– Will be remembered for His unequivocal life of Dedication and Service
The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Independence Layout, was filled to capacity today as clergy, dignitaries, members of the Opus Dei, medical professionals, and well-wishers gathered to bid farewell to the revered Professor (Sir) Neri Gustav Agapitus Picardo. The funeral Mass, presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, was a testament to the profound impact the late professor had on the church, the medical profession and humanity at large.
Also in attendance were the Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, the Emeritus Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Anthony Gbuji, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the Former Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and Rev. Fr. Prof. Obiora Ike, as well as numerous priests, religious, and lay faithful who came to honor the man whose life epitomized service, humility, and unwavering faith.
Bishop Onaga in his remark, extolled the unique virtues of Prof. Picardo, describing him as a selfless servant of God whose dedication to both medical practice and spiritual life was unparalleled.
In his homily, the Regional Vicar of Opus Dei in Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Odoh, reflected on the unexpected reality of a life given to God and fruitful in service. He extolled Prof. Neri as a man who kept many people alive. And since Neri Picardo came to Nigeria to seek holiness, he epitomized it in the way he carried out his duties.
He stated that Prof. Neri Picardo had always wished to die attending to patients. He called on the people to seek holiness in their daily work following the footprints of Neri Picardo. He thanked the good people of Neke Oghe in Ezeaagu Local Government of Enugu State for adopting Prof Picardo as their son since he came to Nigeria.
The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Bar. Ifeanyi Ossai, described late Prof Picardo as “a man of uncommon dedication who did his work here on earth with the hope of reward in heaven.”
A Life Dedicated to Healing and Holiness
Prof. Picardo’s passing on February 5, 2025, sent shockwaves through the medical and religious communities. In a poetic twist of fate that underscored his lifelong commitment to service, he collapsed while attending to a patient at the Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu—a place he helped establish. Even in his final moments, he remained devoted to his calling.
Born on April 1, 1949, in Mombasa, Kenya, to Indian parents, he was the third child in his family. Holding dual British and Nigerian citizenship, he made Nigeria his home, seeking a deeper connection with the country he came to love so dearly.
His academic journey was as illustrious as his career. He obtained his License in Medicine and Surgery in 1974 from the University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. By 1977, he had mastered endoscopy and gastroenterology, earning his specialty from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science. Just two years later, in 1979, he received the title of Doctor in Medicine and Surgery from the Spanish government, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier medical professional.
A Man of Science and Faith
Beyond his medical prowess, Prof. Picardo’s spiritual journey was just as remarkable. While in Kenya, he encountered Opus Dei, an institution within the Catholic Church founded by Saint Josemaria Escriva in 1928. By his third year in medical school, at the age of 22, he embraced a celibate life dedicated to God’s service. For over five decades, he embodied the belief that work was not just a profession, but a path to sanctity.
Every patient he attended to, every medical lecture he delivered, and every conversation he had was an opportunity to bring Christ into the lives of others.
Despite his demanding schedule, he never neglected his spiritual obligations or his family. His remarkable balance between work, faith, and personal relationships made him a beacon of inspiration to many.
An Unwavering Commitment to Medicine in Nigeria
His career spanned multiple continents. He undertook a fellowship in gastroenterology at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in New York before making the surprising yet deliberate decision to move to Nigeria in January 1981 under a federal government appointment. He often recounted with amusement how people were astonished that he had left New York for Nigeria. But for him, it was a conscious choice—a desire to serve in a developing nation where his expertise could make a difference.
His contributions to Nigeria’s medical sector were nothing short of transformative. He served as a Consultant Physician in the Department of Medicine at Parklane General Hospital, Enugu, eventually becoming the Chief Consultant and Head of Department. At the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), he spearheaded the Gastroenterology/Endoscopy Unit, where he trained generations of resident doctors. Even after retirement, he continued to be sought after as an external examiner for UNTH medical graduates. His expertise also extended to Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, where he was a Consultant, and he later became a Professor of Internal Medicine at Ebonyi State University’s College of Medicine.
In 2022, his wealth of experience earned him a seat on the Project Implementation Committee for the State University of Medical Science (SUMAS), further cementing his role in shaping the future of medical education in Nigeria.
A Legacy That Transcends Medicine
Beyond the hospital walls, Prof. Picardo’s impact on the church was just as significant. He was the trusted physician to the Servant of God, Bishop Michael Eneja, as well as to the bishops who succeeded him. Priests, religious leaders, and laypeople alike benefitted not just from his medical expertise but also from his deep spiritual insight and guidance.
His tireless service did not go unnoticed. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to both the church and the medical profession, Pope Francis, upon the recommendation of Bishop Callistus Onaga, conferred upon him the prestigious title of Papal Knight of St. Gregory the Great. The investiture ceremony was held at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, on November 30, 2024, a fitting tribute to a life lived in unwavering devotion to God and humanity.
The legacy of Prof. (Sir) Neri Gustav Agapitus Picardo will continue to inspire future generations of doctors, clergy, and ordinary individuals who seek to serve with integrity, faith, and selflessness.
His journey may have ended, but his impact will forever be felt in the hearts of those he touched and the institutions he helped build. Rest in peace, Prof. Picardo, a man whose life was a testament to the highest ideals of faith, knowledge, and service. After the funeral Mass, the remains of Prof Neri Picardo was laid to rest in Iwollo Conference Centre, Enugu.
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