard J. Engel


FRED C. FINNEY                               Director
- ------------------------------
Fred C. Finney


CHARLES L. FUELLGRAF, JR.                    Director
- ------------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.


JOSEPH J. GASPER                      President/Chief Operating 
- ------------------------------           Officer and Director
Joseph J. Gasper


HENRY S. HOLLOWAY                      Chairman of the Board 
- ------------------------------              and Director
Henry S. Holloway

                                       
                                       Chairman and Chief Executive
DIMON RICHARD MCFERSON                     Officer--Nationwide     
- ------------------------------            Insurance Enterprise
Dimon Richard McFerson                        and Director         


DAVID O. MILLER                              Director
- ------------------------------
David O. Miller


C. RAY NOECKER                               Director
- ------------------------------
C. Ray Noecker


ROBERT A. OAKLEY                      Executive Vice President-Chief 
- ------------------------------             Financial Officer
Robert A. Oakley


JAMES F. PATTERSON                           Director        By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
- ------------------------------                               -------------------
James F. Patterson                                            Joseph P. Rath,
                                                              Attorney-in-Fact

ARDEN L. SHISLER                             Director         
- ------------------------------
Arden L. Shisler


ROBERT L. STEWART                            Director
- ------------------------------
Robert L. Stewart
                                             


NANCY C. THOMAS                              Director
- ------------------------------
Nancy C. Thomas


HAROLD W. WEIHL                              Director
- ------------------------------
Harold W. Weihl


                                    93 of 93
<PAGE>   68
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY



         KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned as
directors and/or officers of NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, and NATIONWIDE
LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY, both Ohio corporations, which have filed or
will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the provisions
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, various Registration Statements and
amendments thereto for the registration under said Act of Individual Deferred
Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with MFS Variable Account, Nationwide
Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-II, Nationwide Variable Account-3,
Nationwide Variable Account-4, Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide
Variable Account-6, Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable Account, Nationwide
Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-8, Nationwide VA
Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate
Account-C and Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q; and the registration of fixed
interest rate options subject to a market value adjustment offered under some or
all of the aforementioned individual Variable Annuity Contracts in connection
with Nationwide Multiple Maturity Separate Account and Nationwide Multiple
Maturity Separate Account-A, and the registration of Group Flexible Fund
Retirement Contracts in connection with Nationwide DC Variable Account,
Nationwide DCVA-II, and NACo Variable Account; and the registration of Group
Common Stock Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with Separate Account No.
1; and the registration of variable life insurance policies in connection with
Nationwide VLI Separate Account, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2, Nationwide
VLI Separate Account-3, Nationwide VL Separate Account-A and Nationwide VL
Separate Account-B, hereby constitutes and appoints Dimon Richard McFerson,
Joseph J. Gasper, W. Sidney Druen, and Joseph P. Rath, and each of them with
power to act without the others, his/her attorney, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for and in his/her name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to approve, and sign such Registration Statements and
any and all amendments thereto, with power to affix the corporate seal of said
corporation thereto and to attest said seal and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby granting unto said attorneys, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and
thing requisite to all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming that which said attorneys, or any of
them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This instrument may
be executed in one or more counterparts.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have herewith set their names and
seals as of this 2nd day of April, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                 <C>
/s/ Lewis J. Alphin                                                 /s/ David O. Miller
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin, Director                                           David O. Miller, Director

/s/ Keith W. Eckel                                                  /s/ C. Ray Noecker
- -------------------------------------------------                   -------------------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel, Director                                            C. Ray Noecker, Director

/s/ Willard J. Engel                                                /s/ Robert A. Oakley
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Willard J. Engel, Director                                          Robert A. Oakley, Executive Vice President and Chief
                                                                    Financial Officer

/s/ Fred C. Finney                                                  /s/ James F. Patterson
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Fred C. Finney, Director                                            James F. Patterson, Director

/s/ Charles L. Fuellgraf                                            /s/ Arden L. Shisler
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr., Director                                 Arden L. Shisler, Director

/s/ Joseph J. Gasper                                                /s/ Robert L. Stewart
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Joseph J. Gasper, President and Chief Operating Officer             Robert L. Stewart, Director
and Director

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

/s/ Dimon Richard McFerson                                          /s/ Harold W. Weihl
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Dimon Richard McFerson, Chairman and Chief Executive                Harold W. Weihl, Director
Officer-Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
</TABLE>






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