Author and media aide to the Delta State Governor, Malcolm Onajite Tagbarha, has unveiled a controversial initiative titled “Award Certificate of Outstanding Corruption” alongside the launch of his new book, Everything Good About Corruption, in what he described as a bold attempt to confront the normalization of corruption in society.
Tagbarha, who serves as Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Sheriff Oborevwori, said the initiative is a satirical project designed to draw public attention to individuals and organisations allegedly thriving on unethical conduct.
According to him, the unusual recognition is the first of its kind and is meant to highlight those who have “demonstrated remarkable dedication to the art of misplaced priorities, creative accountability avoidance, strategic public deception, budgetary disappearances and institutional sabotage.”
The announcement, which has already sparked debate across Nigeria’s literary and policy spaces, comes ahead of the official launch of the book, whose title has raised curiosity and discussion on social media.
Tagbarha explained that the book is a form of social commentary aimed at challenging the growing tolerance for corruption in public and private institutions.
“By ‘rewarding’ the most brazen examples of unethical conduct with satirical certificates, we hope to expose what I call the silent celebration of corruption that often hides behind titles, contracts and official statements,” he said.
He added that the project is designed not just to criticise wrongdoing but also to highlight the importance of integrity in leadership and governance.
As part of the initiative, the author also announced the creation of a second recognition titled “Award Certificate of Integrity,” which will honour individuals and organisations that demonstrate transparency, accountability and moral courage.
According to Tagbarha, the award will spotlight people who have chosen “principle over pressure, truth over trend and service over self” despite the temptations of corruption.
Observers say the dual-award concept could ignite a wider national conversation about ethics, leadership and public responsibility in Nigeria.
While some critics have questioned the idea of publicly “awarding” corruption, supporters believe the satirical approach could succeed where traditional anti-corruption campaigns have struggled.
“If society refuses to name corruption clearly,” Tagbarha said, “then corruption will continue to rename itself as success.”
