The DATCH Choppathon is the first heritage food festival in Delta State that connects over 1 million citizens across 10 ethnic-lingual nationalities to taste, compete, and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the region. It is designed as the biggest food-driven “Unity in Diversity” carnival in Africa, showcasing the power of cuisine to bring communities together.
The significance of the DATCH Choppathon lies in its ability to elevate food as culture, food as economy, and food as diplomacy. By gathering people around indigenous delicacies, from banga and starch to owo, ukodo, ogbono, and more, the festival celebrates Delta’s diversity while fostering inter-ethnic unity, cultural exchange, and social cohesion.
The Choppathon also unlocks economic opportunities for farmers, cooks, food artisans, vendors, and hospitality businesses, strengthening the entire food value chain. Through competitions, exhibitions, and culinary showcases, it positions Delta cuisine as a global brand for cultural tourism and creative enterprise.
Beyond the flavors, the DATCH Choppathon serves as a testament to the power of food in bridging divides. It reaffirms that heritage cuisine is not only about preservation, but also about creating livelihoods, promoting peace, and projecting Delta as a destination for culinary diplomacy and sustainable development.