Born to Indian parents in Mombasa Kenya on 21^st April 1949, Prof. Neri Gustav Agapitus Picardo a specialist Gastroenterologist, came to Nigeria at the age of 31 years on the invitation of the Federal Government to work at the Parklane General Hospital, Enugu. He also worked at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and later at Ebonyi University Teaching Hospital as Consultant Physician, Head Gastroenterology/Endoscopy unit and Professor of Internal Medicine, respectively. He was the pioneer Medical Director of the Niger Foundation Hospital Enugu, where he remained after retirement from government service.

Prof. Neri Picardo, a numerary member of Opus Dei, was a naturalized Nigerian and became an adopted son of Neke-Oghe in Ezeagu local government area of Enugu State. In November 2024, Pope Francis named him a papal knight of Saint Gregory. Neri Picardo died of a heart attack on Wednesday 5^th February 2025, at the age of 75.

His burial proceedings began on Wednesday 12^th February 2025 with the celebration of Mass by the auxiliary Bishop of Enugu diocese at the Niger Foundation Hospital and lying in state at his residence at Independence Layout in Enugu.

On Thursday 13^th February 2025, the funeral Mass was celebrated at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Enugu, by Bishop Callistus Onaga of Enugu Diocese, Bishop Godfrey Onah of Nsukka Diocese, and Bishop Emeritus of Enugu, Anthony Gbuji. Thousands of people who knew Prof Picardo directly and indirectly participated in person at the funeral event: family, friends and colleagues at work. Neri Picardo was subsequently interred at Iwollo Conference Centre, Ezeagu local government area, Enugu State.

Prof. Picardo was loved by students, colleagues, friends, associates and his patients, with whom he remained committed in the care of their health and well-being.