NATIONWIDE LIFE & ANNUITY VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
485BPOS, 1998-04-29
Previous: ULTRATECH STEPPER INC, DEF 14A, 1998-04-29
Next: BEARD CO /OK, DEF 14A, 1998-04-29



<PAGE>   1
              As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
                                                       '33 Act File No. 33-66496
                                                       '40 Act File No. 811-7908

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

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4

   
                   REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
                                   ACT OF 1933
                       POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 6       [X]
                                       and
                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
                               AMENDMENT NO. 8              [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

   
     DENNIS W. CLICK, 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, 1998 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.

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

                                   1 of 97
<PAGE>   2


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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Caption in Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and Other Information


N-4 ITEM                                                                                                          PAGE
Part A    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
<S>       <C>   <C>                                                                                               <C>
    Item   1.   Cover page..........................................................................................3
    Item   2.   Definitions.........................................................................................5
    Item   3.   Synopsis or Highlights.............................................................................12
    Item   4.   Condensed Financial Information....................................................................13
    Item   5.   General Description of Registrant, Depositor, and Portfolio Companies..............................15
    Item   6.   Deductions and Expenses............................................................................17
    Item   7.   General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts..................................................20
    Item   8.   Annuity Period.....................................................................................27
    Item   9.   Death Benefit and Distributions....................................................................27
    Item  10.   Purchases and Contract Value.......................................................................20
    Item  11.   Redemptions........................................................................................23
    Item  12.   Taxes..............................................................................................33
    Item  13.   Legal Proceedings..................................................................................41
    Item  14.   Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information.......................................41

Part B   INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    Item  15.   Cover Page.........................................................................................43
    Item  16.   Table of Contents..................................................................................43
    Item  17.   General Information and History....................................................................43
    Item  18.   Services...........................................................................................43
    Item  19.   Purchase of Securities Being Offered...............................................................44
    Item  20.   Underwriters.......................................................................................44
    Item  21.   Calculation of Performance Information.............................................................44
    Item  22.   Annuity Payments...................................................................................45
    Item  23.   Financial Statements...............................................................................46

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..........................................................................88
    Item  28.   Indemnification....................................................................................88
    Item  29.   Principal Underwriter..............................................................................88
    Item  30.   Location of Accounts and Records...................................................................90
    Item  31.   Management Services................................................................................90
    Item  32.   Undertakings.......................................................................................90
</TABLE>



                                    2 of 97
<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
                       DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
       ISSUED BY NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY THROUGH ITS
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

   
The Contracts described in this prospectus are flexible Purchase Payment
Contracts (collectively referred to as the "Contracts"). Reference throughout
the prospectus to such Contracts will mean individual Contracts as well as
Certificates issued under Group Flexible Fund Retirement Contracts. For such
Group Contracts, references to "Contract Owner" will mean the "Participant"
unless the Plan otherwise permits or requires the Contract Owner to exercise
contractual rights under the authority of the Plan terms. The Contracts are sold
for use in retirement plans which may qualify for special federal tax treatment
under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). The Contracts are sold as:
Non-Qualified Contracts; IRAs; Tax Sheltered Annuities; SEP IRAs; Roth IRAs and
Qualified Contracts. Annuity payments 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"). Shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options
are issued only for the purpose of funding benefits of variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by insurance companies or,
in some cases, through participation in certain qualified pension or retirement
plans. The Variable Account uses its assets to purchase shares at Net Asset
Value in one or more of the following Underlying Mutual Fund options:

                FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND ("VIP")
                           VIP Equity-Income Portfolio
                             VIP Overseas Portfolio

                   NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST ("NSAT")
                            NSAT - Money Market Fund
                            NSAT - Total Return Fund

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

This prospectus provides you with the basic information you should know about
the Contracts issued by the Variable Account before investing. You should read
it and keep it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information dated
May 1, 1998, containing further information about the Contracts and the Variable
Account has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). You
can obtain a copy without charge from the Company by calling 1-800-860-3946, TDD
1-800-238-3035, or writing P.O. Box 182008, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008.

THE BENEFITS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN EVERY
JURISDICTION. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR CONTRACT FOR SPECIFIC BENEFIT INFORMATION.

INVESTMENTS IN THESE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, AND ARE NOT
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 GOVERNMENTAL
AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE CONTRACT INVOLVES CERTAIN INVESTMENT RISKS, WHICH
MAY INCLUDE THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.

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

                                       1

                                    3 of 97
<PAGE>   4

   
THE SEC MAINTAINS A WEBSITE, WWW.SEC.GOV, THAT CONTAINS THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AS WELL AS ANY MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
RELATING TO THIS PROSPECTUS.

THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED MAY 1, 1998, IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 39 OF THE PROSPECTUS.

                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1998.
    


                                       2

                                    4 of 97
<PAGE>   5

                            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 designated to receive annuity payments during
Annuitization and upon whose continuation of life any annuity payment involving
life contingencies depends. 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. The Annuitant may be changed prior to the Annuitization Date with
the consent of the Company.

ANNUITIZATION - The period during which annuity payments are received.

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

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE - The date on which the annuity payments are scheduled
to commence. The Annuity Commencement Date is shown on the data page of the
Contract. The Annuity Commencement Date may be changed by the Contract Owner
with the consent of the Company.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION - The chosen form of annuity payments. Several options
are available under the Contract.
    

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

   
BENEFICIARY - The person designated to receive certain benefits under the
Contract when the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date. The
Beneficiary can be changed by the Contract Owner as set forth in the Contract.
    

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

COMPANY - Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.

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

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

CONTRACT VALUE - The sum of the value of all Accumulation Units plus any amount
held under the Contract in the Fixed Account.

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

DATE OF ISSUE - The date shown as the Date of Issue on the data page of the
Contract.

   
DEATH BENEFIT - The benefit which is payable upon the death of the Annuitant.
This benefit does not apply upon the death of the Contract Owner when the
Contract Owner and Annuitant are not the same person. If the Annuitant dies
after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may be payable will 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- An investment option which is funded by the General Account of
the Company.

FIXED PAYMENT ANNUITY - An annuity providing for payments which are guaranteed
by the Company as to dollar amount during Annuitization.

GENERAL ACCOUNT- All assets of the Company other than those of the Variable
Account or in other separate accounts that have been or may be established by
the Company.
    

HOME OFFICE - The main office of the Company located in Columbus, Ohio.

                                       3

                                    5 of 97
<PAGE>   6

   
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT - An account that qualifies for favorable tax
treatment under Section 408 of the Code.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITY (IRA) - An annuity contract which qualifies for
favorable tax treatment under Section 408 of the Code.
    

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

   
JOINT OWNER - The Joint Owner possesses an undivided interest in the entire
Contract in conjunction with the Contract Owner. If a Joint Owner is named,
references to "Contract Owner", "Owner", or "Joint Owner" in this prospectus
will apply to both the Contract Owner and Joint Owner or either of them. Joint
Ownership may be selected only for Non-Qualified Contracts.

NET ASSET VALUE - The value of one share of an Underlying Mutual Fund at the end
of a market day or at the close of the New York Stock Exchanges. Net Asset Value
is computed by adding the value of all portfolio holdings plus other assets,
deducting liabilities and then dividing the result by the number of shares
outstanding.

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

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

PURCHASE 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
Section 401 or 403(a) of the Code.

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

SEP IRA - A retirement plan which receives favorable tax treatment under 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.

   
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND - A registered open-end management investment company in
which the assets of the Sub-Accounts will be invested.

VALUATION DATE - Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Home Office are
open for business or any other day during which there is a sufficient degree of
trading of the Underlying Mutual Fund shares that the current Variable Account
Contract Value might be materially affected.

VALUATION PERIOD - The period of time commencing at the close of business of a
Valuation Date 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 PAYMENT 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.
    


                                       4

                                    6 of 97
<PAGE>   7

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    TABLE OF CONTENTS

<S>                                                                                                               <C>
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS...........................................................................................3
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES........................................................................................7
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES..............................................................................8
EXAMPLE.............................................................................................................9
SYNOPSIS...........................................................................................................10
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION....................................................................................11
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY......................................................................13
NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC..................................................................................13
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT...............................................................................................13
           Underlying Mutual Fund Options..........................................................................13
           Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund...............................................................14
           Nationwide Separate Account Trust.......................................................................14
           The One Group(R) Investment Trust.......................................................................14
           Voting Rights...........................................................................................15
           Substitution of Securities..............................................................................15
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS......................................................................15
           Expenses of the Variable Account........................................................................15
           Mortality Risk Charge...................................................................................16
           Expense Risk Charge.....................................................................................16
           Administration Charge...................................................................................16
           Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC")...............................................................16
           Waiver of CDSC..........................................................................................17
           Premium Taxes...........................................................................................17
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT..........................................................................................18
           Investments of the Variable Account.....................................................................18
           Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value......................................................18
           Value of an Accumulation Unit...........................................................................18
           Net Investment Factor...................................................................................18
           Determining the Contract Value..........................................................................19
           Right to Revoke.........................................................................................19
           Transfers...............................................................................................19
           Contract Ownership......................................................................................20
           Joint Ownership.........................................................................................20
           Beneficiary.............................................................................................21
           Surrender (Redemption)..................................................................................21
           Surrenders Under a Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity..........................................22
           Loan Privilege..........................................................................................22
           Assignment..............................................................................................23
CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES............................................................................................24
            Asset Rebalancing......................................................................................24
            Dollar Cost Averaging..................................................................................24
            Systematic Withdrawals.................................................................................24
ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD, DEATH BENEFIT, AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS.....................................................25
           Annuity Commencement Date...............................................................................25
           Annuitization...........................................................................................25
           Fixed Payment Annuity - First and Subsequent Payments...................................................25
           Variable Payment Annuity - First and Subsequent Payments................................................25
           Variable Payment Annuity - Assumed Investment Rate......................................................25
           Variable Payment Annuity - Value of an Annuity Unit.....................................................26
           Variable Payment Annuity - Exchanges Among Underlying Mutual Fund Options...............................26
           Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments................................................................26
           Annuity Payment Options.................................................................................26
           Death of Contract Owner - Non-Qualified Contracts.......................................................26
           Death of Annuitant - Non-Qualified Contracts............................................................27
           Death of the Owner/Annuitant............................................................................27
</TABLE>
    

                                       5

                                    7 of 97
<PAGE>   8

   
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>                                                                                                    <C>
           Death Benefit Payment...................................................................................27
           Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts......................................................28
           Required Distributions for Qualified Plans or Tax Sheltered Annuities...................................28
           Required Distributions for IRAs and SEP IRAs............................................................29
           Required Distributions for Roth IRAs....................................................................30
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.........................................................................................31
           Federal Income Taxes....................................................................................31
           Puerto Rico.............................................................................................31
           Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Contract Owners............................................32
           Non-Qualified Contracts - Non-Natural Persons as Contract Owners........................................33
           Qualified Plans, IRAs, SEP IRAs, and Tax Sheltered Annuities............................................33
           Roth IRAs...............................................................................................34
           Withholding.............................................................................................34
           Non-Resident Aliens.....................................................................................34
           Federal Estate, Gift, and Generation Skipping Transfer Taxes............................................35
           Charge for Tax..........................................................................................35
           Diversification.........................................................................................35
           Tax Changes.............................................................................................36
GENERAL INFORMATION................................................................................................36
           Contract Owner Inquiries................................................................................36
           Statements and Reports..................................................................................36
           Advertising.............................................................................................36
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES........................................................................................39
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..................................................................................................39
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...........................................................39
APPENDIX...........................................................................................................40
</TABLE>
    

                                       6

                                    8 of 97
<PAGE>   9

                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<S>                                                                                               <C>      
       Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC")(1)......................................  7.00    %
                                                                                                 ----------

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

<CAPTION>
                                     RANGE OF CDSC OVER TIME
         Number of Completed Years from                                 CDSC
            Date of Purchase Payment                                 Percentage
<S>                     <C>                                              <C>
                        0                                                7%
                        1                                                6%
                        2                                                5%
                        3                                                4%
                        4                                                3%
                        5                                                2%
                        6                                                1%
                        7                                                0%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
<S>                                                                                                <C>      
       Mortality and Expense Risk Charges........................................................  1.25    %
                                                                                                 ----------
       Administration Charge.....................................................................  0.05    %
                                                                                                 ----------
           Total Variable Account Annual Expenses................................................  1.30    %
                                                                                                 ----------

<FN>
1      During the first Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw, without
       a 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. This CDSC free withdrawal privilege is
       non-cumulative and must be used in the year available. The CDSC is
       imposed only against Purchase Payments (see "Contingent Deferred Sales
       Charge").
</FN>
</TABLE>
    
                                       7

                                    9 of 97
<PAGE>   10

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND EXPENSES(2)
                              (AS A PERCENTAGE OF UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Management                                 Total Portfolio
                                                    Fees             Other Expenses         Company Expenses
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>                  <C>                     <C>  
  Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio(3)           0.50%                0.07%                   0.57%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio(3)                0.75%                0.15%                   0.90%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NSAT - Money Market Fund                          0.40%                0.08%                   0.48%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NSAT - Total Return Fund                          0.60%                0.07%                   0.67%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The One Group(R) Investment Trust - Asset         0.70%                0.30%                   1.00%
  Allocation Fund(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The One Group(R) Investment Trust - Equity        0.20%                0.35%                   0.55%
  Index Fund                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The One Group(R) Investment Trust -               0.45%                0.30%                   0.75%
  Government Bond Fund(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The One Group(R) Investment Trust - Growth        0.65%                0.45%                   1.10%
  Opportunities Fund(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  The One Group(R) Investment Trust - Large         0.65%                0.35%                   1.10%
  Company Growth Fund(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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 0.50%
  and 0.08% for the Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio; 0.75% and 0.17% for
  the Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio; 0.70% and 0.45% for The One Group(R)
  Investment Trust - Asset Allocation Fund; 0.45% and 0.43% for The One Group(R)
  Investment Trust - Government Bond Fund; 0.65% and 0.46% for The One Group(R)
  Investment Trust - Growth Opportunities.
</FN>
</TABLE>
    

   
Except as otherwise noted, the Management Fees and Other Expenses are not
currently subject to fee waivers or expense reimbursements.
    

                                       8

                                    10 of 97
<PAGE>   11

                                     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       3       5    10        1       3       5    10 Yrs.   1       3       5    10 Yrs.
                            Yr.    Yrs.    Yrs.    Yrs.    Yr.    Yrs.    Yrs.            Yr.    Yrs.    Yrs.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Fidelity VIP                90      106     131    225     20      61      104     225     *      61      104     225
Equity-Income Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Overseas       93      116     149    261     23      71      122     261     *      71      122     261
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Money Market Fund    89      103     126    216     19      58       99     216     *      58       99     216
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Total Return Fund    91      109     137    236     21      64      110     236     *      64      110     236
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)            94      119     154    272     24      74      127     272     *      74      127     272
Investment Trust - Asset
Allocation Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)            89      105     130    223     19      60      103     223     *      60      103     223
Investment Trust -
Equity Index Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)            92      111     141    245     22      66      114     245     *      66      114     245
Investment Trust -
Government Bond Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)            95      121     156    276     25      76      129     276     *      76      129     276
Investment Trust -
Growth Opportunities Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)            94      118     152    267     24      73      125     267     *      73      125     267
Investment Trust - Large
Company Growth Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<FN>
*The Contracts sold under this prospectus do not permit Annuitization during the
first two Contract Years.
</FN>
</TABLE>

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

                                       9

                                    11 of 97
<PAGE>   12

                                    SYNOPSIS

   
The Contracts described in this prospectus can be categorized as follows: (1)
Non-Qualified; (2) IRAs; (3) Tax Sheltered Annuities; (4) SEP IRAs; (5) Roth
IRAs; (6) Qualified.

The initial first year Purchase Payment must be at least $5,000 for
Non-Qualified Contracts and at least $2,000 for IRAs. However, if periodic
payments are expected by the Company, this initial first year minimum may be
satisfied by Purchase Payments made on an annualized basis. The cumulative total
of all purchase payments under contracts issued by the Company 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").

The Company does not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments made for these
Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value is surrendered, the
Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct from the Contract Value a CDSC 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 assets of the Variable Account for mortality risks 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 assets 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 assets of the Variable Account. This charge is to
reimburse the Company for administrative expenses related to the issuance and
maintenance of the Contracts (see "Administration Charge").

Upon Annuitization, the selected Annuity Payment Option will begin (see "Annuity
Payment Options"). However, if the net amount to be applied to any Annuity
Payment Option at the Annuitization Date is less than $500, the Contract Value
may be distributed in one lump sum in lieu of annuity payments. If any annuity
payment would be less than $20, the Company will 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").

Taxation of the Contracts will depend on the type of Contract issued (see
"Federal Tax Considerations"). In addition, 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").

The Contract Owner has a ten day free look to examine the Contract. Within ten
days of the date the Contract is received, it may be returned for any reason to
the Home Office at the address shown on page 1 of this prospectus. If the
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
law. State and/or federal law may provide additional free look privileges. All
IRA, Roth IRA and SEP IRA refunds will be return of Purchase Payments (see
"Right to Revoke").
    


                                       10

                                    12 of 97
<PAGE>   13

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 VIP Equity-                 15.239003         19.268781           26.44%            1,663,574         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Portfolio - Q                 13.510928         15.239003           12.79%              972,607         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.132457         13.510928           33.34%              324,280         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000         10.132457            1.32%               48,709         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Equity-                 15.239003         19.268781           26.44%            2,829,983         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Portfolio - NQ                13.510928         15.239003           12.79%            1,623,389         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.132457         13.510928           33.34%              525,735         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000         10.132457            1.32%               79,134         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Overseas                11.543398         12.709885           10.11%              360,753         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio -Q                         10.330773         11.543398           11.74%              194,098         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      9.542958         10.330773            8.26%               87,650         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000          9.542958           -4.57%               37,588         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Overseas                11.543398         12.709885           10.11%              826,716         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio -NQ                        10.330773         11.543398           11.74%              470,134         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      9.542958         10.330773            8.26%              180,868         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000          9.542958           -4.57%               66,350         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Money Market Fund - Q*        10.965501         11.392164            8.82%              269,586         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.569801         10.965501            3.74%              174,349         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.135415         10.569801            4.29%               99,809         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000         10.135415            1.35%               16,557         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Money Market Fund - NQ*       10.965501         11.392164            8.82%              502,861         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.569801         10.965501            3.74%              299,032         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.135415         10.569801            4.29%              120,754         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000         10.135415            1.35%               31,027         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Total Return Fund - Q         14.965912         19.118736           27.75%            1,003,531         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     12.445719         14.965912           20.25%              527,663         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      9.767528         12.445719           27.42%              188,348         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000          9.767528           -2.32%               35,204         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Total Return Fund - NQ        14.965912         19.118736           27.75%            1,742,657         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     12.445719         14.965912           20.25%              907,271         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      9.767528         12.445719           27.42%              317,092         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000          9.767528           -2.32%               53,945         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment          12.921017         15.674014           21.31%              882,338         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust - Asset Allocation Fund - Q    11.697239         12.921017           10.46%              404,004         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      9.819156         11.697239           19.13%              149,620         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000          9.819156           -1.81%               33,312         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment          12.921017         15.674014           21.31%            1,619,845         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust - Asset Allocation Fund -      11.697239         12.921017           10.46%              602,084         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NQ                                    9.819156         11.697239           19.13%              178,905         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000          9.819156           -1.81%               38,193         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment          13.329211         16.381936           22.90%               97,500         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust - Asset Allocation Fund -      11.909104         13.329211           11.92%               97,500         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial Funding by Depositor          9.867500         11.909104           20.69%               97,500         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000          9.867500           -1.32%               97,500         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment          11.511652         12.460216            8.24%              488,790         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust - Government Bond              11.358330         11.511652            1.35%              337,711         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund - Q                              9.861504         11.358330           15.18%              139,391         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000          9.861504           -1.38%               13,330         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment          11.511652         12.460216            8.24%              785,214         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust - Government Bond              11.358330         11.511652            1.35%              419,072         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund - NQ                             9.861504         11.358330           15.18%              152,273         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000          9.861504           -1.38%               11,348         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment          11.875401         13.023184            9.67%              500,000         1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust - Government Bond              11.564087         11.875401            2.69%              500,000         1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund - Initial Funding by             9.910061         11.564087           16.69%              500,000         1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depositor                            10.000000          9.910061           -0.90%              500,000         1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

                                       11

                                    13 of 97
<PAGE>   14


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 Group(R) Investment          13.492662         17.286833           28.12%             969,427          1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust - Growth Opportunities         11.819338         13.492662           14.16%             569,164          1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund - Q                              9.652463         11.819338           22.45%             182,690          1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000          9.652463           -3.48%              37,250          1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment          13.492662         17.286833           28.12%           1,967,681          1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust - Growth Opportunities         11.819338         13.492662           14.16%           1,083,660          1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund - NQ                             9.652463         11.819338           22.45%             385,700          1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000          9.652463           -3.48%              57,644          1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment          13.919060         18.067840           29.81%               2,500          1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust - Growth Opportunities         12.033480         13.919060           15.67%               2,500          1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund - Initial Funding by             9.700000         12.033480           24.06%               2,500          1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depositor                            10.000000          9.700000           -3.00%               2,500          1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment          14.112701         18.376907           30.22%           1,752,117          1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust - Large Company Growth         12.255940         14.112701           15.15%           1,008,706          1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund - Q                             10.003154         12.255940           22.52%             388,897          1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000         10.003154            0.03%              43,062          1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment          14.112701         18.376907           30.22%           3,368,336          1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust - Large Company Growth         12.255940         14.112701           15.15%           1,721,371          1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund - NQ                            10.003154         12.255940           22.52%             632,427          1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     10.000000         10.003154            0.03%              76,916          1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment          14.558482         19.206744           31.93%             300,000          1997
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust - Large Company Growth         12.477892         14.558482           16.67%             300,000          1996
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund - Initial Funding by            10.052392         12.477892           24.13%             300,000          1995
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depositor                            10.000000         10.052392            0.52%             300,000          1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<FN>
*The 7-day yield on the Money Market Fund as of December 31, 1997 was 4.05%.
</FN>
</TABLE>
    

   
The One Group(R) Investment Trust - Equity Index Fund was established May 1,
1998; therefore, no unit value information is available for this fund.
    

                                       12

                                    14 of 97
<PAGE>   15

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

   
Nationwide Life and Annuity 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 is a
provider of life insurance products, annuities and retirement products.

                       NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.

The Contracts are distributed by the General Distributor, Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc. ("NAS"), Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215. NAS is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company.
    

                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

   
The Variable Account was established by the Company on July 24, 1991 pursuant to
Ohio law. The Company has caused the Variable Account to be registered with the
SEC as a unit investment trust pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). Such registration does not involve supervision of the management
of the Variable Account or of the Company by the SEC.

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 of the Variable Account,
whether or not realized, are credited to or charged against the Variable Account
without regard to other income, gains, or losses of the Company.

Purchase Payments are allocated among one or more Sub-Accounts corresponding to
one or more of the Underlying Mutual Funds 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, IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs and Tax
Sheltered Annuities and one such Sub-Account contains the Underlying Mutual Fund
shares attributable to Accumulation Units for Non-Qualified Contracts.
    

UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS

   
A Contract Owner may choose from among a number of different 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. Prospectuses for the Underlying Mutual Funds should be read in conjunction
with this prospectus. A copy of each prospectus may be obtained without charge
from the 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 are NOT available to the general public
directly. The Underlying Mutual Funds are available as investment options in
variable life insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life
insurance companies or, in some cases, through participation in certain
qualified pension or retirement plans.

Some of the Underlying Mutual Funds have been established by investment advisers
which manage publicly traded mutual funds having similar names and investment
objectives. While some of the Underlying Mutual Funds may be similar to, and may
in fact be modeled after publicly traded mutual funds, Contract purchasers
should understand that the Underlying Mutual Funds are not otherwise directly
related to any publicly traded mutual fund. Consequently, the investment
performance of publicly traded mutual funds and any corresponding Underlying
Mutual Funds may differ substantially.

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 in which the Underlying Mutual Funds participate. A conflict
may occur due to a number of reasons, including a change in law affecting the
operations of variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts or
differences in the voting instructions of the Contract Owners and those of other
    

                                       13

                                    15 of 97
<PAGE>   16

companies. 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(s)
involved in the conflict.

   
Below are the investment objectives of each Underlying Mutual Fund available
through the Variable Account. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES WILL BE ACHIEVED.

FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND ("VIP")
The Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund ("VIP") is an open-end,
diversified management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business
trust on November 13, 1981. Shares of VIP are purchased by insurance companies
to fund benefits under variable insurance and annuity policies. Fidelity
Management & Research Company ("FMR") is the manager for the VIP Fund and its
portfolios.

         VIP EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO
         Investment Objective: 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.

         VIP OVERSEAS PORTFOLIO
         Investment Objective: Long term capital growth primarily through
         investments in foreign securities. This 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 ("NSAT")
Nationwide Separate Account Trust ("NSAT") is a diversified, open-end management
investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. NSAT offers shares
in the Underlying Mutual Funds listed below, each with its own investment
objectives. Shares of NSAT will be sold primarily to life insurance company
separate accounts to fund the benefits under variable life insurance policies
and variable annuity contracts. The assets of NSAT are managed by Nationwide
Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company.

         NSAT - MONEY MARKET FUND
         Investment Objective: 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.

         NSAT - TOTAL RETURN FUND
         Investment Objective: Capital growth by investing in common stocks of
         companies that NAS believes will have above-average earnings or
         otherwise provide investors with above-average potential for capital
         appreciation. To maximize this potential, NAS may also utilize, from
         time to time, securities convertible into common stocks, warrants and
         options to purchase such stocks.
    
   
THE ONE GROUP(R) INVESTMENT TRUST
The One Group(R) 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 Group(R) 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 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 Group(R) Investment Trust are
managed by Banc One Investment Advisers Corporation.
    
   
         THE ONE GROUP(R) INVESTMENT TRUST - ASSET ALLOCATION FUND
         Investment Objective:  To seek total return while preserving capital.

         THE ONE GROUP(R) INVESTMENT TRUST - EQUITY INDEX FUND
         Investment Objective: To seek investment results that correspond to the
         aggregated price and dividend performance of securities in the
         Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index* ("S&P 500").

         *"S&P 500" is a registered service mark of Standard & Poor's
         Corporation, which does not sponsor and is in no way affiliated with
         the Fund.
    

                                       14

                                    16 of 97
<PAGE>   17

   
         THE ONE GROUP(R) INVESTMENT TRUST - GOVERNMENT BOND FUND
         Investment Objective: To seek a high level of current income with
         liquidity and safety of principal. 

         THE ONE GROUP(R) INVESTMENT TRUST - 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.

         THE ONE GROUP(R) INVESTMENT TRUST - 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.
    

VOTING RIGHTS

   
Voting rights under the Contracts apply ONLY with respect to amounts allocated
to the Sub-Accounts.

In accordance with its view of applicable law, the Company will vote the shares
of the Underlying Mutual Funds at regular and special meetings of the
shareholders. These shares will be voted in accordance with instructions
received from Contract Owners. If the 1940 Act or any regulation thereunder
should be amended or if the present interpretation changes permitting the
Company to vote the shares of the Underlying Mutual Funds in its own right, it
may elect to do so.

The Contract Owner is 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 by the Net Asset Value of the Underlying Mutual Fund corresponding
to the Sub-Account. The number of shares which may be voted 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 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 shares of the Underlying Mutual Funds are 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 is
inappropriate, the Company may eliminate Sub-Accounts, combine two or more
Sub-Accounts or substitute shares of another underlying mutual fund for
Underlying Mutual Fund shares already purchased or to be purchased in the future
with Purchase Payments under the Contract. No substitution of securities in the
Variable Account may take place without prior approval of the SEC.
    

                  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 charge associated with guaranteeing the annuity
purchase rates at issue for the life of the Contracts; and (3) expense risk
charge associated with guaranteeing that the Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk
Charge and Administration Charge 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.

All of the charges described in this section apply to Variable Account
allocations. Allocations to the Fixed Account are subject to CDSC and premium
tax deductions, if applicable, but are not subject to charges exclusive to the
Variable Account; i.e., the Mortality Risk Charge, the Expense Risk Charge, and
the Administration Charge.
    


                                       15

                                    17 of 97
<PAGE>   18

MORTALITY RISK CHARGE

   
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 assets of the Variable Account. By guaranteeing the Contract's
annuity rate, the Company assumes the Mortality Risk. These guarantees cannot
change regardless of the death rates of persons receiving annuity payments or of
the general population. The Company expects to generate a profit through
assessing this charge.
    

EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

   
The Company deducts an Expense Risk Charge from the Variable Account. This
amount is computed on a daily basis and is equal to an annual rate of 0.45% of
the daily net assets of the Variable Account. The Company expects to generate a
profit through assessing this charge.
    

ADMINISTRATION CHARGE

   
The Company deducts an Administration Charge equal on an annual basis to 0.05%
of the daily net assets of the Variable Account. The Administration Charge is
designed to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ("CDSC")

No deduction for a sales charges are made from the Purchase Payments for these
Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value is surrendered, the
Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct a CDSC (see "Waiver of CDSC"). The
CDSC will not to exceed the lesser of:

    (1) 7% of the total of all Purchase Payments made within 84 months prior to
        the date of the request to surrender; or 
    

    (2) 7% of the amount surrendered.

   
The CDSC, 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 CDSC. 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 8.5% of Purchase Payments.

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

The CDSC applies to Purchase Payments as follows:
    

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



                                       16

                                    18 of 97
<PAGE>   19

   
WAIVER OF CDSC

During the first Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw, without a 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 CDSC will be deducted:

         (1) upon annuitization of Contracts which have been in force for at
             least two years;
    

         (2) upon payment of a Death Benefit; or

   
         (3) from any values which have been held in a Contract for at least 84
             months.

No CDSC 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 CDSC on the
first Contract. A CDSC may apply to the contract received in the exchange.

The Company may waive or reduce the CDSC 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 CDSC, shall be the larger
of (a) or (b), where:

         (a) is the amount which would otherwise be available for withdrawal
             without application of a CDSC; and

         (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 CDSC 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 "Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Contract
Owners").

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

PREMIUM TAXES

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


                                       17

                                    19 of 97
<PAGE>   20

                            OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT

INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

   
The Contract Owner may have Purchase Payments allocated among one or more of the
Sub-Accounts. Shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options specified by the
Contract Owner are purchased at Net Asset Value for the respective
Sub-Account(s) and converted into Accumulation Units. The Contract Owner may
change the allocation of Purchase Payments or may exchange amounts among the
Sub-Accounts. Such transactions are subject to the terms and conditions imposed
by the Underlying Mutual Funds, as well as those set forth in the Contract.
    

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND CONTRACT VALUE

   
Purchase Payments are allocated to the Fixed Account or to one or more
Sub-Accounts 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 IRAs. However, if periodic payments are expected by the Company,
the 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 by the Company 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.

   
The initial Purchase Payment allocated to designated Sub-Accounts will be priced
no later than 2 business days after receipt of an order to purchase, if the
application and all information necessary for processing the purchase order are
complete. The Company may, however, retain the Purchase Payment for up to 5
business days while attempting to complete an incomplete application. If the
application cannot be made complete within 5 business days, the prospective
purchaser will be informed of the reasons for the delay and the Purchase Payment
will be returned immediately unless the prospective purchaser specifically
consents to the Company retaining the Purchase Payment until the application is
complete. Thereafter, subsequent Purchase Payments will be priced on the basis
of the Accumulation 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; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Presidents Day; Good
Friday; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving; and Christmas.
    

VALUE OF AN ACCUMULATION UNIT

   
The Accumulation Unit value for any 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. Though the number of Accumulation Units
will not change as a result of investment experience, the value of an
Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease from Valuation Period to Valuation
Period.
    

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

   
The net investment factor for any Valuation Period is determined by dividing (a)
by (b) and then subtracting (c), 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; and

              (2) the per share amount of any dividend or income 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 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.

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

                                       18

                                    20 of 97
<PAGE>   21

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.

DETERMINING THE CONTRACT VALUE

   
The Contract Value is the sum of the value of all Accumulation Units and amounts
allocated and credited to the Fixed Account. The number of Accumulation Units
credited to 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 and
an appropriate amount from the Fixed Account will be deducted in the same
proportion that the Contract Owner's interest in the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed
Account bears to the total Contract Value.
    

RIGHT TO REVOKE

   
The Contract Owner has a ten day free look to examine the Contract. Within ten
days of the date the Contract is received, it may be returned for any reason to
the Home Office at the address shown on page 1 of this prospectus. If the
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
law. State and/or federal law may provide additional free look privileges.
All IRA, Roth IRA, and SEP IRA refunds will be return of Purchase Payments.
    

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

TRANSFERS

   
The Contract Owner may request a transfer of up to 100% of the 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. In addition,
transfers from the Fixed Account may not be made prior to the end of the then
current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The Interest Rate Guarantee Period for
any amount allocated to the Fixed Account expires on the final day of a calendar
quarter during which the one year anniversary of the allocation to the Fixed
Account occurs. Transfers to or from the Sub-Accounts are subject to the terms
and conditions of the Underlying Mutual Funds. 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. Once the Contract has annuitized,
transfers may only be made on each anniversary of the Annuitization Date.

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

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

                                       19

                                    21 of 97
<PAGE>   22

   
to be genuine. Any losses incurred pursuant to actions taken by the Company in
reliance on telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine will be
borne by the Contract Owner.

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

Accordingly, the right to exchange Contract Values among the Sub-Accounts may be
subject to modification if such rights are exercised by a market timing firm or
any other third party authorized to initiate transfer or exchange transactions
on behalf of multiple Contract Owners. THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT OWNERS
TO EXCHANGE CONTRACT VALUES, WHEN INSTRUCTIONS ARE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY BY THE
CONTRACT OWNER, OR BY THE CONTRACT OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE OF RECORD AS
AUTHORIZED BY THE EXECUTION OF A VALID NATIONWIDE LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY
FORM, WILL NOT BE MODIFIED IN ANY WAY. In modifying such rights, the Company
may, among other things, not accept:

         (1)  the transfer or exchange instructions of any agent acting under a
              power of attorney on behalf or more than one Contract Owner; or

         (2)  the transfer or exchange instructions of individual Contract
              Owners who have executed preauthorized transfer or exchange forms
              which are submitted by market timing firms or other third parties
              on behalf of more than one Contract Owner at the same time.

The Company will not impose any such restrictions or otherwise modify exchange
rights unless such action is reasonably intended to prevent the use of such
rights in a manner that will disadvantage or potentially impair the contract
rights of other Contract Owners.
    

CONTRACT OWNERSHIP

   
Unless the Contract otherwise provides, the Contract Owner has all rights under
the Contract. PURCHASERS NAMING SOMEONE OTHER THAN THEMSELVES AS OWNER 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 recorded
by the Home Office, the change will become effective as of the date the written
request was signed. A change of Contract 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 Home Office.

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 the
Contract Owner. Such request must be received at the Home Office prior to the
Annuitization Date. Any such change is subject to review and approval by the
Company. If the Contract Owner is not a natural person and there is a change of
the Annuitant, Distributions will be made as if the Contract Owner died at the
time of the change.

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

JOINT OWNERSHIP

   
Joint Owners must be spouses at the time joint ownership is requested unless
otherwise required by law. If a Joint Owner is named, the Joint Owner will
possess an undivided interest in the Contract. The exercise of any ownership
right in the Contract will require a written request signed by both Joint
Owners. The Company will not be liable for any loss, liability, cost, or expense
for acting in accordance with the instructions of either Joint Owner.
    

                                       20

                                    22 of 97
<PAGE>   23

BENEFICIARY

   
The Beneficiary is the person(s) 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 will vest in the
Contingent Beneficiary. If more than one Contingent Beneficiary survives, each
will share equally unless otherwise specified in the Contingent Beneficiary
designation. If there is no named or surviving Beneficiary or Contingent
Beneficiary upon the Annuitant's death, all rights and interest of the
Contingent Beneficiary will vest with the Contract Owner or the estate or the
last surviving Contract Owner.

Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may change
the Beneficiary or Contingent Beneficiary during the lifetime of the Annuitant
by written notice to the Company. Once proper notice of the change is recorded
by the Home Office, the change will become effective as of the date the written
request was signed, 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)

   
Prior to the earlier of the Annuitization Date or the death of the Annuitant,
the Company will allow the Contract Owner to surrender a portion or all of the
Contract Value. The request for surrender must be made in writing and must
include the Contract when surrendering a Contract in full. In some cases, the
Company will require additional documentation. 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.

When requested, the Company will 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 CDSC (see "Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge"). The number of Accumulation Units surrendered from each
Sub-Account and the amount surrendered from the Fixed Account will be in the
same proportion that the Contract Owner's interest in the Sub-Accounts and Fixed
Account bears to the total Contract Value.

The Company will pay any amounts surrendered from the Sub-Account within 7 days.
However, the Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone the date of any
payment or values for any Valuation Period when:
    

         (1) the New York Stock Exchange ("Exchange") is closed; 

         (2) trading on the Exchange is restricted;

         (3) 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) when the SEC, by order, so permits for the protection of security
             holders.

Applicable rules and regulations of the SEC will 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 CDSC. 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 
    

                                       21

                                    23 of 97
<PAGE>   24

   
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 SEC on August 22, 1990.
    

SURRENDERS UNDER A QUALIFIED CONTRACT OR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY

   
Except as provided below, the Contract 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 qualified cash or deferred arrangement within the meaning of Code
     Section 402(g)(3)(A), a salary reduction agreement (within the meaning of
     Code Section 402(g)(3)(C)), or transfers from a Custodial Account described
     in Code Section 403(b)(7) may be executed only:
    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A premature Distribution may not be eligible for rollover treatment. To assist
in preventing disqualification of a Tax Sheltered Annuity in the event of a ten
day free look, the Company will agree to transfer the proceeds to another
contract which meets the requirements of Section 403(b) of the Code, upon proper
direction by the Contract Owner. The foregoing is the Company's understanding of
the withdrawal restrictions which are currently applicable under 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.
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 tax provisions of the Code when the Contract is issued to fund a
Qualified Plan.
    

LOAN PRIVILEGE

   
Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract 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 unless a lower minimum amount is mandated by state law. 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.
    


                                       22

                                    24 of 97
<PAGE>   25

   
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. The Company will transfer to the collateral fixed account the
Sub-Account's Accumulation Units in proportion to the assets in each option
until the required balance is reached or all such Accumulation Units are
exhausted. Any additional requested collateral will 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 will 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 among the Sub-Accounts in accordance with the Contract, unless the
Contract Owner and the Company agree to amend the Contract at a later date on a
case by case basis.

Any amounts distributed will be reduced by the amount of the loan outstanding,
plus accrued interest if:

     (1) the Contract is surrendered;

     (2) the Contract Owner/Annuitant dies; or

     (3) the Contract Owner who is not the Annuitant dies prior to
         Annuitization.

In addition, the Contract Value will be reduced by the amount of any outstanding
loans plus accrued interest if annuity payments begin while the loan is
outstanding. 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, will be taxable to the
borrower, and may be subject to the early withdrawal tax penalty. Interest will
continue to accrue on the loan after default. Any defaulted amounts, plus
accrued interest, will be deducted from the Contract when the participant
becomes eligible for a Distribution of at least that amount. 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 a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity. Loans permitted under this
Contract may still be taxable in whole or part if the participant has additional
loans from other plans or contracts. The Company will calculate the maximum
nontaxable loan based on the information provided by the participant or the
employer.

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

IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs and Non-Qualified Contracts are not eligible for
loans.
    

ASSIGNMENT

   
The Contract Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract 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. Once proper notice of assignment is recorded by the
Home Office, the assignment will become effective as of the date the written
request was signed. The Company is not responsible for the validity or
sufficiency of any assignment. The Company will not be liable for 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.
    



                                       23

                                    25 of 97
<PAGE>   26

   
Any portion of Contract Value which is pledged or assigned will be treated as a
Distribution and will be included in gross income to the extent that the cash
value exceeds the investment in the Contract for the taxable year in which it
was assigned or pledged. In addition, any Contract Value assigned may be subject
to a tax penalty equal to 10% of the amount which is included in gross income.
All rights in the Contract are personal to the Contract Owner and may not be
assigned without written consent of the Company. Assignment of the entire
Contract Value may cause the portion of the Contract Value exceeding the total
investment in the Contract and previously taxed amounts to be included in gross
income for federal income tax purposes each year that the assignment is in
effect.

IRAs, Roth IRAs, 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 Sub-Accounts on a predetermined percentage basis. Asset
Rebalancing will occur every three months or 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 reallocation will occur on the first business day after
that day. Asset Rebalancing requests must be in writing on a form provided by
the Company. The Contract Owner may want to contact a financial adviser to
discuss the use of Asset Rebalancing.

Asset Rebalancing may be subject to employer imposed limitations or restrictions
for Contracts issued to a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan.

The Company reserves the right to discontinue establishing new Asset Rebalancing
programs. The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for
this service.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING - If the Contract Value is $15,000 or more, the Contract
Owner may direct the Company to automatically transfer a specified amount from
the NSAT Money Market Fund or the Fixed Account to any other Sub-Account. Dollar
Cost Averaging will occur on a monthly basis or on another frequency permitted
by the Company. Dollar Cost Averaging a long-term investment program which
provides for regular, level investments over time. There is no guarantee that
Dollar Cost Averaging will result in a profit or protect against loss. The
minimum monthly transfer is $100. Monthly transfers from the Fixed Account must
be equal to or less than 1/30th of the Fixed Account when the program is
requested. Transfers will be processed monthly until either the value in the
originating Sub-Account is exhausted or the Contract Owner instructs the Home
Office in writing to cancel the transfers.

The Company reserves the right to discontinue establishing new Dollar Cost
Averaging programs. The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing
fee for this service.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS - A Contract Owner may elect in writing to begin
receiving withdrawals of a specified dollar amount (of at least $100) on a
monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. The withdrawals will be taken
from the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account on a prorated basis. A CDSC may
apply (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge"). Unless directed by the Contract
Owner, the Company will withhold federal income taxes. In addition, a 10%
penalty tax may be assessed by the IRS if the Contract Owner is under age 59 1/2
unless the Contract Owner has made an irrevocable election of Distributions of
substantially equal payments. Withdrawals may be discontinued at any time by
notifying the Home Office in writing.

The Company reserves the right to discontinue establishing new Systematic
Withdrawal programs. 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 (see "Right to
Revoke").
    



                                       24

                                    26 of 97
<PAGE>   27

         ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD, DEATH BENEFIT, AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

   
An Annuity Commencement Date will selected. Such date will be the first day of a
calendar month unless otherwise agreed upon. The date 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.

The Annuity Commencement Date may be changed by the contract Owner in writing
subject to approval by the Company.

ANNUITIZATION

Annuitization is irrevocable once payments have begun. When making an
Annuitization election, the Annuitant must choose:

     (1)  an Annuity Payout Option; and

     (2)  either a Fixed Payment Annuity, a Variable Payment Annuity, or an
          available combination.

If a Variable Payment Annuity is elected, all amounts in the Fixed Account must
be transferred to the Sub-Accounts prior to the Annuitization Date.

Payments under a Fixed Payment Annuity are guaranteed by the Company as to the
dollar amount during the annuity payment period. The dollar amount of each
payment under a Variable Payment Annuity will vary depending on the performance
of the selected Underlying Mutual Fund options. The dollar amount of each
variable payment could be higher or lower than a previous payment.

FIXED PAYMENT ANNUITY - FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS

The first payment under a Fixed Payment Annuity will be determined by applying
the portion of the total Contract Value specified by the Contract Owner to the
Fixed Payment Annuity table then in effect for the Annuity Payment Option
elected, after deducting any applicable premium taxes from the total Contract
Value. This will be done at the Annuitization Date on an age last birthday
basis. Subsequent Fixed Annuity Payments will remain level unless the Annuity
Payment Option elected provides otherwise. The Company does not credit
discretionary interest paid by the Company to payments during the annuity
payment period.

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS

The first payment under a Variable Payment Annuity will be determined by
applying the portion of the total Contract Value specified by the Contract Owner
to the Variable Payment Annuity table then effect for the Annuity Payment Option
elected, after deducting any applicable premium taxes from the total Contract
Value. This will be done at the Annuitization Date on an age last birthday
basis. The dollar amount of the first payment 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.

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - ASSUMED INVESTMENT RATE

A 3.5% assumed investment rate is built into the variable payment annuity
purchase rate basis 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 net
investment rate is at the annual rate of 3.5%, the annuity payments will be
level.
    



                                       25

                                    27 of 97
<PAGE>   28

   
VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - VALUE OF AN ANNUITY UNIT

The value of an Annuity Unit for a Sub-Account for any subsequent Valuation
Period is determined by multiplying the Annuity Unit value from 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 Variable Payment Annuity purchase rate basis in the
Contracts (see "Net Investment Factor").

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - EXCHANGES AMONG UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS

During the annuity payment period, exchanges among the Underlying Mutual Fund
options must be made in writing and the exchange will take place on the
anniversary of the Annuitization Date.
    

FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

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

ANNUITY 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:

     (1) Life Annuity - An annuity payable periodically, but at least annually
         during the lifetime of the Annuitant, ending with the last payment due
         prior to the death of the Annuitant. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE ANNUITANT DIES
         BEFORE THE SECOND ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, THE ANNUITANT WILL RECEIVE ONLY
         ONE ANNUITY PAYMENT. THE ANNUITANT WILL ONLY RECEIVE TWO ANNUITY
         PAYMENTS IF HE OR SHE DIES BEFORE THE THIRD ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE AND SO
         ON.

     (2) Joint and Last Survivor Annuity-An annuity payable periodically, but at
         least annually during the joint lifetimes of the Annuitant and
         designated second individual 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.

     (3) Life Annuity With 120 or 240 Monthly Payments Guaranteed - An annuity
         payable monthly during the lifetime of the Annuitant. If the Annuitant
         dies before all of the guaranteed payments have been made, payments
         will continue to be made for the remainder of the selected guaranteed
         period to a designee chosen by the Contract Owner at the time the
         Annuity Payment Option was elected.

         Alternatively, the designee may elect to receive the present value of
         any remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum. The present value will
         be computed as of the date on which the Company receives notice of the
         Annuitant's death.

Some of the stated Annuity Payment Options may not be available in all states.
The Contract Owner may request an alternative option prior to the Annuitization
Date subject to approval by the Company.

For Non-Qualified Contracts, no Distribution will be made until an Annuity
Payment Option has been elected. Qualified Contracts, IRAs, SEP IRAs and Tax
Sheltered Annuities are subject to the "minimum distribution" requirements set
forth in the Plan, Contract, or Code.
    

DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

   
For Non-Qualified Contracts, if the Contract Owner and the Annuitant are not the
same and a 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 CDSC), must
be distributed in accordance with the "Required Distributions for Non-Qualified
Contracts" provision.
    



                                       26

                                    28 of 97
<PAGE>   29

DEATH OF THE ANNUITANT - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

   
If the Contract Owner and Annuitant are not the same, and the Annuitant dies
prior to the Annuitization Date, a Death Benefit will be payable to the
Beneficiary or the Contingent Beneficiary. Unless the Contract Owner has
provided otherwise, when there are two or more named Beneficiaries, the Death
Benefit will be paid to each Beneficiary in equal shares. If there is no named
or surviving Beneficiary or Contingent Beneficiary upon the Annuitant's death,
the Contract Owner (or the estate of the Contract Owner, if the Contract Owner
and the Annuitant were the same) will be deemed to be the Beneficiary of the
Death Benefit.

The Beneficiary may elect to receive the Death Benefit:

         (1)   in a lump sum Distribution;

         (2)   as an annuity payout; or

         (3)   any Distribution permitted by law and approved by the Company.

An election must be received by the Company within 60 days of the Annuitant's
death. If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may
be payable will be paid according to the Annuity Payment Option selected.
    

DEATH OF THE CONTRACT OWNER/ANNUITANT

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

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

DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT

   
For Contracts issued on or after the later of May 1, 1998 or a date on which
state insurance authorities approve applicable Contract modifications, if the
Annuitant dies prior to his or her 75th birthday and prior to the Annuitization
Date, the dollar amount of the Death Benefit will be the greatest of:

          (1)  the Contract Value;

          (2)  the sum of all Purchase Payments, less an adjustment for amounts
               surrendered; or

          (3)  the Contract Value as of the most recent five year Contract
               Anniversary, less an adjustment for amounts surrendered since
               that most recent five year Contract Anniversary.

The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce items (2) and (3) above in
the same proportion that the Contract Value was reduced on the date(s) of the
partial surrender(s).

For Contracts issued prior to May 1, 1998 or a date prior to approval of
applicable Contract modifications by state insurance authorities, if the
Annuitant dies prior to his or her 75th birthday and prior to the Annuitization
Date, the dollar amount of the Death Benefit will be the greatest 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 that most recent
               five year Contract Anniversary.

The Death Benefit value is determined as of the Valuation Date at or next 
following the date the Home Office receives: 

          (1)  proper proof of the Annuitant's death;

          (2)  an election specifying the Distribution method; and

          (3)  any state required forms(s).
    

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



                                       27

                                    29 of 97
<PAGE>   30

   
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

Upon the death of any Contract Owner or Joint Owner (including an Annuitant who
becomes the Contract Owner on the Annuitization Date), 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 will be made in accordance with such requirements:

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

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

               (a)  any interest payable to or for the benefit of a natural
                    person (referred to herein as a "designated beneficiary"),
                    may be distributed over the life of the designated
                    beneficiary or over a period not extending beyond the life
                    expectancy of the designated beneficiary. Payments must
                    begin within one year of the date of the Contract Owner's
                    death unless otherwise permitted by federal income tax
                    regulations; and

               (b)  if the designated beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the
                    Contract Owner, the spouse may elect to become the Contract
                    Owner in lieu of receiving a Death Benefit, and any
                    distributions required under these distribution rules will
                    be made upon the death of the 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 will be treated as the death of
                     any Contract Owner;

               (ii)  any change of the Annuitant will be treated as the death of
                     any Contract Owner; and

               (iii) in either case, the appropriate Distribution required under
                     these distribution rules will be made upon the 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 will 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.

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

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUALIFIED PLANS OR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

   
Amounts in 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. Amounts will be paid, notwithstanding anything else contained
herein, to the Annuitant under the Annuity Payment Option selected, over a
period not exceeding:

          A.   the life of the Annuitant or the joint 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 joint life expectancies 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.



                                       28

                                    30 of 97
<PAGE>   31

   
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 on the required
beginning date, which is the later of:

          (a)  the first day of April following the calendar year in which the
               Annuitant attains age 70 1/2 ; or

          (b)  when the Annuitant retires.

However, provision (b) does not apply to any employee who is a 5% Owner (as
defined in Section 416 of the Code) with respect to the plan year ending in the
calendar year in which the employee attains the age of 70 1/2.

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

          (a)  the Annuitant names his or her surviving spouse as the
               Beneficiary and the spouse elects to receive Distribution of the
               Contract 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 the Beneficiary elects to receive a Distribution of
               the Contract 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 life expectancies of the
Annuitant and the Annuitant's designated beneficiary (if the Annuitant dies
prior to the required beginning date) or the beneficiary under the selected
Annuity Payment Option (if the Annuitant dies after the required beginning
date), whichever is applicable under the applicable Minimum Distribution or MDIB
provisions. Life expectancy and joint life expectancies 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 actually was
distributed for that year.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR IRAS AND SEP IRAS

Distribution from an IRA or SEP IRA must begin not later than April 1 of the
calendar year following the calendar year in which the Contract Owner attains
age 70 1/2. Distribution may be payable in a lump sum or in substantially equal
payments over:

          (a)  the Contract Owner's life or the lives of the Contract Owner and
               his or her spouse or designated beneficiary; or

          (b)  a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Contract
               Owner or the joint life expectancies of the Contract Owner and
               the Contract Owner's designated beneficiary.

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

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

               (i)  treat the annuity as an IRA or SEP IRA established for his
                    or her benefit; or

               (ii) receive Distribution of the Contract 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 Contract Owner would
                    have attained age 70 1/2; or
    


                                       29

                                    31 of 97
<PAGE>   32

   
          (b)  The Contract Owner names a Beneficiary other than his or her
               surviving spouse and the Beneficiary elects to receive a
               Distribution of the Contract 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 Contract Owner dies.

No Distribution will be required from this Contract if Distributions otherwise
required from this Contract are being withdrawn from another IRA or SEP IRA of
the Contract Owner.

If the Contract 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, 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 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 IRA or SEP IRA 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 IRAs.

IRA and SEP IRA 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.

   
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR ROTH IRAS

Distributions from a Roth IRA, unlike other IRAs, are not required to commence
during the lifetime of the Contract Owner.

Upon the death of the Contract Owner, the Contract Owner's interest in the Roth
IRA must be distributed by December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth
anniversary of his or her death occurs, unless:

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

               (i)  treat the annuity as a Roth IRA established for his or her
                    benefit; or

               (ii) 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 following the year in which the
                    Contract Owner would have attained age 70 1/2; or

          (b)  The Contract Owner names a Beneficiary other than his or her
               surviving spouse and such Beneficiary elects to receive a
               Distribution of the Contract 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
               following year in which the Contract Owner dies.

Distributions from Roth IRAs may be either taxable or nontaxable, depending upon
whether they are "qualified distributions" or "nonqualified distributions" (see
"Federal Income Taxes").
    



                                       30

                                    32 of 97
<PAGE>   33

                           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) IRAs,
including SEP IRAs; (3) Roth IRAs; (4) Tax Sheltered Annuities; and (5)
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 a formula required by the Code. The formula
required by the Code excludes from income an amount equal to the investment in
the contract by the number of anticipated payments, as determined pursuant to
Section 72(d) of the Code.

Distributions from IRAs and SEP IRAs 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 Contracts exceeds prior non-taxable
Distributions from the Contracts, and the total account balances in the
Contracts at the time of the Distribution. The Owner of such IRAs or SEP IRAs,
or the Annuitant under Contracts held by Individual Retirement Accounts must
annually report to the IRS 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 IRAs, SEP IRAs and Individual Retirement Accounts.

Distributions of earnings from Roth IRAs are taxable or nontaxable, depending
upon whether they are "qualified distributions" or "nonqualified distributions."
A "qualified distribution" is one that satisfies the five year rule and meets
one of the following four requirements: (i) it is made on or after the date on
which the Contract Owner attains the age of 59 1/2; (ii) it is made to a
Beneficiary (or the Contract Owner's estate) on or after the death of the
Contract Owner; (iii) it is attributable to the Contract Owner's disability; or
(iv) it is a qualified first-time homebuyer distribution (as defined in Section
72(t)(2)(F) of the Code). If the Roth IRA does not have any qualified rollover
contributions from a retirement plan other than a Roth IRA (or income allocable
thereto), the five year rule is satisfied if the Distribution is not made within
the five year period beginning with the first contribution to the Roth IRA. If
the Roth IRA has any qualified rollover contributions from a retirement plan
other than a Roth IRA (or income allocable thereto), the five year rule is
satisfied if the Distribution is not made within the five taxable year period
commencing with the taxable year in which the qualified rollover contribution
was made.

A nonqualified distribution is any Distribution that is not a qualified
distribution.

A qualified distribution is not included in gross income for federal income tax
purposes. A nonqualified distribution is not includible in gross income to the
extent that such Distribution, when added to all previous Distributions, does
not exceed that aggregate amount of contributions made to the Roth IRA. Any
nonqualified distribution in excess of the aggregate amount of contributions
will be included in the Contract Owner's gross income in the year that is
distributed to the Contract Owner.

Taxable Distributions will not receive the benefit of the tax treatment of a
lump sum Distribution from a qualified plan. If the Contract Owner dies prior to
the complete Distribution of the Contract, the balance will also be included in
the Contract Owner's gross estate for federal estate tax purposes.

A change of the Annuitant may be treated by the IRS as a taxable transaction.

PUERTO RICO

Under the Puerto Rico tax code, Distributions from a Non-Qualified Contract
prior to Annuitization are treated as nontaxable return of principal until the
principal is fully recovered; thereafter, all Distributions are fully taxable.
Distributions after Annuitization are treated as part taxable income and part
nontaxable return of principal. The amount excluded from gross income after
Annuitization is equal to the amount of the Distribution in excess of 3% of the
total Purchase Payments paid, until an amount equal to the total Purchase
Payments paid has been excluded; thereafter, the entire Distribution is included
in gross income. Puerto Rico does not impose an early withdrawal penalty tax.
Generally, Puerto Rico does not require income tax to be withheld from
Distributions of income. A personal adviser should be consulted.
    

                                       31

                                    33 of 97
<PAGE>   34

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

Code Section 72 also provides for a penalty tax, equal to 10% of the portion of
any Distribution that is includable in gross income, if such Distribution is
made prior to attaining age 59 1/2. The penalty tax does not apply if the
Distribution is 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.



                                       32

                                    34 of 97
<PAGE>   35

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

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS - NON-NATURAL PERSONS AS CONTRACT 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.

   
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 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 Contract Owner.

The foregoing non-natural person rule does not apply to all entity-owned
contracts. 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.

   
QUALIFIED PLANS, IRAS, SEP IRAS AND TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

Contract Owners seeking information regarding eligibility, limitations on
permissible amounts of Purchase Payments, and the tax consequences of
Distributions from Qualified Plans, Tax Sheltered Annuities, IRAs, SEP IRAs and
other plans that receive favorable tax treatment should seek competent advice;
the terms of such plans may limit the rights available under the Contracts.

Pursuant to Section 403(b)(1)(E) of the Code, a Contract that is issued as a Tax
Sheltered Annuity is required to limit the amount of the Purchase Payments 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 Contract Owner.

The Code permits the rollover of most Distributions from Qualified Plans to
other Qualified Plans, IRAs, or SEP IRAs. Most Distributions from Tax Sheltered
Annuities may be rolled into another Tax Sheltered Annuity, IRA, or SEP IRA..
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.



                                       33

                                    35 of 97
<PAGE>   36

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).

   
IRAs and SEP IRAs 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 IRS could determine that the
IRA or SEP IRA did not qualify for the desired tax treatment.

ROTH IRAS

The Contract may be purchased as a Roth IRA. The Contract Owner should seek
competent advice as to the tax consequences associated with the use of a
Contract as a Roth IRA, for information regarding eligibility to invest in a
Roth IRA, for limitations on permissible amounts of Purchase Payments that may
be made to a Roth IRA, and as to the tax consequences of Distributions from Roth
IRAs.

The Code permits the rollover of most Distributions from Individual Retirement
Accounts or IRAs to Roth IRAs. The rollovers are subject to federal income tax
as Distributions from the Individual Retirement Account or IRA. For rollovers
that take place in 1998, the income from rollover is included in income ratably
over the four year period commencing in 1998. For rollovers in subsequent years,
the entire amount of income from the rollover will be required to be included in
income in the year of the rollover Distribution from the Individual Retirement
Account or IRA.

A Distribution from a Roth IRA that received the proceeds of a rollover from an
Individual Retirement Account or IRA within the previous five years could be
subject to a 10% penalty even if the Distribution is not taxable. In addition,
if the rollover from the Individual Retirement Account or IRA was made in 1998
and the income from that rollover was included in income ratably over a four
year period, a Distribution from the Roth IRA within four years of the rollover
may be subject to an additional 10% penalty.
    

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 certain types of Distributions, but may be
subject to penalties in the event insufficient federal income tax is withheld
during a calendar year. However, if the IRS 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 IRS.
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 IRS. For
Distributions, the NRA must obtain an individual taxpayer identification number
from the IRS, 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 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.
    

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."



                                       34

                                    36 of 97
<PAGE>   37

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 for
federal estate tax purposes, even if 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
               Contract 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 Contract Owner).

If the Owner is not an individual, then for this purpose only, "Contract Owner"
refers to any person who would be required to include the Contract, Death
Benefit, Distribution, or other payment in his or her federal gross estate at
his or her 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 the Death Benefit, Distribution, or other payment by the tax
liability, and pay the tax liability directly to the IRS.
    

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

   
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 Sub-Accounts 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 IRS 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 IRS. 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 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 IRS 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.
    



                                       35

                                    37 of 97
<PAGE>   38

TAX CHANGES

   
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 considered numerous legislative proposals that, if enacted, could
change the tax treatment of the Contracts. It is reasonable to believe that such
proposals may be enacted into law. In addition, the Treasury Department may
amend existing regulations, issue new regulations, or adopt new interpretations
of existing law that may be in variance with its current positions on these
matters. In addition, current state law (which is not discussed herein), 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 IRS, 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, any
statements and reports required by law. Contract Owners should promptly notify
the Company of any address change. Statements are mailed detailing the
Contract's quarterly activity. The Company will also send a confirmation
statement to Contract Owners each time a transaction is made affecting the
Contract Value. However, instead of receiving an immediate confirmation of
transactions made pursuant to some types of recurring payment plans (such as a
dollar cost averaging program or salary reduction arrangement), the Contract
Owner may receive confirmation of such transactions in their quarterly
statements. The Contract Owner should review the information in these statements
carefully. All errors or corrections must be reported to the Company immediately
to assure proper crediting to the Contract. The Company will assume all
transactions are accurately reported on quarterly statements or confirmation
statements unless the Contract Owner notifies the Home Office within 30 days
after receipt of the statement. The Company will also send to Contract Owners a
semi-annual report as of June 30 and an annual report as of December 31,
containing financial statements for the Variable Account.
    

ADVERTISING

   
A "yield" and "effective yield" may be advertised for the NSAT-Money Market
Fund. "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 NSAT-Money Market Fund's
units. Yield is an annualized figure, which means that it is assumed that the
NSAT-Money Market Fund 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 SEC. The effective
yield will be slightly higher than yield due to this compounding effect.
    

The Company may also from time to time advertise the performance of a
Sub-Account 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.

                                       36

                                    38 of 97
<PAGE>   39

The Sub-Accounts 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.

   
The Company may, from time to time, advertise several types of historical
performance of the Sub-Accounts. The Company may advertise for the Sub-Account's
standardized "average annual total return," calculated in a manner prescribed by
the SEC, and nonstandardized "total return." "Average annual total return"
illustrates the percentage rate of return of a hypothetical initial investment
of $1,000 for the most recent one, five and ten year periods, or for a period
covering the time the Underlying Mutual Fund has been available in the Variable
Account if the Underlying Mutual Fund option has not been available for 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," calculated similar to standardized "average
annual total return," illustrates the percentage rate of return of a
hypothetical initial investment of $10,000 for the most recent one, five and ten
year periods, or for a period covering the time the Underlying Mutual Fund
option has been in existence. For those Underlying Mutual Fund options which
have not been held as Sub-Accounts for one of the prescribed periods, the
nonstandardized total return illustrations will show the investment performance
such Underlying Mutual Fund options would have achieved (reduced by the same
charges except the CDSC) had such Underlying Mutual Fund options been available
in the Variable Account for the periods quoted. THE CDSC IS NOT REFLECTED
BECAUSE THE CONTRACTS ARE DESIGNED FOR LONG TERM INVESTMENT. THE CDSC, IF
REFLECTED, WOULD DECREASE THE LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE SHOWN. AN INITIAL INVESTMENT
OF $10,000 IS ASSUMED BECAUSE THAT AMOUNT MORE CLOSELY APPROXIMATES THE SIZE OF
A TYPICAL CONTRACT THAN DOES THE $1,000 ASSUMPTION USED IN CALCULATING THE
STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN QUOTATIONS.

The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total return
quotations reflected below are calculated as described in this section using
Underlying Mutual Fund performance for the periods ended December 31, 1997.
However, the Company generally provides performance quotations on a more
frequent basis, the results of which could reflect better or worse results than
shown below. The quotations and other comparative material advertised by the
Company are based upon historical earnings and are not intended to represent or
guarantee future results. A Contract Owner's Contract Value at redemption may be
more or less than the original cost.
    



                                       37

                                    39 of 97
<PAGE>   40

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                                         STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       10 years or Date Fund      Date Fund
                                          1 Year to      5 Years to    Available in Variable      Added to
         Sub-Account Options              12/31/97        12/31/97      Account to 12/31/97   Variable Account
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>               <C>              <C>                 <C>
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio       21.04%            NA               20.50%              08/01/94
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio             4.71%            NA                6.37%              08/01/94
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Money Market Fund                   -1.51%            NA                2.92%              08/01/94

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Total Return Fund                   22.35%            NA               20.21%              08/01/94
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)  Investment Trust -       15.91%            NA               13.28%              08/01/94
Asset Allocation Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment Trust -         2.84%            NA                5.74%              08/01/94
Government Bond Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment Trust -        24.82%            NA               18.80%              08/01/94
Large Company Growth Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment Trust -        22.72%            NA               16.65%              08/01/94
Growth Opportunities Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1 Year to      5 Years to    10 years to 12/31/97       Date Fund
         Sub-Account Options              12/31/97        12/31/97        or Life of Fund         Effective
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>               <C>              <C>                 <C>
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio      26.44%           18.58%              15.23%*            10/09/86
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio           10.11%           12.62%               8.20%*            01/28/87
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Money Market Fund                   3.89%            3.17%               4.25%*            11/10/81
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Total Return Fund                  27.75%           16.41%              14.13%*            11/08/82
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment Trust -       21.31%             NA                14.06%            08/01/94
Asset Allocation Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment Trust -        8.24%             NA                 6.65%            08/01/94
Government Bond Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment Trust -       30.22%             NA                19.49%            08/01/94
Large Company Growth Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R) Investment Trust -       28.12%             NA                17.37%            08/01/94
Growth Opportunities Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
     *Represents 10 years to 12/31/97
</FN>
</TABLE>
    



                                       38

                                    40 of 97
<PAGE>   41

   
                           YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES

The Company has developed a plan to address issues related to the Year 2000. The
problem relates to many existing computer programs using only two digits to
identify a year in the date field. These programs were designed and developed
without considering the impact of the upcoming change in the century. If not
corrected, many computer applications could fail or create erroneous results by
or at the Year 2000. The Company has been evaluating its exposure to the Year
2000 issue through a review of all of its operating systems as well as
dependencies on the systems of others since 1996. The Company expects all system
changes and replacements needed to achieve Year 2000 compliance to be completed
by the end of 1998. Compliance testing will be completed in the first quarter of
1999. The Company's parent, Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("NLIC"), charges
all costs associated with these system changes as the costs are incurred.

Operating expenses for NLIC in 1997 include approximately $45 million on
technology projects, which includes costs related to Year 2000 and the
development of a new policy administration system for traditional life insurance
products and other system enhancements. NLIC anticipates spending a comparable
amount in 1998 on technology projects, including Year 2000 initiatives. These
expenses do not have an effect on the assets of the Variable Account and are not
charged through to the Contract Owner.
    

                                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>
<CAPTION>
                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                                                                                                     PAGE
<S>                                                                                                                 <C>
General Information and History.......................................................................................1
Services..............................................................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered..................................................................................2
Underwriters..........................................................................................................2
Calculations of Performance...........................................................................................2
Annuity Payments......................................................................................................3
Financial Statements..................................................................................................4
</TABLE>
    



                                       39

                                    41 of 97
<PAGE>   42

                                    APPENDIX

   
Purchase Payments under the Fixed Account of the Contract and transfers to the
Fixed Account 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
1933 Act, nor is the general account registered as an investment company under
the 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 SEC has not reviewed the disclosures in this
prospectus which relate to the Fixed Account. Disclosures regarding the Fixed
Account and the general account may be subject to certain provisions of the
federal securities law 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 Variable Account and any other segregated asset account.
Purchase Payments will be allocated to the Fixed Account by election of the
Contract Owner.

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 assets
will be allocated by the Company between itself and the contracts participating
in the Fixed Account.

Investment income from the Fixed Account 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 at the
sole discretion of the Company at such rate(s) as the Company prospectively
declares. The guaranteed rate for any Purchase Payment will remain effective for
a period of not less than twelve months. However, the Company guarantees that it
will credit interest at not less than 3.0% per year. 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 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 the Fixed Account Contract Value will not be less
than the amount of the Purchase Payments allocated to the Fixed Account, plus
interest credited as described above, less any applicable charges, including
CDSC.
    

TRANSFERS

   
For transfers from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account, refer to the
"Transfers" provision of the prospectus.
    




                                       40

                                    42 of 97
<PAGE>   43

                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
   
                                   MAY 1, 1998
    
                       DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
             ISSUED BY NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                  THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT- C

   
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It contains
information in addition to and in some respects more detailed than set forth in
the prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated May
1, 1998. 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
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            PAGE
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
General Information and History...............................................................................1
Services......................................................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered..........................................................................2
Underwriters..................................................................................................2
Calculations of Performance...................................................................................2
Annuity Payments..............................................................................................3
Financial Statements..........................................................................................4
</TABLE>
    

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

   
The Nationwide VA Separate Account-C is a separate investment account of
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company ("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 $ 83.2 billion as of December 31, 1997.
    

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 audited financial statements 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

                                    43 of 97
<PAGE>   44

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"), Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215,
an affiliate of the Company. No underwriting commissions were paid by the
Company to NAS.
    

CALCULATIONS OF PERFORMANCE

   
Any current yield quotations of the NSAT-Money Market Fund, subject to Rule 482
of the Securities Act of 1933, will consist of a seven calendar day historical
yield, carried at least to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The yield will 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. At December 31, 1997, the NSAT-Money Market Fund's
seven-day current unit value yield was 4.05%. The NSAT-Money Market Fund's
seven-day effective yield is computed similarly but includes the effect of
assumed compounding on an annualized basis of the current unit value yield
quotations of the Fund. At December 31, 1997 the seven-day effective yield for
the NSAT-Money Market Fund was 4.13%.

The NSAT- Money Market Fund 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 NSAT- Money Market Fund 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 NSAT- Money Market 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 NSAT-Money Market Fund 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.

All performance advertising will include quotations of standardized average
annual total return, calculated in accordance with standard method prescribed by
rules of the SEC. Standardized average annual return is found by 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. 
    

                                       2

                                    44 of 97
<PAGE>   45

   
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. Standardized 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 CDSC
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 CDSC. Reflecting the CDSC would decrease the level of the performance
advertised. The CDSC 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 standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized average annual
total return quotations will be current to the last day of the calendar quarter
preceding the date on which an advertisement is submitted for publication. The
standardized average annual return will be based on rolling calendar quarters
and will cover periods of one, five, and ten years, or a period covering the
time the Underlying Mutual Fund has been available in the Variable Account if
the Underlying Mutual Fund has not been available for one of the prescribed
periods. The nonstandardized annual total return will be based on rolling
calendar quarters and will cover periods of one, five and ten years, or a period
covering the time the Underlying Mutual Fund has been in existence.

Quotations of average annual total return and total return are based upon
historical earnings and will fluctuate. Any quotation of performance is not 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.
    

ANNUITY PAYMENTS

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



                                       3

                                    45 of 97
<PAGE>   46

<PAGE>   1
                          Independent Auditors' Report



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

      We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide VA Separate Account-C as of December 31,
1997, and the related statements of operations and changes in contract owners'
equity for each of the years in the two year period then ended. 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. Our procedures included
confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 1997, 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 referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide VA Separate
Account-C as of December 31, 1997, and the results of its operations and its
changes in contract owners' equity for each of the years in the two year period
then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 6, 1998

<PAGE>   2
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                             <C>
ASSETS:
   Investments at market value:
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
         3,566,076 shares (cost $72,188,237) ..............................     $  86,584,335
      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)
         786,071 shares (cost $14,146,470) ................................        15,092,557
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
         8,807,935 shares (cost $8,807,935) ...............................         8,807,935
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
         3,205,220 shares (cost $44,633,544) ..............................        52,501,509
      One Group - Asset Allocation Fund (OGAstAll)
         3,094,482 shares (cost $38,640,124) ..............................        40,816,210
      One Group - Government Bond Fund (OGGvtBd)
         2,136,061 shares (cost $21,834,056) ..............................        22,385,919
      One Group - Growth Opportunities Fund (OGGrOpp)
         3,576,169 shares (cost $47,300,553) ..............................        50,817,362
      One Group - Large Company Growth Fund (OGLgCoGr)
         5,802,479 shares (cost $81,859,034) ..............................        99,860,666
                                                                                   ----------
            Total investments .............................................       376,866,493
   Accounts receivable ....................................................             4,925
                                                                                   ----------
            Total assets ..................................................       376,871,418
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ..........................................................             8,948
                                                                                   ----------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ...................................................     $ 376,862,470
                                                                                   ==========

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   ANNUAL
   Contract owners' equity represented by:                   UNITS         UNIT VALUE                              RETURN
                                                           --------         ---------                              -------
<S>                                                        <C>             <C>                 <C>                 <C>
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio:
         Tax qualified ................................    1,663,574       $ 19.268781         $ 32,055,043           26%
         Non-tax qualified ............................    2,829,983         19.268781           54,530,323           26%

      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio:
         Tax qualified ................................      360,753         12.709885            4,585,129           10%
         Non-tax qualified ............................      826,716         12.709885           10,507,465           10%

      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund:
         Tax qualified ................................      269,586         11.392164            3,071,168            4%
         Non-tax qualified ............................      502,861         11.392164            5,728,675            4%

      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund:
         Tax qualified ................................    1,003,531         19.118736           19,186,244           28%
         Non-tax qualified ............................    1,742,657         19.118736           33,317,399           28%

      One Group - Asset Allocation Fund:
         Tax qualified ................................      882,338         15.674014           13,829,778           21%
         Non-tax qualified ............................    1,619,845         15.674014           25,389,473           21%
         Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a) .......       97,500         16.381936            1,597,239           23%

      One Group - Government Bond Fund:
         Tax qualified ................................      488,790         12.460216            6,090,429            8%
         Non-tax qualified ............................      785,214         12.460216            9,783,936            8%
         Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a) .......      500,000         13.023184            6,511,592           10%

      One Group - Growth Opportunities Fund:
         Tax qualified ................................      969,427         17.286833           16,758,323           28%
         Non-tax qualified ............................    1,967,681         17.286833           34,014,973           28%
         Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a) .......        2,500         18.067840               45,170           30%

      One Group - Large Company Growth Fund:
         Tax qualified ................................    1,752,117         18.376907           32,198,491           30%
         Non-tax qualified ............................    3,368,336         18.376907           61,899,597           30%
         Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a) .......      300,000         19.206744            5,762,023           32%
                                                          ==========        ==========          -----------
                                                                                               $376,862,470
                                                                                               ============

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

        STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     TOTAL                        FIDVIPEI
                                                       ------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                            1997            1996            1997            1996
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends .............................     $    4,265,024       2,249,625         715,785          19,753
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ...............................         (3,381,832)     (1,332,177)       (831,713)       (328,693)
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity ........................            883,192         917,448        (115,928)       (308,940)
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............         11,087,093       6,134,856         833,449         480,832
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................        (10,118,939)     (5,900,535)       (586,402)       (373,323)
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            968,154         234,321         247,047         107,509
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..         35,424,272       8,440,018      10,419,343       2,840,714
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................         36,392,426       8,674,339      10,666,390       2,948,223
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains .........................         17,620,814       4,402,311       3,598,807         566,259
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ...........         54,896,432      13,994,098      14,149,269       3,205,542
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ................................        164,145,907      97,359,956      33,139,661      24,203,112
Transfers between funds ..........................                 -               -        1,982,841       1,415,097
Redemptions ......................................         (9,912,134)     (3,074,851)     (2,166,009)       (700,730)
Annuity benefits .................................                 -               -               -               -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......                 -          (39,851)             -           (9,145)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......           (345,222)       (162,806)        (82,994)        (39,566)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................              2,745          10,270           2,207           1,589
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net equity transactions ......................        153,891,296      94,092,718      32,875,706      24,870,357
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Net change in contract owners' equity ............        208,787,728     108,086,816      47,024,975      28,075,899
Contract owner's equity beginning of period ......        168,074,742      59,987,926      39,560,391      11,484,492
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Contract owners' equity end of period ............     $  376,862,470     168,074,742      86,585,366      39,560,391
                                                       ==============  ==============  ==============  ==============

<CAPTION>
                                                                 FIDVIPOV                        NSATMYMKT
                                                       ------------------------------  -------------------------------
                                                            1997           1996             1997            1996
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends .............................           140,536           34,549         410,915         194,298
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ...............................          (155,335)         (66,321)       (104,872)        (51,406)
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity ........................           (14,799)         (31,772)        306,043         142,892
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............           296,780           56,135       7,532,542       4,682,527
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................          (247,708)         (52,055)     (7,532,542)     (4,682,527)
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            49,072            4,080              -               -
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..           230,256          572,885              -               -
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................           279,328          576,965              -               -
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains .........................           557,884           38,004              -               -
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ...........           822,413          583,197         306,043         142,892
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ................................         6,345,492        4,290,279      12,257,596       8,086,975
Transfers between funds ..........................           555,514          212,509      (7,836,939)     (5,203,304)
Redemptions ......................................          (287,407)        (180,584)     (1,106,114)       (161,261)
Annuity benefits .................................                -                -               -               -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......                -            (2,811)             -             (645)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......           (11,122)          (9,223)        (12,456)         (5,593)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................               210              129             853             489
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net equity transactions ......................         6,602,687        4,310,299       3,302,940       2,716,661
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
Net change in contract owners' equity ............         7,425,100        4,893,496       3,608,983       2,859,553
Contract owner's equity beginning of period ......         7,667,494        2,773,998       5,190,860       2,331,307
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
Contract owners' equity end of period ............        15,092,594        7,667,494       8,799,843       5,190,860
                                                       =============   ==============  ==============  ==============


</TABLE>
<PAGE>   5
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

        STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     NSATTOTRE                        OGASTALL
                                                          ------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                               1997            1996            1997            1996
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends .............................        $      581,993         277,827         851,407         307,550
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ...............................              (486,093)       (169,743)       (327,460)       (109,456)
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity ........................                95,900         108,084         523,947         198,094
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............             1,234,589         346,275         230,267         136,365
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................              (782,774)       (281,951)       (180,939)       (118,065)
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............               451,815          64,324          49,328          18,300
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..             6,133,091       1,567,068       1,354,415         500,594
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................             6,584,906       1,631,392       1,403,743         518,894
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains .........................             1,667,393         810,338       2,977,924         338,743
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ...........             8,348,199       2,549,814       4,905,614       1,055,731
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ................................            23,481,911      11,827,035      21,558,362       8,038,469
Transfers between funds ..........................               990,636       1,169,436         739,176         510,173
Redemptions ......................................            (1,737,301)       (340,223)       (662,596)       (293,784)
Annuity benefits .................................                    -               -               -               -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......                    -           (4,548)             -           (2,812)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......               (60,534)        (18,078)        (23,352)        (12,802)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................                 5,636           1,096               7             330
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net equity transactions ......................            22,680,348      12,634,718      21,611,597       8,239,574
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------

Net change in contract owners' equity ............            31,028,547      15,184,532      26,517,211       9,295,305
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ......            21,475,096       6,290,564      14,299,279       5,003,974
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Contract owners' equity end of period ............        $   52,503,643      21,475,096      40,816,490      14,299,279
                                                          ==============  ==============  ==============  ==============

<CAPTION>
                                                                     OGGVTBD                        OGGROPP
                                                          ------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                              1997             1996            1997           1996
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends .............................            1,067,051          752,586              -          284,265
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ...............................             (149,083)         (86,698)       (471,076)       (186,274)
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity ........................              917,968          665,888        (471,076)         97,991
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............              475,970          286,338         238,598          65,570
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................             (475,470)        (277,564)       (172,586)        (51,439)
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............                  500            8,774          66,012          14,131
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..              586,023         (324,635)      3,478,714         (69,471)
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................              586,523         (315,861)      3,544,726         (55,340)
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains .........................               41,992            3,690       4,836,828       1,711,951
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ...........            1,546,483          353,717       7,910,478       1,754,602
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ................................            6,064,947        5,476,081      20,472,239      13,529,593
Transfers between funds ..........................              493,915         (109,357)      1,411,094         822,315
Redemptions ......................................             (359,045)        (156,819)     (1,253,599)       (487,993)
Annuity benefits .................................                   -                -               -               -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......                   -            (1,880)             -           (6,440)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......               (9,910)          (7,344)        (54,360)        (27,512)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................                   43              266          (3,179)          3,150
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net equity transactions ......................            6,189,950        5,200,947      20,572,195      13,833,113
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------

Net change in contract owners' equity ............            7,736,433        5,554,664      28,482,673      15,587,715
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ......           14,649,524        9,094,860      22,335,793       6,748,078
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
Contract owners' equity end of period ............           22,385,957       14,649,524      50,818,466      22,335,793
                                                          =============   ==============  ==============  ==============

                                                                                                             (Continued)
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   6
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

        STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      OGLGCOGR
                                                            ------------------------------
                                                                 1997           1996
                                                            --------------  --------------
<S>                                                         <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ..................................     $       497,337         378,797
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ....................................           (856,200)       (333,586)
                                                            --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity .............................           (358,863)         45,211
                                                            --------------  --------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold .................            244,898          80,814
Cost of mutual fund shares sold .......................           (140,518)        (63,611)
                                                            --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments .................            104,380          17,203
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments .......         13,222,430       3,352,863
                                                            --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ......................         13,326,810       3,370,066
                                                            --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains ..............................          3,939,986         933,326
                                                            --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ................         16,907,933       4,348,603
                                                            --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners .....................................         40,825,699      21,908,412
Transfers between funds ...............................          1,663,763       1,183,131
Redemptions ...........................................         (2,340,063)       (753,457)
Annuity benefits ......................................                 -               -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ...........                 -          (11,570)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) ............            (90,494)        (42,688)
Adjustments to maintain reserves ......................             (3,032)          3,221
                                                            --------------  --------------
    Net equity transactions ...........................         40,055,873      22,287,049
                                                            --------------  --------------

Net change in contract owners' equity .................         56,963,806      26,635,652
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ...........         42,896,305      16,260,653
                                                            --------------  --------------
Contract owners' equity end of period .................     $   99,860,111      42,896,305
                                                            ==============  ==============

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   7
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                           DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996



(1)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

         Nationwide VA Separate Account-C (the Account) was established pursuant
         to a resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life and
         Annuity 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)
                One Group - Large Company Growth Fund (OGLgCoGr)

         At December 31, 1997, 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>   8
     (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, 1997. 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 1996 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current
         period 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 Company deducts 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. Prior to
     1997, the Company deducted an annual contract maintenance charge of $30.
     This charge is no longer assessed. No charges are deducted from the initial
     funding by the Depositor, or from earnings thereon.

(3)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     The Company performs various services on behalf of the Mutual Fund
     Companies in which the Account invests and may receive fees for the
     services performed. These services include, among other things, shareholder
     communications, preparation, postage, fund transfer agency and various
     other record keeping and customer service functions. These fees are paid to
     an affiliate of the Company.





<PAGE>   47

<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, 1997 and 1996, 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, 1997. 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, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.


                                                     KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Columbus, Ohio
January 30, 1998


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

                                 Balance Sheets

                           December 31, 1997 and 1996
                                ($000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Assets                                            1997               1996
                                         ------                                         ----------        ------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>                <C>   
Investments:
  Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
    Fixed maturity securities                                                           $  796,919         $  648,076
    Equity securities                                                                       14,767             12,254
  Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                       218,852            150,997
  Real estate, net                                                                           2,824              1,090
  Policy loans                                                                                 215                126
  Short-term investments                                                                    18,968                492
                                                                                        ----------         ----------
                                                                                         1,052,545            813,035
                                                                                        ----------         ----------

Cash                                                                                         5,163              4,296
Accrued investment income                                                                   10,778              9,189
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                           30,087             16,168
Other assets                                                                                15,624             37,482
Assets held in Separate Accounts                                                           891,101            486,251
                                                                                        ----------         ----------
                                                                                        $2,005,298         $1,366,421
                                                                                        ==========         ==========

                          Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
                          ------------------------------------
Future policy benefits and claims                                                       $  986,191         $   80,720
Funds withheld under coinsurance agreement with affiliate                                       --            679,571
Other liabilities                                                                           29,426             35,842
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts                                                   891,101            486,251
                                                                                        ----------         ----------
                                                                                         1,906,718          1,282,384
                                                                                        ----------         ----------

Commitments (notes 6 and 7)

Shareholder's equity:
  Common stock, $40 par value.  Authorized, issued and outstanding 66,000 shares             2,640              2,640
  Additional paid-in capital                                                                52,960             52,960
  Retained earnings                                                                         35,812             25,209
  Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net                                     7,168              3,228
                                                                                        ----------         ----------
                                                                                            98,580             84,037
                                                                                        ----------         ----------
                                                                                        $2,005,298         $1,366,421
                                                                                        ==========         ==========
</TABLE>



See accompanying notes to finanacial 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, 1997, 1996 and 1995
                                ($000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1997            1996           1995
                                                                                  ----            ----           ----
<S>                                                                            <C>              <C>              <C>     
Revenues:
  Investment product and universal life insurance product policy charges       $ 11,244         $  6,656         $  4,322
  Traditional life insurance premiums                                               363              246              674
  Net investment income                                                          11,577           51,045           49,108
  Realized losses on investments                                                   (246)              (3)            (702)
  Other income                                                                    1,057               --               --
                                                                               --------         --------         --------
                                                                                 23,995           57,944           53,402
                                                                               --------         --------         --------
Benefits and expenses:
  Interest credited to policyholder account balances                              3,948           34,711           33,276
  Other benefits and claims                                                         433              813              904
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                               1,402            7,380            5,508
  Other operating expenses                                                        1,860            7,247            6,567
                                                                               --------         --------         --------
                                                                                  7,643           50,151           46,255
                                                                               --------         --------         --------

    Income before federal income tax expense                                     16,352            7,793            7,147

Federal income tax expense                                                        5,749            2,707            2,373
                                                                               --------         --------         --------

    Net income                                                                 $ 10,603         $  5,086         $  4,774
                                                                               ========         ========         ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to finanacial 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, 1997, 1996 and 1995
                                ($000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Unrealized                 
                                                                                     gains (losses)               
                                                           Additional                 on securities      Total       
                                                 Common     paid-in     Retained      available-for-  shareholder's 
                                                  stock     capital     earnings       sale, net         equity      
                                                  -----     -------     --------       ---------         ------      
<S>                                              <C>        <C>         <C>             <C>             <C>           
December 31, 1994                                $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      
                                                 ------     -------     -------         -------         --------      
December 31, 1995                                 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)     
                                                 ------     -------     -------         -------         --------      
December 31, 1996                                 2,640      52,960      25,209           3,228           84,037      
                                                                                                                      
  Net income                                         --          --      10,603              --           10,603      
  Unrealized gains on securities available-                                                                           
    for-sale, net                                    --          --          --           3,940            3,940      
                                                 ------     -------     -------         -------         --------      
December 31, 1997                                $2,640     $52,960     $35,812         $ 7,168         $ 98,580      
                                                 ======     =======     =======         =======         ========      
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to finanacial 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, 1997, 1996 and 1995
                                ($000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1997           1996           1995
                                                                              ----           ----           ----
<S>                                                                          <C>            <C>            <C>    
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                               $  10,603      $   5,086      $  4,774
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
    operating activities:
      Interest credited to policyholder account balances                       3,948         34,711        33,276
      Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                    (20,099)       (19,987)       (6,754)
      Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                        1,402          7,380         5,508
      Commission and expense allowances under coinsurance
        agreement with affiliate                                                  --         26,473            --
      Amortization and depreciation                                              250          1,721           878
      Realized losses on invested assets, net                                    246              3           702
      Increase in accrued investment income                                   (1,589)          (725)         (423)
      Decrease (increase) in other assets                                     21,858        (32,539)           62
      Increase (decrease) in policy liabilities and funds withheld
        on coinsurance agreement with affiliate                              228,898         (7,101)          627
      (Decrease) increase in other liabilities                                (7,488)        23,198         1,427
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------
          Net cash provided by operating activities                          238,029         38,220        40,077
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                     95,366         73,966        41,729
  Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                         30,431          2,480         3,070
  Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity            --             --        11,251
  Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                   15,199         10,975         8,673
  Proceeds from sale of real estate                                               --             --           655
  Proceeds from repayments of policy loans                                        67             23            50
  Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                            (267,899)      (179,671)      (79,140)
  Cost of fixed maturity securities held-to maturity acquired                     --             --        (8,000)
  Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                             (84,736)       (57,395)      (18,000)
  Cost of real estate acquired                                                   (13)            --           (10)
  Policy loans issued                                                           (155)           (55)          (66)
  Short-term investments, net                                                (18,476)         4,352        (4,479)
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------
          Net cash used in investing activities                             (230,216)      (145,325)      (44,267)
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
    product account balances                                                   6,952        200,575        46,247
  Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
    product account balances                                                 (13,898)       (89,174)      (42,057)
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------
          Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities                 (6,946)       111,401         4,190
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------

Net increase in cash                                                             867          4,296            --

Cash, beginning of year                                                        4,296             --            --
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------
Cash, end of year                                                          $   5,163      $   4,296      $
                                                                           =========      =========      ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to finanacial statements.



<PAGE>   6





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

                          Notes to Financial Statements

                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
                                ($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 insurance 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.


(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, 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.

         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, 1997 or 1996.




<PAGE>   7


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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


              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 is included in interest income in the period received.

              Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
              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. 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.

         (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 sales 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.



<PAGE>   8

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         (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 revenues ceded and reinsurance recoveries on benefits
              and expenses 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 11. As such, the Company had no cash balance as of
              December 31, 1995.

         (i)  Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

              Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 - Reporting
              Comprehensive Income was issued in June 1997 and is effective for
              fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The statement
              establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive
              income and its components in a full set of financial statements.
              Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a
              period except those resulting from investments by shareholders and
              distributions to shareholders and includes net income.
              Comprehensive income would be reported in addition to earnings
              amounts currently presented. The Company will adopt the statement
              and begin reporting comprehensive income in the first quarter of
              1998.

         (j)  Reclassification

              Certain items in the 1996 and 1995 financial statements have been
              reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation.




<PAGE>   9

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(3)      Investments

         The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated
         fair value of securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1997 and
         1996 were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Gross           Gross
                                                        Amortized    unrealized     unrealized   Estimated
                                                          cost         gains          losses     fair value
                                                          ----         -----          ------     ----------
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>            <C>        <C>  
  December 31, 1997:
  Fixed maturity securities:
    U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. 
      government corporations and agencies               $  5,923     $    109      $     (27)     $  6,005
    Obligations of states and political subdivisions          267            5             --           272
    Debt securities issued by foreign governments           6,077           57             (1)        6,133
    Corporate securities                                  482,478       10,964           (509)      492,933
    Mortgage-backed securities                            285,224        6,458           (106)      291,576
                                                         --------     --------      ---------      --------
        Total fixed maturity securities                   779,969       17,593           (643)      796,919
  Equity securities                                        11,704        3,063             --        14,767
                                                         --------     --------      ---------      --------
                                                         $791,673     $ 20,656      $    (643)     $811,686
                                                         ========     ========      =========      ========

December 31, 1996:
  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
                                                         ========     ========      =========      ========
</TABLE>

         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
         securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1997, 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                         $ 31,421     $ 31,623
  Due after one year through five years            231,670      235,764
  Due after five years through ten years           175,633      180,174
  Due after ten years                               56,021       57,782
                                                  --------     --------

                                                   494,745      505,343
Mortgage-backed securities                         285,224      291,576
                                                  --------     --------
                                                  $779,969     $796,919
                                                  ========     ========
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   10


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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1997         1996
                                                     ----         ----
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>    
Gross unrealized gains                              $20,013      $ 9,173
Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs      (8,985)      (4,207)
Deferred federal income tax                          (3,860)      (1,738)
                                                    -------      -------   
                                                    $ 7,168      $ 3,228
                                                    =======      =======
</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>
                                                 1997          1996          1995
                                                 ----          ----          ----
<S>                                            <C>           <C>           <C>    
Securities available-for-sale:
  Fixed maturity securities                    $ 9,177       $(8,764)      $30,647
  Equity securities                              1,663           249         1,283
Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity          --            --         3,941
                                               -------       -------       -------
                                               $10,840       $(8,515)      $35,871
                                               =======       =======       =======
</TABLE>

         Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1997,
         1996 and 1995 were $30,431, $2,480 and $3,070, respectively. During
         1997, gross gains of $825 ($181 and $64 in 1996 and 1995, respectively)
         and gross losses of $1,124 (none and $6 in 1996 and 1995, respectively)
         were realized on those sales. See note 11.

         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 had no investments in mortgage loans on real estate
         considered to be impaired as of December 31, 1997. The recorded
         investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to be impaired
         as of December 31, 1996 was $955, for which the related valuation
         allowance was $184. During 1997, the average recorded investment in
         impaired mortgage loans on real estate was approximately $386 ($964 in
         1996) and no interest income was recognized on those loans ($16 in
         1996), 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 years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997      1996
                                                        ----      ----
<S>                                                    <C>        <C> 
Allowance, beginning of year                           $ 934      $750
  (Reductions) additions charged to operations           (53)      184
  Direct write-downs charged against the allowance      (131)       --
                                                       -----      ----
Allowance, end of year                                 $ 750      $934
                                                       =====      ====
</TABLE>



<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 $153
         as of December 31, 1997 ($108 as of December 31, 1996) and valuation
         allowances of $229 as of December 31, 1997 ($229 as of December 31,
         1996).

         The Company has no investments which were non-income producing for the
         twelve month periods preceding December 31, 1997 and 1996.

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1997        1996        1995
                                                   ----        ----        ----
<S>                                               <C>          <C>         <C>  
Gross investment income:
  Securities available-for-sale:
    Fixed maturity securities                    $53,491     $40,552     $35,093
    Equity securities                                375         598         713
  Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity          --          --       4,530
  Mortgage loans on real estate                   14,862       9,991       9,106
  Real estate                                        318         214         273
  Short-term investments                             899         507         348
  Other                                               90          57          41
                                                 -------     -------     -------
      Total investment income                     70,035      51,919      50,104
Less:
  Investment expenses                              1,386         874         996
  Net investment income ceded (note 11)           57,072          --          --
                                                 -------     -------     -------
      Net investment income                      $11,577     $51,045     $49,108
                                                 =======     =======     =======
</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>
                                                  1997       1996       1995
                                                  ----       ----       ----
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>   
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale     $(299)     $ 181      $(822)
Mortgage loans on real estate                       53       (184)       110
Real estate and other                               --         --         10
                                                 -----      -----      -----
                                                 $(246)     $  (3)     $(702)
                                                 =====      =====      =====
</TABLE>

         Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $3,383 and $3,403
         as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were on deposit with
         various regulatory agencies as required by law.


(4)      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 5.1%, 5.6% and 5.6% for the years
         ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.




<PAGE>   12
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(5)      Federal Income Tax

         The Company's current federal income tax liability was $806 and $7,914
         as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

         The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
         components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) as of December 31,
         1997 and 1996 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1997          1996
                                                       ----          ----
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>    
Deferred tax assets:
  Future policy benefits                            $ 13,168      $ 1,070
  Liabilities in Separate Accounts                     8,080        5,311
  Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate          336          407
  Other assets and other liabilities                      48        3,836
                                                    --------      -------
    Total gross deferred tax assets                   21,632       10,624
                                                    --------      -------

Deferred tax liabilities:
  Fixed maturity securities                            7,186        3,268
  Deferred policy acquisition costs                    6,159        2,131
  Equity securities                                    1,072          490
  Other                                                7,892           --
                                                    --------      -------
    Total gross deferred tax liabilities              22,309        5,889
                                                    --------      -------
                                                    $   (677)     $ 4,735
                                                    ========      =======
</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, 1997, 1996 and 1995 based on its analysis of future
         deductible amounts.

         Federal income tax expense for the years ended Decmber 31 was as
         follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    1997        1996        1995
                                    ----        ----        ----

<S>                                <C>        <C>          <C>   
Currently payable                  $2,458     $ 9,612      $2,012
Deferred tax expense (benefit)      3,291      (6,905)        361
                                   ------     -------      ------
                                   $5,749     $ 2,707      $2,373
                                   ======     =======      ======
</TABLE>

         Total federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1997,
         1996 and 1995 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
         federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1997                 1996                  1995
                                             ------------------     ----------------     ----------------
                                              Amount        %       Amount       %        Amount       %
                                             ------------------     ----------------     ----------------
<S>                                           <C>          <C>     <C>         <C>       <C>        <C> 
Computed (expected) tax expense               $5,723       35.0     $2,728     35.0      $2,501    35.0
Tax exempt interest and dividends
   received deduction                             --       (0.0)      (175)    (2.3)       (150)   (2.1)
Other, net                                        26       (0.2)       154      2.0          22     0.3
                                              ------       ----     ------     ----      ------    ----
      Total (effective rate of each year)     $5,749       35.2     $2,707     34.7      $2,373    33.2
                                              ======       ====     ======     ====      ======    ====
</TABLE>

         Total federal income tax paid was $9,566, $2,335 and $1,314 during the
         years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.



<PAGE>   13
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

(6)      Fair Value of Financial Instruments

         The following disclosures summarize the carrying amount and estimated
         fair value of the Company's financial instruments. Certain assets and
         liabilities are specifically excluded from the disclosure requirements
         of financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts
         presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

         The fair value of a financial instrument is defined 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. Many of the Company's
         assets and liabilities subject to the disclosure requirements are not
         actively traded, requiring fair values to be estimated by management
         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.

         Although insurance contracts, other than policies such as annuities
         that are classified as investment contracts, are specifically exempted
         from the disclosure requirements, 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:

              Fixed maturity and equity securities: The 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.

              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.

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

              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.

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



<PAGE>   14
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


              Policy reserves on life insurance contracts: The estimated fair
              value is the amount payable on demand. Also included are
              disclosures for the Company's limited payment policies, which the
              Company has used discounted cash flow analyses similar to those
              used for investment contracts with known maturities to estimate
              fair value.

              Commitments to extend credit: Commitments to extend credit have
              nominal value because of the short-term nature of such
              commitments. See note 7.

         Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments
         subject to disclosure requirements and policy reserves on life
         insurance contracts were as follows as of December 31:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1997                     1996
                                                  ------------------------ -----------------------
                                                  Carrying    Estimated     Carrying    Estimated
                                                   amount     fair value     amount     fair value
                                                  ------------------------ -----------------------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>    
Assets:
  Investments:
    Securities available-for-sale:
      Fixed maturity securities                   $796,919     $796,919     $648,076     $648,076
      Equity securities                             14,767       14,767       12,254       12,254
    Mortgage loans on real estate, net             218,852      229,881      150,997      152,496
    Policy loans                                       215          215          126          126
    Short-term investments                          18,968       18,968          492          492
  Cash                                               5,163        5,163        4,296        4,296
  Assets held in Separate Accounts                 891,101      891,101      486,251      486,251

Liabilities
  Investment contracts                             980,263      950,105       75,417       72,262
  Policy reserves on life insurance contracts        5,928        6,076        5,303        5,390
  Liabilities related to Separate Accounts         891,101      868,056      486,251      471,125
</TABLE>

(7)      Risk Disclosures

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

         Legal/Regulatory Risk: The risk that changes in the legal or regulatory
         environment in which an insurer operates will result in increased
         competition, reduced demand for a company's products, or create
         additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its
         products. 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: The risk that issuers of securities owned by the Company
         or mortgagors on mortgage loans on real estate owned by the Company
         will default or that other parties which owe the Company money, will
         not pay. 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.



<PAGE>   15
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

         Interest Rate Risk: 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.

         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 $61,200 extending into
         1998 were outstanding as of December 31, 1997. The Company also had
         $4,000 of commitments to purchase fixed maturity securities as of
         December 31, 1997.

         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 29% (31% in 1996) in any geographic area and no more than 3% (5%
         in 1996) with any one borrower as of December 31, 1997. As of December
         31, 1997 37% (42% in 1996) of the remaining principal balance of the
         Company's commercial mortgage loan portfolio financed apartment
         building properties.


(8)      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 year of service. 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 (the Retirement Plan). Immediately prior to the merger,
         the plans were amended to provide consistent benefits for service after
         January 1, 1996. These amendments had no significant impact on the
         accumulated benefit obligation or projected benefit obligation as of
         December 31, 1995.

         Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years
         ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $257, $189 and $214,
         respectively.



<PAGE>   16

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

         The net periodic pension cost for the Retirement Plan as a whole for
         the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the Nationwide
         Insurance Companies and Affiliates Retirement Plan as a whole for the
         year ended December 31, 1995 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   1997             1996              1995
                                                                                   ----             ----              ----
<S>                                                                              <C>               <C>               <C>        
              Service cost (benefits earned during the period)                   $  77,303       $  75,466       $  64,524
              Interest cost on projected benefit obligation                        118,556         105,511          95,283
              Actual return on plan assets                                        (327,965)       (210,583)       (249,294)
              Net amortization and deferral                                        196,366         101,795         143,353
                                                                                 ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                                                 $  64,260       $  72,189       $  53,866
                                                                                 =========       =========       =========
</TABLE>

         Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1997              1996              1995
                                                                                      ----              ----              ----
<S>                                                                                  <C>               <C>               <C>  
              Weighted average discount rate                                         6.50%             6.00%             7.50%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels                         4.75%             4.25%             6.25%
              Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets                       7.25%             6.75%             8.75%
</TABLE>

         Information regarding the funded status of the Retirement Plan as a
         whole as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1997             1996
                                                                                    ----             ----
<S>                                                                              <C>               <C>   
              Accumulated benefit obligation:
                Vested                                                           $1,547,462       $1,338,554
                Nonvested                                                            13,531           11,149
                                                                                 ----------       ----------
                                                                                 $1,560,993       $1,349,703
                                                                                 ==========       ==========

              Net accrued pension expense:
                Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to date       $2,033,761       $1,847,828
                Plan assets at fair value                                         2,212,848        1,947,933
                                                                                 ----------       ----------
                  Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation             179,087          100,105
                Unrecognized prior service cost                                      34,658           37,870
                Unrecognized net gains                                             (330,656)        (201,952)
                Unrecognized net asset at transition                                 33,337           37,158
                                                                                 ----------       ----------
                                                                                 $  (83,574)      $  (26,819)
                                                                                 ==========       ==========
</TABLE>

         Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1997       1996
                                                                    ----       ----
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C> 
              Weighted average discount rate                        6.00%     6.50%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels        4.25%     4.75%
</TABLE>

         Assets of the Retirement Plan are invested in group annuity contracts
         of NLIC and Employers Life Insurance Company of Wausau, an affiliate.



<PAGE>   17
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(9)      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 (APBO), 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,
         1997 and 1996 was $891 and $840, respectively, and the net periodic
         postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $94,
         $78 and $66, respectively.

         Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of
         December 31, 1997 and 1996 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1997           1996
                                                            ----           ----
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>      
Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
  Retirees                                               $  93,327      $  92,954
  Fully eligible, active plan participants                  31,580         23,749
  Other active plan participants                           112,951         83,986
                                                         ---------      ---------
    Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation          237,858        200,689
  Plan assets at fair value                                 69,165         63,044
                                                         ---------      ---------
    Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement
      benefit obligation                                  (168,693)      (137,645)
   Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates          1,481          1,654
   Unrecognized net gains                                    1,576        (23,225)
                                                         ---------      ---------
                                                         $(165,636)     $(159,216)
                                                         =========      =========
</TABLE>

         The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1997          1996         1995
                                                   ----          ----         ----
<S>                                               <C>           <C>           <C>   
Service cost (benefits attributed to employee
  service during the year)                        $ 7,077      $ 6,541      $ 6,235
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
  benefit obligation                               14,029       13,679       14,151
Actual return on plan assets                       (3,619)      (4,348)      (2,657)
Amortization of unrecognized transition
  obligation of affiliates                            173          173        2,966
Net amortization and deferral                        (528)       1,830       (1,619)
                                                  -------      -------      -------
                                                  $17,132      $17,875      $19,076
                                                  =======      =======      =======
</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, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and the NPPBC for 1997, 1996 and 1995
         were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1997      1996       1995
                                                                  ----      ----       ----
<S>                                                               <C>        <C>        <C>  
APBO:
  Discount rate                                                   6.70%      7.25%      6.75%
  Assumed health care cost trend rate:
      Initial rate                                               12.13%     11.00%     11.00%
      Ultimate rate                                               6.12%      6.00%      6.00%
      Uniform declining period                                12 Years   12 Years   12 Years

NPPBC:
  Discount rate                                                   7.25%      6.65%      8.00%
  Long term rate of return on plan assets, net of tax             5.89%      4.80%      8.00%
  Assumed health care cost trend rate:
      Initial rate                                               11.00%     11.00%     10.00%
      Ultimate rate                                               6.00%      6.00%      6.00%
      Uniform declining period                                12 Years   12 Years   12 Years
</TABLE>

         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,
         1997 by $410 and the NPPBC for the year ended December 31, 1997 by $46.


(10)     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, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was
         $74,820, $71,390 and $54,978, respectively. The statutory net income of
         the Company as reported to regulatory authorities for the years ended
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $7,446, $670 and $8,023,
         respectively.

         The Company is limited in the amount of shareholder dividends it may
         pay without prior approval by the Department. As of December 31, 1997,
         the maximum amount available for dividend payment from the Company to
         its shareholder without prior approval of the Department was $7,482.

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




<PAGE>   19
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(11)     Transactions With Affiliates

         The Company leases office space from NMIC and certain of its
         subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the
         Company made lease payments to NMIC and its subsidiaries of $703, $410
         and $287, respectively.

         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 $2,564, $2,682 and $2,596 in 1997, 1996
         and 1995, 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 $4,981 and $2,275 as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
         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. On December 31,
         1997, the agreement was amended to a modified coinsurance basis. Under
         modified coinsurance agreements, invested assets and liabilities for
         future policy benefits are retained by the ceding company and net
         investment earnings on the invested assets are 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 modified coinsurance agreement are consistent in
         all material respects with what the Company could have obtained with
         unaffiliated parties. Amounts ceded to NLIC in 1997 are included in
         NLIC's results of operations for 1997 and include premiums of $300,617,
         net investment income of $57,072 and benefits, claims and other
         expenses of $343,426.

         Under the 100% coinsurance with funds withheld agreement, the Company
         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 paid 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.

         During 1997, the Company sold fixed maturity securities
         available-for-sale at fair value of $27,253 to NLIC. The Company
         recognized a $693 gain on the transactions.

         The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with
         Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC), an affiliate, under which
         NCMC acts as common agent in handling the purchase and sale of
         short-term securities for the respective accounts of the participants.
         Amounts on deposit with NCMC were $18,968 and $492 as of December 31,
         1997 and 1996, respectively, and are included in short-term investments
         on the accompanying balance sheets.

         Certain annuity products are sold through an affiliated company. Total
         commissions paid to the affiliate for the three years ended December
         31, 1997 were $8,053, $14,644 and $5,949, respectively.



<PAGE>   20
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(12)     Segment Information

         The Company has three product 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 Fixed Annuities segment also includes the
         fixed option under the Company's variable annuity contracts. 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.

         The following table summarizes the revenues and income (loss) before
         federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
         and 1995 and assets as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, by segment.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997             1996            1995
                                                        ----             ----            ----
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>              <C>      
Revenues:
   Variable Annuities                                $     9,950      $     4,591      $   2,927
   Fixed Annuities                                         7,752           51,643         50,056
   Life Insurance                                            182              165            185
   Corporate and Other                                     6,111            1,545            234
                                                     -----------      -----------      ---------
                                                     $    23,995      $    57,944      $  53,402
                                                     ===========      ===========      =========

Income (loss) before federal income tax expense:
   Variable Annuities                                $     7,267      $     1,094      $   1,196
   Fixed Annuities                                         3,202            5,156          5,633
   Life Insurance                                           (228)              (1)          (381)
   Corporate and Other                                     6,111            1,544            699
                                                     -----------      -----------      ---------
                                                     $    16,352      $     7,793      $   7,147
                                                     ===========      ===========      =========

Assets:
   Variable Annuities                                $   925,021      $   503,111      $ 267,097
   Fixed Annuities                                       989,116          787,682        643,313
   Life Insurance                                          2,228            2,597          2,665
   Corporate and Other                                    88,933           73,031         54,507
                                                     -----------      -----------      ---------
                                                     $ 2,005,298      $ 1,366,421      $ 967,582
                                                     ===========      ===========      =========
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   48

PART C.  OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Page
<S>                                                                              <C>
                (a)  To be filed by Financial Statements:

                     (1)   Financial statements included in Prospectus
                           (Part A):

                           Condensed Financial Information.                      13

                     (2)   Financial statements included
                           in Part B:

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

                     Nationwide VA Separate Account-C:

                           Independent Auditors' Report.                         46

                           Statements of Assets, Liabilities
                           and Contract Owners' Equity as of
                           December 31, 1997.                                    47

                           Statements of Operations and Changes in
                           Contract Owners' Equity for the years ended
                           December 31, 1996 and 1995.                           49

                           Notes to Financial Statements.                        52

                     Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:

                           Independent Auditors' Report.                         54

                           Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and
                           1996.                                                 55

                           Statements of Income for the years ended
                           December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.                     56

                           Statements of Shareholder's Equity for the
                           years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.         57

                           Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
                           December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.                     58

                           Notes to Financial Statements.                        59

                           Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other
                           Than Investments in Related Parties.                  93

                           Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information    94

                           Schedule IV - Reinsurance                             95

                           Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts        96
</TABLE>
    




                                    74 of 97
<PAGE>   49

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.




                                    75 of 97
<PAGE>   50

Item 25.      DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      NAME AND PRINCIPAL                         POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                       BUSINESS ADDRESS                             WITH DEPOSITOR

<S>                   <C>                               <C>
                      Lewis J. Alphin                                    Director
                      519 Bethel Church Road
                      Mount Olive, NC  28365

                      A. I. Bell                                         Director
                      4121 North River Road West
                      Zanesville, OH 43701

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

                      Willard J. Engel                                   Director
                      300 East Marshall 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

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

                      David O. Miller                       Chairman of the Board and Director
                      115 Sprague Drive
                      Hebron, OH 43025

                      Yvonne L. Montgomery                               Director
                      2859 Paces Ferry Road
                      Atlanta, GA 30339

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

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





                                    76 of 97
<PAGE>   51

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       NAME AND PRINCIPAL                         POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                        BUSINESS ADDRESS                             WITH DEPOSITOR
<S>                   <C>                               <C>
                      Arden L. Shisler                                   Director
                      1356 North Wenger Road
                      Dalton, OH  44618

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

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

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

                      Dennis W. Click                          Vice President and Secretary
                      One Nationwide Plaza
                      Columbus, OH  43215

                      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

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

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

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

                      Susan A. Wolken                          Senior Vice President - Life
                      One Nationwide Plaza                          Company Operations
                      Columbus, OH 43215

                      Michael D. Bleiweiss                            Vice President-
                      One Nationwide Plaza                     Individual Annuity Operations
                      Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>
    





                                    77 of 97
<PAGE>   52

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       NAME AND PRINCIPAL                         POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                        BUSINESS ADDRESS                             WITH DEPOSITOR

<S>                   <C>                               <C>
                      Matthew S. Easley                              Vice President -
                      One Nationwide Plaza              Life Marketing and Administrative Services
                      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
                      One Nationwide Plaza                            Vice President
                      Columbus, OH  43215

</TABLE>
    

Item 26.      PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR 
              OR REGISTRANT.

                *     Subsidiaries for which separate financial statements are 
                      filed

                **    Subsidiaries included in the respective consolidated 
                      financial statements

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

                ****  other subsidiaries




                                    78 of 97
<PAGE>   53

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

Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc.                 Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency

Allnations, Inc.                               Ohio                           Promotes cooperative insurance corporations
                                                                              worldwide

American Marine Underwriters, Inc.           Florida                          Underwriting Manager

Auto Direkt Insurance Company                Germany                          Insurance Company

The Beak and Wire Corporation                  Ohio                           Radio Tower Joint Venture

California Cash Management Company          California                        Inactive

Colonial County Mutual Insurance              Texas                           Insurance Company
Company

Colonial Insurance Company of               Wisconsin                         Insurance Company
Wisconsin

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 Georgia, Inc.            Georgia                          Insurance Broker

Companies Agency of Idaho, Inc.               Idaho                           Insurance Broker

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                           Local Recording Agent (P&C)

Companies Annuity Agency of Texas,            Texas                           Group and Variable Contract Agent
Inc.

Cooperative Service Company                  Nebraska                         Insurance Agency

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

EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU A             Wisconsin                         Mutual Insurance Company
Mutual Company
</TABLE>
    




                                    79 of 97
<PAGE>   54

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   NO. VOTING
                                                                   SECURITIES
                                                  STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                             OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                   COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE          PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                    INDICATED
<C> <S>                                      <C>                  <C>          <C>
**  Employers Life Insurance Company of         Wisconsin                      Life Insurance Company
    Wausau

    F & B, Inc.                                    Iowa                        Insurance Agency

    Farmland Mutual Insurance Company              Iowa                        Mutual Insurance Company

    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                      Commercial Health and Medicare Supplement
                                                                               Insurance
    Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.                 Ohio                        Insurance Broker and Insurance Agency

    Irvin L. Schwartz and Associates, Inc.         Ohio                        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                   Wisconsin                      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
</TABLE>
    




                                    80 of 97
<PAGE>   55

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

    Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance              Iowa                           Insurance Company
    Company

    Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company

    Nationwide Cash Management Company             Ohio                           Investment Securities Agent

    Nationwide 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/Dispatch LLC     
                                                                                  Ohio Engaged in related Arena            
                                                                                  development Activity Nationwide          
                                                                                  Financial Institution Delaware Insurance 
                                                                                  Agency Distributors Agency, Inc.         

    Nationwide Financial Services Capital        Delaware                         Statutory Business Trust
    Trust

    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 Global Holdings, Inc.               Ohio                           Holding Company for Enterprise International
                                                                                  Operations

    Nationwide Health Plans, Inc.                  Ohio                           Health Maintenance Organization

 *  Nationwide Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Reinsurance Company

    Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
    Foundation

    Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                Ohio                           Performs shares services functions for the
    Services, Ltd.                                                                Enterprise

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

    Nationwide Investing Foundation              Michigan                         Investment Company

 *  Nationwide Investing                      Massachusetts                       Investment Company
    Foundation II

    Nationwide Investing Foundation III            Ohio                           Investment Company
</TABLE>
    





                                    81 of 97
<PAGE>   56

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   NO. VOTING
                                                                   SECURITIES
                                                  STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                             OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                   COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE          PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                    INDICATED
<C> <S>                                      <C>                  <C>             <C>
    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                           Offers Preferred Provider Organization and
                                                                                  Other Related Products and Services

    Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance               Ohio                           Mutual Insurance Company
    Company

    Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company            Ohio                           Mutual 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        Montana                          Life Insurance Agency
    Montana, Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Neckura General Insurance Company            Germany                          Insurance Company

    Neckura Holding Company                      Germany                          Administrative Service for Neckura Insurance
                                                                                  Group

    Neckura Insurance Company                    Germany                          Insurance Company

    Neckura Life Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company
</TABLE>
    




                                    82 of 97
<PAGE>   57

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

    NWE, Inc.                                      Ohio                           Special Investments

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

    PEBSCO of Texas, Inc.                         Texas                           Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
                                                                                  Plans for Public Employees

    Pension Associates of Wausau, Inc.          Wisconsin                         Pension plan administration, record keeping
                                                                                  and consulting and compensation consulting

    Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation       Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance Organization

    Prevea Health Insurance Plan, Inc.          Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance Organization

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

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

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

    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

    TIG Countrywide Insurance Group             California                        Independent Agency Personal Lines Underwriter

    Wausau (Bermuda) Ltd.                        Bermuda                          Rent-a-captive Reinsurer

    Wausau Business Insurance Company           Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

    Wausau General Insurance Company             Illinois                         Insurance Company

    Wausau Insurance Company (U.K.)           United Kingdom                      Insurance and Reinsurance Company
    Limited

    Wausau International Underwriters           California                        Special Risks, Excess and Surplus Lines
                                                                                  Insurance Underwriting Manager
**  Wausau Preferred Health Insurance           Wisconsin                         Insurance and Reinsurance Company
    Company

    Wausau Service Corporation                  Wisconsin                         Holding Company

    Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company       Wisconsin                         Insurance Company
</TABLE>
    






                                    83 of 97
<PAGE>   58

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  *  Nationwide Variable Account-9                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                 Account

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

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

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

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


                                    84 of 97
<PAGE>   59

   
<TABLE>
<C> <S>                                            <C>           <C>                             <C>
  *  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

     Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                 Account
</TABLE>
    


                                    85 of 97
<PAGE>   60
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                         (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 |
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                                |
           -----------------------------------------------------------------------
           |                                  |                                  |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------         ---------------------------
|  KEY HEALTH PLAN, INC.  |       |   WAUSAU INSURANCE CO.  |       |      WAUSAU SERVICE      |         |                         |
|                         |       |      (U.K.) LIMITED     |       |     CORPORATION (WSC)    |         |    NATIONWIDE LLOYDS    |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |       |Common Stock: 8,506,800  |       |Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|         |                         |
|------------  Shares     |       |------------  Shares     |       |------------              |         |                         |
|                         |       |                         |       |                          |=========|                         |
|              Cost       |       |              Cost       |       |              Cost        |     ||  |      A TEXAS LLOYDS     |
|              ----       |       |              ----       |       |              ----        |     ||  |                         |
|Employers-               |       |Employers-               |       |Employers-                |     ||  |                         |
| 80%          $1,828,478 |       |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%     $1,461,761 |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $10,000     |  |      |WSC-100%      $248,222   |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |     COMPANIES AGENCY     |  |      |         COMPANIES       |
|    OF ALABAMA, INC.     |   |   |  OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.  |   |   |    INSURANCE SERVICES    |  |      |        AGENCY, INC.     |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |       OF CALIFORNIA      |  |      |                         |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000       |  |      |Common Stock: 100        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |---|------------  Shares      |  |------|------------  Shares     |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |   |                          |         |                         |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |         |              Cost       |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |         |              ----       |
|WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000      |         |WSC-100%      $10,000    |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------         ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                                     |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------         ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   COMPANIES AGENCY      |   |   |      PHYSICIANS PLUS     |         |    PENSION ASSOCIATES   |
|     OF IDAHO, INC.      |   |   |     OF PHOENIX, INC.    |   |   |         INSURANCE        |         |      OF WAUSAU, INC.    |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |        CORPORATION       |         |Common Stock: 1,000      |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock:    7,150    |         |------------  Shares     |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------     Shares   |         |                         |
|                         |-------|                         |   |---|Preferred Stock: 11,540   |         |                         |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |---------------  Shares   |         |Companies        Cost    |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |                          |         |Agency, Inc.     ----    |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |                Cost      |         |(Wisconsin)-100% $10,000 |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |                ----      |         |                         |
|WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-33-1/3%     $6,215,459|         |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------         ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                        
                              |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------                                    
                              |   |         WAUSAU          |   |   |      PREVEA HEALTH       |                                    
                              |   |     (BERMUDA) LTD.      |   |   |  INSURANCE PLAN, INC.    |                                    
                              |   | Common Stock:  120,000  |   |   |Common Stock: 3,000 Shares|                                    
                              |   | -------------  Shares   |   |   |------------              |                                    
                              ----|                         |   ----|                          |                                    
                                  |                         |       |                          |                                    
                                  |                Cost     |       |              Cost        |                                    
                                  |                ----     |       |              ----        |                                    
                                  | WSC-100%      $5,000,000|       |WSC-33-1/3%   $500,000    |                                    
                                  ---------------------------       ----------------------------                                    
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   61
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                                  (middle)
<S>                                               <C>                                               <C>         
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                           INSURANCE COMPANY                               |================================================
       |                              (CASUALTY)                                   |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||                              |
              |                        ||                              -------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    |                                                                      |
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
|      ALLNATIONS, INC.        |       ||    |    |      NATIONWIDE GENERAL      |                  |        NECKURA HOLDING       |
|Common Stock:   10,330 Shares |       ||    |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |                  |       COMPANY (NECKURA)      |
|------------                  |       ||    |    |                              |                  |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |Common Stock:    20,000       |                  |Common Stock:    10,000       |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |------------     Shares       |                  |------------     Shares       |
|Casualty-18.6%   $88,320      |       ||    |    |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
|Fire-18.6%       $88,463      |       ||    |    |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
|Preferred Stock: 1,466 Shares |       ||    |----|Casualty-100%    $5,944,422   |         ---------|Casualty-100%    $87,943,140  |
|---------------               |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Casualty-6.8%    $100,000     |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Fire-6.8%        $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 WINCONSIN     |         |        |       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%    $41,750,000  |         |        |Neckura-100%    DM 15,825,681 |
- --------------------------------       |     |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                       |     |                                             |        
- --------------------------------       |     |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|    COOPERATIVE SERVICE       |       |     |    |         SCOTTSDALE           |         |        |        NECKURA GENERAL       |
|          COMPANY             |       |     |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Common Stock:    600 Shares   |       |     |    |            (SIC)             |         |        |                              |
|------------                  |       |     |    |Common Stock:    30,136       |         |        |Common Stock:    1,500        |
|                 Cost         |--------     |----|------------     Shares       | ----    |--------|------------     Shares       |
|                 ----         |             |    |                 Cost         |    |    |        |                 Cost         |
|Farmland         $3,506,173   |             |    |                 ----         |    |    |        |                 ----         |
|Mutual-100%                   |             |    |Casualty-100%    $150,000,000 |    |    |        |Neckura-100%     DM 1,656,925 |
|                              |             |    |                              |    |    |        |                              |
|                              |             |    |                              |    |    |        |                              |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------    |    |        --------------------------------
                                             |                                        |    |        
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------    |    |        --------------------------------
| NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS      |             |    |          SCOTTSDALE          |    |    |        |       COLUMBUS INSURANCE     |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY         |             |    |        SURPLUS LINES         |    |    |        |      BROKERAGE AND SERVICE   |
|Common Stock:    1,000,000    |             |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |    |    |        |              GmbH            |
|------------     Shares       |------------ |    | Common Stock:    100,000     |    |    |        |Common Stock:    1 Share      |
|                              |             |    | ------------     Shares      | ---|    |--------|------------                  |
|                    Cost      |             |    |                              |    |    |        |                 Cost         |
|Casualty-99.9%      ----      |             |    |                   Cost       |    |    |        |                 ----         |
|Other Capital:   $26,714,335  |             |    |                   ----       |    |    |        |Neckura-100%     DM 51,639    |
|-------------                 |             |    | SIC-100%          $6,000,000 |    |    |        |                              |
|Casualty-Ptd.    $   713,576  |             |    |                              |    |    |        |                              |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------    |    |        --------------------------------
                                             |                                        |    |        
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------    |    |        --------------------------------
|    NATIONAL CASUALTY         |             |    |      NATIONAL PREMIUM &      |    |    |        |          LEBEN DIREKT        |
|          COMPANY             |             |    |    BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION    |    |    |        |        INSURANCE COMPANY     |
|           (NC)               |             |    |           COMPANY            |    |    |        |                              |
|Common Stock:    100 Shares   |             |    |Common Stock:    10,000       |    |    |        |Common Stock:    4,000 Shares |
|------------                  |-------------     |------------     Shares       |-----    ---------|------------                  |
|                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |         |        |                 Cost         |
|                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |         |        |                 ----         |
|Casualty-100%    $67,442,439  |                  |Scottsdale-100%  $10,000      |         |        |Neckura-100%     DM 4,000,000 |
|                              |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
|                              |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
              |                                                                            |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|    NCC OF AMERICA, LTD.      |                  |         SVM SALES            |         |        |          AUTO DIREKT         |
|        (INACTIVE)            |                  |            GmbH              |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|                              |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
|                              |                  |Common Stock:    50 Shares    |         |        |Common Stock:    1,500 Shares |
|                              |                  |------------                  |----------------- |------------                  |
|                              |                  |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
|NC-100%                       |                  |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
|                              |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 50,000    |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 1,643,149 |
|                              |                  |                              |                  |                              |
|                              |                  |                              |                  |                              |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   62
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        (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          |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |          (Inactive)          |
  |     |Surplus Debentures            |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     |------------------            |     |----|                              |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     |Colonial         $500,000     |     |    |Casualty-100%                 |                                                  
  |     |Lone Star         150,000     |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                                          |                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |       TIG COUNTRYWIDE        |     |    |         THE BEAK AND         |                                                  
  |     |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |     |    |       WIRE CORPORATION       |                                                  
  |     |Common Stock     12,500       |     |    |                              |                                                  
   -----|------------     Shares       |     |    |Common Stock:    750 Shares   |                                                  
  |     |                              |     -----|------------                  |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
  |     |Casualty-100%    $215,273,000 |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,419,000   |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    |                              |                                                  
  |                                          |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                                          |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------
  |     |     NATIONWIDE INSURANCE     |     |    |  NATIONWIDE/DISPATCH LLC     |
  |     |   ENTERPRISE SERVICES, LTD.  |     |    |                              |
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |
  |     |Single Member Limited         |     |    |                              |
  - - - |Liability Company             |     - - -|                              |
        |                              |          |                              |
        |                              |          |                              |
        |Casualty-100%                 |          |Casualty-90%                  |
        |                              |          |                              |
        --------------------------------          |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------

Subsidiary Companies      -- Solid Line
Contractual Association   -- Double Lines
Limited Liability Company -- Dotted Line

December 31, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   63
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        (Left Side)

                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |              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, INC.  |      |    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |      (NW ADV. SERV.)      |      |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 66,000      |  |  | 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  |  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $100         |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                              
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|         NWE, INC.         |  |  |        NATIONWIDE         |  ||  |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |  INVESTORS SERVICES, INC. |  ||  |        SERVICES OF        |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |       NEW YORK, INC.      |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 100         |  |  | Common Stock: 5 Shares    |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  | ------------              |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |
|               Cost        |  |  |                     Cost  |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                     ----  |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life -100% $35,971,375 |  |  | NW Adv. Serv. -100% $5,000|  ||  | NFIDAI -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     |  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $153,000     |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||  |   AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.  |  ||  |                          |
|      PROPERTIES, LTD.     |  |  |         INVESTING         |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |         FOUNDATION        |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |          AFFILIATE       |
| ------                    - -|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|          AGENCY OF       |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |      |          OHIO, INC.      |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |      |                          |
| NW Life -90%              |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |      |                          |
| NW Mutual-10%             |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $100         |      |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------        --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                                                
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|        NATIONWIDE         |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|       PROPERTIES, LTD.    |  |  |          INVESTING        |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |        FOUNDATION II      |  ||                               
| Units:                    - -|  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |     |                           |==||                               
|                           |     |                           |  ||                               
|                           |     |                           |  ||                               
| NW Life -97.6%            |     |                           |  ||                               
| NW Mutual -2.4%           |     |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||                               
 ---------------------------       ---------------------------   ||                               
                                                                 ||                               
                                   ---------------------------   ||                               
                                  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
                                  |      SEPARATE ACCOUNT     |  ||                               
                                  |            TRUST          |  ||                               
                                  |                           |  ||                               
                                  |                           |__||                               
                                  |                           |                                   
                                  |                           |                                   
                                  |                           |                                   
                                  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |                                   
                                   ---------------------------                                    
</TABLE>                           
<PAGE>   64
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           (Center)
                                               NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE (R)
<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   |                     |
                                                   |    SERVICES, INC. (NFS)   |                     | 
                                                   |                           |                     |
                                                   | Common Stock: Control     |                     |
                                                   | ------------  -------     |                     |
                                                   |                           |                     |
                                                   |                           |                     |
                                                   | Class A     Public--100%  |                     |
                                                   | Class B     NW Corp--100% |                     |
                                                    ---------------------------                      |
                                                                  |                                  |     
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------                 | 
              |                               |                                    |                 |
 ---------------------------    ---------------------------         ---------------------------      |   ------------------------- 
|    IRVIN L. SCHWARTZ      |  | PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT  |       |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |     |  |    NATIONWIDE GLOBAL    |
|       & ASSOCIATES        |  |   SERVICES CORPORATION    |       |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. |     |  |      HOLDINGS, INC.     |
|                           |  |         (PEBSCO)          |       |             (NEA)         |     |  |                         | 
| Common Stock: Control     |  | Common Stock: 236,494     |==||   | Common Stock: 500         |= || |  | Common Stock: 1 Share   | 
| ------------  -------     |  | ------------  Shares      |  ||   | ------------  Shares      |  || |--| ------------            | 
|                           |  |                           |  ||   |                           |  || |  |                         | 
|                           |  |                           |  ||   |                           |  || |  |             Cost        | 
| Class A     Other -100%   |  |                           |  ||   |                           |  || |  |             ----        | 
| Class B     NFS -100%     |  | NFS -100%                 |  ||   | NFS -100%                 |  || |  | NW Corp-100%  $7,000,00 | 
- ----------------------------   ----------------------------   ||   ----------------------------   || |  --------------------------  
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   || |                              
                               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||   |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  || |  --------------------------  
                               |          ALABAMA          |  ||   |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  || |  |   MRM INVESTMENT, INC.  | 
                               |                           |  ||   |     OF ALABAMA, INC.      |  || |  |                         | 
                               | Common Stock: 100,000     |  ||   | Common Stock: 500         |  || |  |                         | 
                               | ------------  Shares      |--||   | ------------  Shares      |--|| __ | Common Stock: 1 Share   | 
                               |                           |  ||   |                           |  ||    | -----------             | 
                               |               Cost        |  ||   |               Cost        |  ||    |                         | 
                               |               ----        |  ||   |               ----        |  ||    |             Cost        | 
                               | PEBSCO -100%  $1,000      |  ||   | NEA -100%      $5,000     |  ||    |             ----        | 
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||    | NW Corp.-100% $7,000,000| 
                                                              ||                                  ||    --------------------------  
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||                                
                               |         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      |  ||    |    NEA VALUEBUILDER     | 
                               |          MONTANA          |  ||   |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||    |    INVESTOR SERVICES    | 
                               |                           |  ||   |      OF NEVADA, INC.      |  ||    |      OF OHIO, INC.      | 
                               | Common Stock: 500         |  ||   | Common Stock: 500         |  ||    |                         | 
                               | ------------  Shares      |--||   | ------------  Shares      |--||====|                         | 
                               |                           |  ||   |                           |  ||    |                         | 
                               |               Cost        |  ||   |               Cost        |  ||    |                         |
                               |               ----        |  ||   |               ----        |  ||    |                         | 
                               | PEBSCO -100%  $500        |  ||   | NEA -100%     $500        |  ||    |                         | 
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||    --------------------------  
                                                              ||                                  ||                                
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||     -------------------------  
                               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||   |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||    |    NEA VALUEBUILDER     | 
                               |        NEW MEXICO         |  ||   |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||    |    INVESTOR SERVICES    | 
                               |                           |  ||   |      OF WYOMING, INC.     |  ||    |    OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    | 
                               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||   | Common Stock: 500         |  ||    |                         | 
                               | ------------  Shares      |--||   | ------------  Shares      |--||====|                         | 
                               |                           |  ||   |                           |  ||    |                         | 
                               |               Cost        |  ||   |               Cost        |  ||    |                         | 
                               |               ----        |  ||   |               ----        |  ||    |                         | 
                               | PEBSCO -100%  $1,000      |  ||   | NEA -100%     $500        |  ||    |                         | 
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||    --------------------------  
                                                              ||                                  ||                                
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||    --------------------------  
                               |                           |  ||   |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||    |    NEA VALUEBUILDER     | 
                               |                           |  ||   |    SERVICES INSURANCE     |  ||    |   INVESTOR SERVICES     | 
                               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||   |       AGENCY, INC.        |  ||    |     OF TEXAS, INC.      | 
                               |        TEXAS, INC.        |  ||   | Common Stock: 100         |  ||    |                         | 
                               |                           |==||   | ------------  Shares      |--||=== |                         |
                               |                           |       |                           |        |                         | 
                               |                           |       |               Cost        |        |                         | 
                               |                           |       |               ----        |        |                         | 
                               |                           |       | NEA -100%     $1,000      |        |                         | 
                                ---------------------------         ---------------------------         --------------------------  
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   65
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                            (Right)

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












- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              |                                |                              |
                ---------------------------         ------------------------------       ------------------------------
               |      GATES, MCDONALD        |     |   EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE   |     |          NATIONWIDE          |
               |     & COMPANY (GATES)       |     |       OF WAUSAU (ELIOW)      |     |    HEALTH PLANS, INC. (NHP)  |
               |                             |     |                              |     |                              |
               | 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:   200          |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |     |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |     |                 Cost         |  |  | NHP             Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |     |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | GATES -100%     $106,947    |     | ELIOW -100%     $57,413,193  |  |  | Inc. -100%      $25,149      |
           |    -----------------------------       ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                                                         |
           |    -----------------------------                                        |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |                                       |  |            NATIONWIDE        |
           |   |         OF NEVADA           |                                       |  |          AGENCY, INC.        |
           |   |                             |                                       |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   40          |                                       |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |                                       |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |                                          |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |                                          |                 Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |                                          | NHP             ----         |
           |   | Gates -100%     $93,750     |                                          | Inc. -99%       $116,077     |
           |    -----------------------------                                            ------------------------------
           |
           |    -----------------------------     
           |   |       GATESMCDONALD         |  
           |   |     HEALTH PLUS, INC.       |  
           |   |                             |  
           |   | Common Stock:   200         |       
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  
               |                             |  
               |                 Cost        |  
               |                 ----        |  
               | Gates -100%     $2,000,000  |  
                -----------------------------   









                                                                                Subsidiary Companies    --   Solid Line

                                                                                Contractual Association  --  Double Line
                                                                                
                                                                                Limited Liability Company -- Dotted Line




     
                                                                                                         December 31, 1997

                                                                                                                    Page 2
</TABLE>
                                                
                                                                              
<PAGE>   66


Item 27.      NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS

   
              The number of contract Owners of Qualified and Non-Qualified
              Contracts as of January 31, 1998 was 4,046 and 5,781,
              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 SEC 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,
                     and Nationwide Investing Foundation III which are open-end
                     management investment companies.
    

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

Dimon R. McFerson                                              Chairman of the Board of Directors and
One Nationwide Plaza                                                        Chairman and
Columbus, OH  43215                                             Chief Executive Officer--Nationwide
                                                                 Insurance Enterprise and Director

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


                                    88 of 97
<PAGE>   67

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               (b)            NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
                                   DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
                                                                       POSITIONS AND OFFICES
<S>                                                        <C>
Susan A. Wolken                                                               Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

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

Elizabeth A. Davin                                                      Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

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

Dennis W. Click                                                              Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

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

James F. Laird, Jr.                                                  Vice President and General
One Nationwide Plaza                                                          Manager
Columbus, OH  43215

Edwin P. Mc Causland                                             Senior Vice President-Fixed Income
One Nationwide Plaza                                                         Securities
Columbus, OH 43215

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

Charles Bath
One Nationwide Plaza                                                Vice President - Investments
Columbus, OH  43215

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

Christopher A. Cray                                                          Treasurer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

David E. Simaitis                                                       Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

Patricia J. Smith                                                       Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
</TABLE>
    

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

                                    89 of 97
<PAGE>   68


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

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 SEC 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.





                                    90 of 97
<PAGE>   69

                    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, 1998
    


                                   91 of 97
<PAGE>   70

   
                    INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT AND 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 30, 1998 included the related financial
statement schedules as of December 31, 1997, and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997, 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 24, 1998
    




                                    92 of 97
<PAGE>   71

<PAGE>   1

                                                                     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
                                ($000's omitted)

                             As of December 31, 1997

<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                $  284,851       $291,184       $  291,184
    States, municipalities and political subdivisions                             267            272              272
    Foreign governments                                                         6,077          6,133            6,133
    Public utilities                                                           81,611         83,307           83,307
    All other corporate                                                       407,163        416,023          416,023
                                                                           ----------       --------       ----------
      Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale                      779,969        796,919          796,919
                                                                           ----------       --------       ----------

Equity securities available-for-sale:
  Common stocks:
    Industrial, miscellaneous and all other                                    11,704         14,767           14,767
                                                                           ----------       --------       ----------
      Total equity securities available-for-sale                               11,704         14,767           14,767
                                                                           ----------       --------       ----------

Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                            219,602                         218,852 (1)
Real estate, net:
  Investment properties                                                         1,428                           1,062 (1)
  Acquired in satisfaction of debt                                              1,779                           1,762 (1)
Policy loans                                                                      215                             215
Short-term investments                                                         18,968                          18,968
                                                                           ----------                      ----------
      Total investments                                                    $1,033,665                      $1,052,545
                                                                           ==========                      ==========
</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 3 to the financial statements.



See accompanying independent auditor's report.
<PAGE>   2


                                                                   SCHEDULE III

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

                      SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
                                ($000's omitted)

   As of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the years then ended

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
             Column A                  Column B           Column C             Column D           Column E          Column F
- ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
                                       Deferred         Future policy                           Other policy
                                        policy        benefits, losses,        Unearned          claims and
                                      acquisition        claims and            premiums       benefits payable      Premium
             Segment                     costs          loss expenses            (1)                 (1)            revenue
- ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
<C>                                 <C>                  <C>                                                          <C>   
1997: Variable Annuities               $ 34,026          $     --                                                     $ --  
      Fixed Annuities                     4,708           984,408                                                      363  
      Life Insurance                        338             1,783                                                       --  
      Corporate and Other                (8,985)               --                                                       --  
                                       --------          --------                                                     ----  
         Total                         $ 30,087          $986,191                                                     $363  
                                       ========          ========                                                     ====  
                                                                                                                            
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  
                                       ========          ========                                                     ====  
</TABLE>                                                                    


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
             Column A                  Column G           Column H             Column I           Column J          Column K
- ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
                                                                                                    Other
                                    Net investment    Benefits, claims,      Amortization         operating         
                                        income           losses and       of deferred policy      expenses          Premiums
             Segment                      (2)        settlement expenses  acquisition costs          (2)            written
- ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
<S>                                      <C>                  <C>                  <C>                 <C>  
1997: Variable Annuities               $   (873)             $   238             $ 1,035              $1,410
      Fixed Annuities                     5,927                4,023                 347                 180
      Life Insurance                        166                  120                  20                 270
      Corporate and Other                 6,357                   --                  --                  --
                                       --------              -------             -------              ------
         Total                         $ 11,577              $ 4,381             $ 1,402              $1,860
                                       ========              =======             =======              ======

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


(1) Unearned premiums and other policy claims and benefits are included in
    Column C amounts.

(2) Allocations of net investment income and certain operating 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 auditor's report.

<PAGE>   3


                                                                    SCHEDULE IV

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

                                   REINSURANCE
                                ($000's omitted)

   As of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the years then ended

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  -------------   -------------   -------------
          Column A                    Column B        Column C        Column D        Column E        Column F
- --------------------------------  ---------------  --------------  -------------   -------------   -------------
                                                                                                     Percentage
                                                     Ceded to         Assumed                         of amount
                                      Gross           other         from other          Net            assumed
                                      amount         companies       companies         amount          to net
                                  --------------   --------------  -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                                   <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>               <C> 
1997:
  Life Insurance in force             $6,519            $456            $ --            $6,063            0.0%
                                      ======            ====            ====            ======            ===

  Premiums:
  Life insurance                      $  363            $ --            $ --            $  363            0.0%
                                      ------            ----            ----            ------            --- 
      Total                           $  363            $ --            $ --            $  363            0.0%
                                      ======            ====            ====            ======            ===


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%
                                      ======            ====            ====            ======            ===
                                                                                                         
</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 auditor's report.


<PAGE>   4


                                                                     SCHEDULE V

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

                        VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                                ($000's omitted)
                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------    ------------ ----------------------------- ------------- -------------
                        Column A                            Column B             Column C              Column D      Column E
- ------------------------------------------------------    ------------ ----------------------------- ------------- -------------
                                                           Balance at    Charged to     Charged to                  Balance at
                                                            beginning     costs and       other       Deductions      end of
                       Description                          of period     expenses       accounts        (1)          period
- ------------------------------------------------------    ------------ --------------  ------------- ------------- -------------
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>       <C>          <C>          <C>
1997:
  Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities           $   --       $ 1,011          $ --          $1,011       $   -- 
  Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate          934           (53)           --             131          750 
  Valuation allowances - real estate                            229            --            --              --          229 
                                                             ------       -------          ----          ------       ------ 
      Total                                                  $1,163       $   958          $ --          $1,142       $  979 
                                                             ======       =======          ====          ======       ====== 
                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                             
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
                                                             ======       =======          ====          ======       ======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Amounts represent direct write-downs charged against the valuation
    allowance.

See accompanying independent auditor's report.


<PAGE>   72

                                   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, 1998.
    

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
                                                      NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
                                               -----------------------------------------------
                                                                 (Registrant)

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

                                                            By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
                                               -----------------------------------------------
                                                                Joseph P. Rath
                                                Vice President - Product and Market Compliance
</TABLE>

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, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

        SIGNATURE                                      TITLE
<S>                                                  <C>                        <C>
LEWIS J. ALPHIN                                       Director
- ------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin

A. I. BELL                                            Director
- ------------------------------------                  
A. I. Bell

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 and Chief
- ------------------------------------          Operating Office and Director
Joseph J. Gasper                              

DIMON R. McFERSON                           Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
- ------------------------------------    Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
Dimon R. McFerson                   

DAVID O. MILLER                          Chairman of the Board and Director
- ------------------------------------     
David O. Miller

YVONNE L. MONTGOMERY                                  Director
- ------------------------------------                  
Yvonne L. Montgomery

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
</TABLE>
    


                                    97 of 97


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