RITA Marley, widow of reggae singer Bob Marley, is slated to be recognised by the African Network Television (ANTV) for her positive impact on Africa and people of African descent.

A ceremony is planned for the University of Florida in Gainesville, USA, on Saturday.

“I feel very thankful. It feels highly blessed to be recognised for my works, especially in the same category as those distinguished African brothers and sisters,” Marley told Splash.

The other recipients are Dr Emmanuel Voado, neurosurgeon and founder/president, Cosmopolitan Aid; Dr Erieka Bennett, head of mission African Union Diaspora Forum; Dr Fatoumata Ceesay, former National Speaker, The Gambia National Assembly; pharmacist Stella-Maris Patcha Adamu, founder and president of the Mauritia Patcha Foundation.

Marley, who is also set to receive a Living Legends Award by the UN Women and the African Union Diaspora Africa Foruman African Legends Award on September 12, said she was not expecting the latest recognition.

“It was achieved by the work I do. I was not expecting this award. I know I’ve done hard work, to God be the glory,” she said.

Theresa Okorochukwu, administrator/president of African Network Television (ANTV), said the foundation’s selection was based on its unparalleled works and commitment in improving health, education and nutrition of infants, youth and the elderly in Jamaica and Ghana.

“You have made Africa proud, both on a national and global level; a role model and compassionate leader; an ambassador of love and of reggae music; you are an ANTV Legend,” said Okorochukwu, in a letter to Marley.

Marley is widow of reggae legend Bob Marley.

The Rita Marley Foundation (Ghana) was formed in 2000 while its Jamaican chapter was established a decade later.

Its tasks include caring for the elderly, school-feeding programmes, and water projects in Konkonuru, Ghana, as well as assisting adolescent mothers and empowering youth through education in Jamaica.